Nintendo Direct to focus on The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Nintendo reveals a Mario movie-focused Direct, outlining plans for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and setting expectations ahead of its April release.
Nintendo has confirmed that its next Nintendo Direct presentation will be devoted entirely to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, shifting attention away from video games and on to its growing film ambitions. The broadcast will offer what the company describes as an “exclusive look” at the upcoming animated feature, produced in partnership with Illumination.
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Join us on Sunday, Jan 25, at 6am PT for the #NintendoDirect featuring an exclusive look at The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Please note that no game information will be included in this presentation.
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 23, 2026
Watch here: https://t.co/gTC114mMLz pic.twitter.com/4DOoFU1fFJ
The presentation is scheduled to air on 25 January and will be streamed globally via Nintendo’s official YouTube channel. By clearly outlining the event’s purpose in advance, Nintendo has sought to manage expectations among fans who may have been hoping for news about future hardware or game releases.
Nintendo sets clear expectations for the presentation
In the days leading up to the broadcast, Nintendo moved quickly to clarify that the upcoming Direct would not include any game announcements. Speculation had begun to build online about the possible appearance of a new Super Mario Galaxy title or updates related to the rumoured next-generation Switch console.
To address those assumptions, Nintendo issued a straightforward message on its social media channels, stating: “Please note that no game information will be included in this presentation.” The statement was widely shared and effectively drew a line under hopes for surprise software reveals during the event.
The decision to dedicate a full Direct to a film rather than interactive content highlights the expanding role of Nintendo’s entertainment strategy. While the company has traditionally used Nintendo Direct broadcasts to showcase upcoming games, downloadable content, and hardware updates, recent years have seen a gradual broadening of scope as Nintendo pushes its characters into other media.
What is known about The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was officially announced in September 2025, when Nintendo and Illumination revealed early footage from the animated sequel. The film follows the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and is positioned as the next major cinematic outing for Nintendo’s most recognisable character.
The new film is set for release in cinemas on 3 April and will once again feature a high-profile voice cast. Chris Pratt returns as Mario, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser. Keegan-Michael Key reprises his role as Toad, while Kevin Michael Richardson is back as Kamek.
Several new characters are also being introduced. Brie Larson joins the cast as Rosalina, a character closely associated with the Super Mario Galaxy games. At the same time, Benny Safdie takes on the role of Bowser Jr., signalling a broader exploration of the Mario universe. The sequel will draw inspiration from later entries in the game series.
High expectations following box office success
Expectations for the sequel remain high following the remarkable performance of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023. That film earned US$1.36 billion at the global box office, making it the most successful video game adaptation ever released. It also secured a place as the sixth highest-grossing animated film of all time, cementing Mario’s appeal well beyond gaming audiences.
The upcoming film also arrives at a symbolic moment for the franchise. It follows the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game, a milestone that underscores the character’s long-standing influence on the video game industry and popular culture more broadly.
Alongside the film, 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year for Mario and his companions across other formats. Nintendo has already confirmed several game releases, including Mario Tennis Fever in February, a Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder in March, and a new platform title, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. Together, these projects reflect Nintendo’s effort to keep its core characters visible across cinema and consoles alike.
