The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits cinemas tomorrow (April 1) and early reviews say the sequel is chaotic but filled with fan service.
The follow-up to 2023’s blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie sees the return of Jack Black (Bowser), Chris Pratt (Mario), Charlie Day (Luigi), Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad) and Kevin Michael Richardson (Kamek) alongside newcomers Donald Glover (Yoshi), Brie Larson (Princess Rosalina), Issa Rae (Honey Queen), Wednesday’s Luis Guzman (Wart) and Benny Safdie (Bowser Jr.).
“Mario and Luigi, the twin plumbers, apply their ‘let’s-a-go’ attitude to solve everyday problems all over their new home of the Mushroom Kingdom. As they support Princess Peach, and work to reform a miniaturised imprisoned Bowser, they meet a new companion – Yoshi,” reads the official description of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. “Princess Peach’s birthday party sparks a galactic adventure, sending the brothers into space to stop Bowser Jr.’s wicked ambitions and save Rosalina.”
Ahead of the movie’s release tomorrow, a number of early reactions have been shared on social media.
#TheSuperMarioGalaxyMovie is a gloriously fun sequel filled with nostalgia galore! It's a beautifully colorful kinetic film that lit me up. There are moments in this film that reminded me what it was like playing my SNES, that alone made this experience priceless. pic.twitter.com/7c3sRjSreW
— Junior Felix (@JuniorFett) March 31, 2026
“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is surprisingly a lot better than its predecessor, introducing exciting and revered characters with flair while delivering colourful, vibrant, and far more visually striking visuals and action set pieces that give this sequel a distinct, lively personality,” wrote movie critic Tom Chatalbash. “The scope is bigger, the fun is in much bigger supply and kids/fans of the games will EAT THIS UP. It sure isn’t perfect, but it gave me the feeling of the games much more than the first.”
“It’s the original, powered by a superstar. A 100 minute sugar rush, with fan service galore, that starts at 90mph and barely stops for breath. Largely the same issues with the first movie remain, but fans will be delighted,” added video game journalist Andy Robinson.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is packed to the brim with Easter Eggs (not just for Mario – for Nintendo as well!). It's pretty much pure chaos from start to finish in the best way possible. My girl Rosalina remains my favorite. Stay til the VERY end! #TheSuperMarioGalaxyMovie pic.twitter.com/KxpthESwKU
— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) March 31, 2026
“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is whimsical, vibrant, and fun in every way. The cast is pretty great, but Jack Black’s Bowser and Donald Glover’s Yoshi are absolutely hilarious. The visuals really burst out, the story is sweet, and those references truly shine,” added entertainment writer Christopher Gallardo.
The Holo Files praised the film’s “faithful” visuals but criticised its “unfocused plotting, disjointed pacing and a lack of heart” while Discussing Film’s Tyler Taing said “adapting [the plot of] Galaxy feels like an afterthought” in the movie.
Earlier this month, a ratings description of the movie suggested The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will answer a long-standing Nintendo mystery about the relationship between Princess Peach and Rosalina.
It’s also been reported that Fox McCloud’s appearance in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie comes ahead of a brand new Star Fox game coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 later this year. It’s also been claimed a remake of The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time is also in the works, but fans will have to wait until 2027 for a new 3D Mario title.
In other news, a Buffy The Vampire Slayer fan has created a video game to try and save the cancelled New Sunnydale reboot.
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