Super Mario returns to Chinese theaters with galactic adventure

The much-anticipated animated feature "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" lands in Chinese theaters on April 3, reaching for the stars to deliver solid family entertainment.

An installation for "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" is seen in Taikoo Li Sanlitun in Beijing, March 30, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures]

Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic and written by Matthew Fogel, the film stars an ensemble voice cast including Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black and Keegan-Michael Key reprising their roles from the first film. Benny Safdie, Donald Glover and Brie Larson join the cast.

In the film, Mario and Luigi join Princess Peach and Toad on an adventure into outer space and across the galaxy, where they meet Yoshi and Princess Rosalina and face off against Bowser and his son, Bowser Jr. The film also features plenty of exciting and nostalgic Easter eggs for game players and moviegoers.

"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" is based on the 2007 video game "Super Mario Galaxy" and its 2010 sequel, as well as Nintendo's broader Mario franchise and the "Star Fox" video game series. Produced by Illumination and Nintendo and distributed by Universal Pictures, it is the sequel to "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" (2023).

Distributors created immersive experiences at Beijing's landmark Taikoo Li Sanlitun, a trendy open-air shopping area, and at the area's top-rated Emperor Cinemas location, where a special screening was held on March 30 with decorations and installations inspired by the film. The marketing campaign also lit up outdoor advertising across multiple cities from Shanghai and Nanjing to Chengdu.

The first "Super Mario Bros. Movie" grossed 171 million yuan ($25 million) in China and $1.36 billion worldwide, reflecting strong interest in the franchise.