Nintendo and Illumination Entertainment have officially announced a sequel to their highly successful animated film, The Super Mario Bros. Movie. This news was not unexpected and came via a new video featuring gaming legend Shigeru Miyamoto and Illumination’s Chris Meledandri. The video confirmed that the follow-up movie is already in development, with a release date set for April 3, 2026.

First The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which hit theaters in April 2023, defied expectations by becoming a global phenomenon, grossing over $1 billion at the box office and captivating audiences of all ages with its vibrant, nostalgic take on the iconic video game franchise. With such staggering success, the decision to produce a sequel was likely an easy one for Nintendo and Illumination.

According to Meledandri, Illumination Studios Paris, the team responsible for the first film, is already hard at work storyboarding the sequel under the direction of Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, who helmed the original movie. The animation process is set to begin soon, with Meledandri promising a global release strategy similar to the first film’s rollout.

“[The sequel] will have a bright and fun story that expands on the world established in the first movie,” said Miyamoto, the legendary creator of Super Mario and other beloved Nintendo franchises.

While plot details remain tightly under wraps, fans can expect the sequel to build upon the rich universe introduced in the first film, which transported viewers to the magical Mushroom Kingdom and followed the adventures of Mario, Luigi, and their friends as they battled against the nefarious Bowser.

With the overwhelming success of the first movie and the creative teams from both Nintendo and Illumination returning for the sequel, expectations will be sky-high for the follow-up to deliver another captivating and visually stunning adventure. As the release date of April 3rd, 2026, draws closer, audiences around the world will eagerly await the opportunity to once again immerse themselves in the beloved world of Super Mario Bros.