movies

Super mario movie sequel set for 2029, jack black hints

Bowser himself has dropped a bombshell: a third Super Mario movie is reportedly slated for a 2029 release, according to Jack Black. The actor, who voices the iconic villain, made the casual remark during an interview with Cinemex while playfully improvising a new song for his character.

Black's remarks fuel speculation about the franchise's future

The veteran actor’s comments suggest that Nintendo and Illumination, the studio behind the animated hit, are already planning a continuation of the franchise. This timeline aligns with the gap between the first Super Mario Movie’s 2023 debut and a potential Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which arrived in 2024.

While Super Mario Galaxy Movie has performed well, with projections indicating a $350 million global opening, it remains slightly below the $387.8 million earned by the first film. However, the success of the second installment makes a third film a logical progression, especially with Nintendo’s other major cinematic ventures on the horizon.

Nintendo has The Legend of Zelda live-action film set to premiere on May 7, 2027. A leaked spinoff focusing on Donkey Kong is also rumored for 2028, creating a potential annual stream of Nintendo-based Movies through the remainder of the decade. The future of crossover characters, potentially leading to a Super Smash Bros. movie, remains a tantalizing possibility for fans.

IGN’s review of Super Mario Galaxy Movie noted its abundance of Easter eggs but criticized its lack of a strong emotional core, awarding it a 6/10. The review highlighted that while the film is entertaining, it could have benefited from a more cohesive narrative.

The potential for a continuous stream of Nintendo Movies raises a key question: what franchise should be adapted next? While options like Metroid, Kirby, and Pikmin are frequently discussed, the prospect of a Super Smash Bros. movie, echoing the popularity of the game, is gaining traction.

The company has not officially confirmed any of these plans, but Black’s comments offer a tantalizing glimpse into Nintendo’s ambitious cinematic strategy—a strategy that appears poised to reshape family entertainment.