Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Mario, stated that the Super Mario Galaxy Movie helps reach audiences beyond Nintendo's consoles amid a tapped-out console market. In interviews, he emphasized evolving the character through digital media like streaming and films. Nintendo has no plans for a full crossover like Super Smash Bros.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie released on April 1, 2026, following the success of the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie. Shigeru Miyamoto told Polygon that Mario has 'always evolved alongside the evolution of digital media.' He added, 'As we approach Mario and developing Mario games, I start to feel like there’s only so many people that we can reach through Nintendo’s systems and consoles.' Miyamoto sees films and streaming as ways to expand Mario's reach, shifting focus from new games to broader worlds with Nintendo characters. Nintendo has announced a live-action Zelda movie and released animated shorts for Mario and Pikmin. Miyamoto said, 'So going from being able to have a touchpoint with Nintendo only through Nintendo consoles, we want to expand.' The film features cameos including Fox McCloud, Pikmin, and R.O.B., but Miyamoto clarified no Nintendo Cinematic Universe is planned. 'Right off the bat, I’ll say that unlike something like Super Smash Bros., I don’t think you’ll have a situation [where] all Nintendo characters would be joining,' he stated. Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri noted cameos add 'fun within a certain scene' without a long-term strategy. Post-credits scenes show Bowser and Bowser Jr. imprisoned and Princess Daisy intervening in a theft.
