In a thrilling announcement last Mario Day, Shigeru Miyamoto, the iconic creator of the Mario franchise, revealed that fans can anticipate a new animated Mario Bros. film set to premiere in 2026. This exciting project signifies Nintendo’s commitment to reinvigorating its beloved characters and storytelling. Given the franchise’s longstanding legacy, with millions of enthusiastic gamers engaging with Mario and Luigi for over three decades, the anticipation surrounding this new film is palpable. The beloved characters, primarily rooted in the gaming world, are shifting to the silver screen, promising to expand their narratives and visual representation beyond video games.
In addition to the announcement of the new film, existing Mario content continues to attract attention. A “Walmart Exclusive” steelbook version of the original Super Mario Bros. Movie is now available for pre-order. Priced at $35, it includes 4K Ultra UHD, Blu-ray, and a digital code, catering to avid collectors and newcomers alike. The addition of this steelbook underscores the enduring appeal of the franchise, as it allows fans to enjoy a premium viewing experience of the animated classic. The packaging’s quality and aesthetic will undoubtedly appeal to collectors who value their memorabilia.
The narrative of the original Super Mario Bros. Movie revolves around two sibling plumbers hailing from Brooklyn — Mario, the daring and upbeat hero, and Luigi, his anxious but loyal brother. Their story begins amidst the challenges of managing a struggling plumbing business. As the plot unfolds, they find themselves thrust into an exhilarating adventure through the vibrant realms of the Mushroom Kingdom. This journey brings both characters, along with a host of familiar friends and foes, into a climactic battle against the notorious Bowser. A blend of comedy, camaraderie, and action, the plot promises to resonate with audiences who cherish both the nostalgia of the games and the charm of cinematic storytelling.
While the forthcoming animated film builds on a well-trodden storyline, it also presents an opportunity for fresh interpretations and visual enhancements that are only achievable in animation. The advancements in animation technology since the original film’s release allow for a more dynamic representation of the fantastical world Mario inhabits. Fans are eager to witness how this new film will leverage innovative animation techniques to enhance key elements of the narrative, such as character expressions, vibrant scenery, and creative action sequences.
As we count down to 2026, the hype surrounding the new animated Mario Bros. film showcases the franchise’s ability to adapt and thrive across different media formats. With Shigeru Miyamoto at the helm of this project, fans are justified in their excitement. The blend of nostalgia, innovative storytelling, and advanced animation technologies presents a promising future for the Mario franchise. Whether old fans are revisiting the universe or newcomers are joining the adventure, this film has the potential to captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of Mario enthusiasts.