The Super Mario Galaxy Movie franchise is set to continue with a third installment, according to returning star Keegan-Michael Key. In an interview with ScreenRant, Key confirmed that the third Super Mario movie will likely arrive in theaters in 2029, following the success of its predecessor, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which earned $967 million at the box office. This news comes as a surprise to some, given the three-year wait between the first two films, but Key assures fans that the delay is necessary to ensure the project's quality.
The first two Super Mario Bros. movies, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, received critical acclaim and commercial success. The animated film, featuring a star-studded voice cast including Jack Black, Chris Pratt, and Anya Taylor-Joy, tells the story of Mario and Luigi's adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom and Dark Lands. With a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and nominations at the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards, the movie was a hit with both critics and audiences.
The sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, expands the Mario universe into outer space, where the characters battle Bowser and Bowser Jr. The film, released in April 2026, has already grossed over $967 million, making it the highest-grossing film of the year. The success of the sequel has led to the announcement of a third installment, with the same directors and much of the original cast returning.
Key's confirmation of the 2029 release date is a significant development for fans of the franchise. While the delay may be disappointing, Key emphasizes the importance of getting the project right, citing the passion of the directors and the cast's enthusiasm for the world of Mario. The third film will likely continue the story of Mario and Luigi's adventures, building upon the success of the first two movies and the recent sequel.
In my opinion, the three-year wait between the first two Super Mario movies was justified by the quality of the films. The success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and its box office earnings further validate the decision to take the time to craft a worthy sequel. With the third installment on the horizon, fans can look forward to another exciting adventure in the world of Super Mario, where the iconic duo continues to save the day and entertain audiences worldwide.
