Nintendo accelerates its cinematic universe: Mario sequel, live-action Zelda, and more frequent releases

Following the global success of Super Mario Bros.: The Movie in 2023, Nintendo makes a move to consolidate its presence in cinemas with a more frequent release planThe company has hinted that its goal is to maintain a constant stream of premieresshortening the time between films and increasing the visibility of its most recognized sagas.

In the final stages of the financial year, The management reiterated its commitment to audiovisual production with projects already underway and others in early stages. With Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie and a live-action Zelda Looking ahead, the strategy points to a sustained timeline in which Europe and Spain are also among the priority markets.

Dates and projects confirmed by Nintendo

The immediate roadmap places Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie in theaters April 3th 2026A sequel that takes inspiration from the Wii games and comes after the exceptional performance of the first film, which grossed around 1.360 million worldwide.

In addition, Nintendo has a calendar scheduled The Legend of Zelda movie in live-action format with a planned window for 2027The company has been clear in its direction: it seeks more regular releases and a stable presence on the big screen, shortening the gap between releases compared to previous cycles.

This momentum is supported by internal structures such as nintendo pictures, its animation studio (responsible, for example, for the short film Close to You), and in the subsidiary Nintendo Stars, geared towards licensing and secondary uses to maximize the reach of its characters worldwide.

Casting, production and distribution of Mario Galaxy

Mario's new movie will bring back its main cast: Chris Pratt (Mario), Charlie Day (Luigi), Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach), Jack Black (Bowser), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad) and Kevin Michael Richardson (Kamek). In the script he repeats Matthew Fogelcontributing to maintaining the tone and rhythm that already worked at the box office.

Production is carried out by Chris Meledandri (Illumination) and Shigeru Miyamoto (Nintendo), with Aaron Horvath y Michael Jelenic in the direction. As with the first installment, distribution will be handled by Universal Pictureswhich should guarantee a wide presence in cinemas of Spain and the rest of Europe.

Trailers and promotional schedule

Official information continues to be released gradually, but there are reports indicating that the first full progress of Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie It could be screened alongside the premiere of Wicked For Good at the end of November. Although adjusting the dates is plausible to align with the 2026 campaign, Nintendo has not validated For now, that pairing.

If confirmed, the clip would also have a near-term release on digital channels, following the usual pattern of theatrical release and online publication with little margin between them.

A shared universe in progress

Alongside the main projects, various industry sources indicate that Illumination and Nintendo are working on spinoffs aimed at broadening the range of characters on screen. Among the most talked about are a film about Donkey Kong, another one inspired by Luigi's Mansion and a proposal focused on Princess Peach.

These movements would fit with a similar strategy to that of other large-scale franchisesWhere It seeks to introduce each hero in their own story before a major crossover. Here, the big piece of that puzzle would be Super Smash Bros., envisioned as a choral event for the house; however, for the moment it is unofficial plans and subject to change.

What to expect from Super Mario Galaxy

Illumination has explained that the new film is based on the Wii games, so the plot should focus on the Lumas and in space exploration. Everything points to that Rosaline It will gain prominence in the story, with nods that connect different eras of the Mario universe.

The final scene of the first film reveals the appearance of Yoshiand clues have circulated about the possible inclusion of Bowser Jr. Based on merchandising material spotted by collectors. In any case, Nintendo is saving the most eye-catching surprises for the pre-release campaign.

The role of Nintendo Pictures and Nintendo Stars

The internal machinery is key to sustaining the pace of releases. nintendo pictures, founded in 2022, It allows the development of animated pieces and supports the visual consistency of productions.While Nintendo Stars It channels licenses and derivative uses to expand the reach of the films and their characters. in markets such as the European one.

With these resources and partners like Illumination and Universal, the company is better positioned to shorten deadlines between films and keeping the public's interest alive beyond the video game, a line of work that fits with their stated intention of continuing in film.

If nothing goes wrong, Nintendo's plan for the big screen involves consolidate your schedule with Mario Galaxy in 2026, Zelda in 2027 and several satellite pieces that could lead to a major crossover; all with a continuity cast, shared production with Illumination and an eye on cinemas in Spain and Europe.

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Alberto navarro

I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.

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