Nintendo and Illumination's latest collaboration didn't just open — it detonated. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie earned $130.9 million domestically in its opening weekend, rocketing to a massive $190.1 million over its first five days in North America alone. Globally, the film pulled in an estimated $372.5 million in its debut frame, making it the biggest Hollywood opening of 2026 so far. To put that in perspective, the previous domestic record-holder this year, Project Hail Mary, opened to $80.5 million — less than half of Mario's haul.
The Story So Far
Picking up from 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the sequel sends Mario (Chris Pratt), Luigi (Charlie Day), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) on an intergalactic adventure after Bowser Jr. launches Peach's castle into outer space. Brie Larson joins the franchise as Rosalina, a fan-favorite character from the beloved 2007 Wii game. Perhaps the film's biggest crowd-pleaser is the surprise appearance of Fox McCloud, the Star Fox pilot voiced by Jack Glen, who whisks the group across the galaxy in his iconic Arwing. The 98-minute runtime moves at warp speed, for better or worse.
Critics vs. Fans: The Divide Is Real
Let's be honest — critics are not loving this one. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie currently holds a 44% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, below the first film's already-modest 59%. Variety called it "frenetic and disappointing," arguing the film treats its story as a "threadbare adventure" too consumed with gaming references. The New York Times titled its review simply "It's-a Meh," noting the film never slows down enough to let audiences savor its best moments.
But audiences tell a completely different story. The film earned a scorching 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and is "Verified Hot" at 90% on the Popcornmeter. A box office analyst summed it up perfectly: "Kids love the movie," and their parents are buying the tickets.
What Works (and What Doesn't)
Nintendo Life called it "a faithful but overstuffed sequel" that "dials up the action and spectacle significantly" while never pausing to breathe. That breathlessness is both the film's greatest asset and its core flaw. The animation is undeniably gorgeous — a dazzling riot of color that pushes Illumination's visuals to a new level. However, critics consistently point out that character development, particularly for Rosalina, feels thin. Rendy Reviews noted that "Rosalina is reduced to a MacGuffin rather than a character — a waste of Brie Larson's casting".
The Bigger Picture: A Nintendo Cinematic Universe?
One thing is clear: Nintendo and Illumination are building something much larger than a movie franchise. Fox McCloud's appearance signals an expanding Nintendo universe, and a post-credits scene reportedly teases a third film. Whether Super Mario Galaxy sticks the landing narratively or not, it is cementing Mario as one of Hollywood's most bankable franchises — and a potential $1 billion earner before all is said and done.
Love it or not, the plumber from Brooklyn is officially a superstar.
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