Last updated on January 25, 2026
Nintendo and Illumination didn’t make a big show out of it, but the schedule changed. Nintendo’s next Mario film in 2026 is showing up earlier than planned in a handful of markets, the US among them.
In the US, it’s moved from April 3 2026 to April 1 2026. Two days isn’t much, but shifting a release usually has a reason behind it. When they do, it’s usually because they want the launch to hit harder in more than one country at once.
Nintendo quietly pulled the release date forward
This isn’t just a US tweak. Nintendo’s note says the movie will open on April 1 in several big countrys, including:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
Japan’s release comes on April 24 2026. Elsewhere, it’s spread across April depending on the region, same general window, not one global launch.
The trailer brings in Yoshi… and Birdo
The latest trailer premiered during Sunday’s Nintendo Direct, and it’s pretty obvious what they’re doing: expanding the cast and pushing beyond “Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, repeat.”
Yoshi shows up, which felt inevitable the moment the first movie became a hit. The more eyebrow-raising addition is Birdo, not exactly a newcomer to the games, but not the most predictable pick for a mainstream animated sequel either. It’s a nice sign they’re willing to pull from deeper in the toy box.
Illumination says the animation is finished
One detail from the livestream matters more than it sounds: Illumination’s Chris Meledandri confirmed the animation is fully complete.
That means the film has moved into post-production. From here it’s editing, audio work, music, and the usual finishing passes before it’s locked. It also makes the earlier date feel a lot less risky.
Two New Faces: Rosalina and Bowser Jr.
Nintendo already showed a full trailer back in November 2025, and that’s when the sequel’s new cast announcements dropped.
Brie Larson is playing Rosalina
Larson’s the obvious “big name” addition, widely known for Captain Marvel, but also for her Oscar-winning performance in Room. Rosalina is one of those characters who carries a different tone: calmer, more distant, kind of storybook in the Galaxy games, so if they want that vibe, the casting tracks.
Benny Safdie is playing Bowser Jr.
This one’s more unexpected. Safdie is best known as a filmmaker and actor tied to projects like Uncut Gems and The Smashing Machine. In other words: not the first person you’d guess for a family animation voice role. Which usually means either they want a specific kind of delivery, or they’re planning to give Bowser Jr. more to do than quick punchlines.
What the date change probably tells us
A two-day shift isn’t a rewrite of the calendar. But lining up the US and major European markets on the same date is the kind of move that boosts momentum. Less staggered rollout, less “I saw it already” noise online, more of that opening-weekend buzz.
And with animation already finished, it doesn’t feel like a scramble. It feels like a confident nudge forward.
I write for Need4Games, mostly keeping track of what’s coming next. I cover showcases and release updates, put together quick lists when you just want the highlights, and I’ll post Steam deal roundups when the sales get wild. I play a lot of games, so I tend to look at games through that lens. No overthinking, just: what it is, why it’s interesting, and if it’s actually worth your time. I also stream now and then on Twitch.
