Super Mario 3rd movie release window confirmed after 'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' success

A release window for a third instalment in the Super Mario Bros film franchise has been suggested following the box office performance of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which has grossed $967 million globally since its release.

Keegan-Michael Key, who voices Toad, indicated in an interview discussing the film’s digital release that audiences may need to wait until 2029 for the next entry, echoing earlier comments made by co-star Jack Black.

While no official announcement has been made by Illumination or Universal Pictures, the comments suggest a similar production timeline to the previous gap between releases.

Key explained that the extended wait is linked to the creative process behind the franchise, stating, “We want to get it right. We want to get everything right. We want to get all the details right. And Michael and Aaron, who are our directors, have a real passion for this. I think they're as passionate about these projects as the audience is. And so we got to get it right, we got to get it right. So I apologize. But it'll be worth the wait. It'll be worth the wait...'29 is better than sometime, right?”

The Super Mario Bros Movie, released in 2023, became a major global success and featured a large voice cast including Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy and Charlie Day.

Its sequel expanded the animated universe into a space-based storyline involving Mario, Luigi and Princess Rosalina, continuing the franchise’s adaptation of Nintendo’s gaming world. The follow-up film has also performed strongly at the box office, contributing to continued interest in the franchise’s future direction.

While details remain unconfirmed, industry commentary and cast remarks have fuelled speculation that development on a third film may already be underway.