Universal Develops Third Super Mario Film
The studio is working on a story outline for the next installment of the blockbuster animated franchise.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Science Fiction
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Universal and Nintendo are developing the story for a third Super Mario movie following the commercial success of the first two entries. The production team is currently drafting the outline for the film, which is expected to release in 2029.
Why it matters
The project is moving forward due to the massive box office performance of the franchise, which has established a lucrative precedent for video game adaptations. Princess Daisy is expected to have a pivotal role in the upcoming third film.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie earned over $1.36 billion worldwide, while the follow-up, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, has also surpassed $1 billion at the box office.
The players
Universal
This major film studio is responsible for the distribution and production of the Super Mario franchise in collaboration with Nintendo.
Nintendo
This Japanese video game company owns the Super Mario intellectual property and partners with Universal on film adaptations.
Princess Daisy
This character is a major figure in the Nintendo gaming universe and was teased in the post-credits of the second film.
Illumination
This animation studio is the production house behind the recent successful Super Mario feature films.
The details
The studio continues to utilize post-credits scenes to build anticipation, having introduced Princess Daisy during the conclusion of the second film. Development of the story outline for this third entry represents the next phase of the collaboration between Universal and Nintendo.
Timeline
The Super Mario Bros. Movie was released in April 2023.
Illumination announced the sequel in March 2024.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie premiered in April 2026.
Universal may confirm the third movie by March 2027.
The third film is expected to arrive in 2029.
Industry Dynamics
This project follows the pattern of success established by The Super Mario Bros. Movie commercial launch. It reflects a broader shift toward transforming established gaming intellectual property into reliable, multi-billion dollar cinematic franchises.
Fans can anticipate a 2029 theatrical window for the next installment in the series. The inclusion of new characters like Princess Daisy suggests the franchise will continue to expand its narrative scope for future viewers.
The takeaway
The continued expansion of the Super Mario series highlights the studio's focus on serialized storytelling within the animation sector. Viewers should expect character-driven teasers in upcoming releases as the studio crafts long-term narratives for the franchise.
Further reading
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Are you likely to watch a third Super Mario movie if it is released in 2029?
