Mario's Next Big Galaxy Adventure Might Just Kick Off in Emerald City: What's the Witchcraft Behind This Trailer Drop?
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Get ready, because the first trailer for *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie* is reportedly set to debut attached to screenings of *Wicked: For Good* this November, an utterly bizarre but intriguing move that promises to give us our first glimpse of Rosalina and Mario's cosmic adventures, expanding Nintendo's cinematic universe in unexpected ways.
Right, so apparently, Nintendo and Illumination reckon the best place to give us our first proper glimpse of the cosmos-spanning *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie* isn't a dedicated Nintendo Direct or a gaming convention. Oh no, mate. They're dropping it – or at least, the whispers say they are – alongside a musical film about witches. Bloody hell, talk about an unexpected crossover!
I've been tinkering with this story all morning, and honestly, it's wilder than it first appeared. You know that feeling when you cast a spell and it works a bit too well, opening a portal to a dimension you didn't quite intend? That's what this feels like. According to some rather chatty insider accounts like @MyTimeToShineH and @TheWickedSource, a brand-spanking-new trailer for the highly anticipated *Super Mario Galaxy Movie* will be attached to screenings of *Wicked: For Good*. Yes, that *Wicked*. The next installment in the musical adaptation of Oz's origin story, which is set to hit cinemas on November 21st. So, if you're planning on clicking your heels together and heading off to see Glinda and Elphaba, keep your eyes peeled for a certain plumber and his starry pals. This juicy tidbit was originally reported by Victoria Phillips Kennedy over at Eurogamer.net – cheers for the heads-up, mate!
Now, let's unpack this a bit, shall we? The first *Super Mario Bros. Movie* from 2023 was a massive, pipe-travelling success, raking in coins like nobody's business and actually being, dare I say, pretty decent. So, naturally, a sequel was inevitable. We first caught wind of a 2026 release date way back in March of last year, with Nintendo promising the next film would 'broaden Mario's world further.' Vague, I know, but tantalising. What does 'broaden' even mean when you're already hopping between kingdoms in a world of talking mushrooms and dinosaur-like creatures? More specifically, how do you broaden it further than the already vast, colourful, and gravity-defying universe of *Super Mario Galaxy*?
Then, Keegan-Michael Key, the voice of Toad (and a genuinely top bloke, if you ask me), fanned the flames a bit more, teasing an 'intriguing' setting, 'old favourite' characters, and even some 'really deep cuts.' 'Deep cuts,' eh? My mind immediately went to obscure power-ups from forgotten NES titles, or maybe even a reference to the notorious Hotel Mario CD-i game (though, let's not get *too* chaotic). But again, he kept his cards close to his chest, leaving us guessing like a Chain Chomp on a short leash.
It wasn't until September this year that Nintendo finally gave us a proper hint at how much broader this world would get, officially announcing the title as *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*. And *that*, my friends, changes everything. *Super Mario Galaxy* is a masterpiece of game design, famed for its innovative gravity mechanics, stunning cosmic levels, and the introduction of Rosalina, the ethereal space princess who runs the Comet Observatory with her adorable Luma companions. So, the question isn't *if* Rosalina will make an appearance, but *when* and *how* she'll sweep onto the big screen. Remember Lumalee, the delightfully nihilistic star from the first film? Was that a subtle bit of foreshadowing for a larger Luma presence, a cosmic breadcrumb leading us directly to Rosalina herself? It wouldn't surprise me; Nintendo loves a good easter egg.
The rumour mill is already spinning faster than a Power Star, with some fans even hoping Ariana Grande will lend her pipes to Rosalina's character. Now, that's an intriguing casting choice, isn't it? A pop superstar as a cosmic queen – it's got a certain ring to it. But what does a *Galaxy* movie really entail? Will we see Mario navigating asteroid belts, bouncing between miniature planets, and perhaps even facing off against Bowser in an epic, universe-threatening showdown? I'm genuinely curious how they'll translate the game's unique gravity-bending mechanics to the big screen without giving everyone motion sickness. Or maybe it's just the aesthetic, a backdrop for a more traditional Mario adventure. That's where the gentle skepticism kicks in – sometimes 'broadening' just means a fresh coat of paint, eh?
It's a clever, if slightly peculiar, marketing move, isn't it? Tying a highly anticipated gaming movie trailer to a popular musical. Perhaps they're trying to capture a broader audience (pun absolutely intended), tapping into a demographic that might not be glued to gaming news but loves a good cinematic spectacle. It’s certainly got us talking, which I suppose is half the battle.
And let's not forget, Nintendo isn't just stopping with Mario on the silver screen. They've also got a live-action *Legend of Zelda* film in the works, which is another massive leap. Earlier this year, we heard that Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Bo Bragason are set to portray Link and Zelda, respectively. I mean, Link with a human face? That's an interesting one. Christian Donlan over at Eurogamer had a cracking feature on it, asking if it makes anyone else feel a little... odd. It’s certainly a shift from the silent, often ambiguously-rendered hero we know. Nintendo is clearly betting big on expanding their IP beyond the console, and frankly, I'm here for the ride, even if it starts with a trip to the Emerald City. What a time to be a gamer, eh?
So, if you're keen to get your first proper peep at Mario's next cosmic caper, mark down November 21st. You might just have to brave a musical to do it. But hey, for a glimpse of Rosalina, a few show tunes are a small price to pay, I reckon. Just try not to hum the *Wicked* soundtrack all the way through your next *Mario Galaxy* playthrough. Or do, I'm not your mum.
Tags: Super Mario, Movie Trailer, Nintendo, Gaming News, Film Adaptation
Original article: Eurogamer