Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 Set to Feature Deep Cut Nintendo Characters

The world of animated films has been buzzing with excitement ever since the announcement of The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2. Following the massive success of the first film, which captivated audiences globally, fans are eager to see what new adventures await their beloved characters. The original movie, which grossed over $1.349 billion at the box office, introduced a plethora of Nintendo characters, but it seems the sequel is set to delve even deeper into the Nintendo universe.

Keegan-Michael Key, the voice actor for Toad, recently shared some intriguing insights about the upcoming sequel. In a conversation with Men's Journal, he revealed that the film will feature characters that are “really deep cuts.” This phrase suggests that the sequel will include lesser-known characters from the Nintendo franchise, which is sure to excite hardcore fans who have been longing for a more extensive exploration of the Mario universe.

Key expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I feel like what they've done creatively is they've really widened out the universe that these characters live in and we're going to meet some new folks.” This indicates that the sequel will not only reintroduce familiar faces but also bring in new characters that may have been overlooked in the past. Fans are already speculating about who these characters might be, with names like Bowser Jr., Rosalina, Tatanga, and Toadette being tossed around.

While the exact roster of characters remains a mystery, Key hinted that the sequel will have a broader scope and will explore intriguing lore within the Mario world. He mentioned, “They're going to find some really fantastic Easter eggs and it's been very exciting so far.” This promise of hidden surprises adds an extra layer of anticipation for fans who enjoy discovering Easter eggs in films.

Nintendo and Illumination have set the release date for The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 on April 3, 2026. Although details are still under wraps, it has been confirmed that the original directors, Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, will return to helm the project. Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto has also reassured fans that the collaboration between Illumination and Nintendo will continue, aiming to broaden Mario's world even further.

The excitement surrounding the sequel is palpable, especially considering the first film's record-breaking success. As of July 2023, it had been viewed by 168.1 million people worldwide, making it the highest-grossing video game film of all time. This level of popularity sets high expectations for the sequel, and fans are eager to see how the story will unfold.

In addition to the character revelations, Bowser's voice actor, Jack Black, has expressed his desire for a musical element in the sequel. He previously pitched the idea of a musical titled Bowser's Revenge, which could add a unique twist to the film. Black's romantic song to Princess Peach in the first movie became a hit, landing on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the potential for music to play a significant role in the sequel.

As the anticipation builds for The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, fans are left to wonder what surprises await them. With promises of new characters, exciting lore, and perhaps even musical numbers, the sequel is shaping up to be a thrilling continuation of the Mario saga. As we await its release, one thing is certain: the magic of the Mushroom Kingdom is far from over, and fans can look forward to a delightful adventure that will capture the hearts of both young and old.