The Super Mario Bros. Movie was one of 2023’s biggest movies, and a sequel is on the way for 2026. Actor Keegan-Michael Key, who voices Toad, said in a new interview that the sequel will be “broader in scope” and will feature even more characters from the Mushroom Kingdom.
“One thing I can say about the second movie is that it’s a little broader in scope, and where it takes place is very intriguing lore…,” Key told Men’s Journal. “They’re going to find some really fantastic Easter eggs and it’s been very exciting so far.”
He added: “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.”
But who are these new characters? Key didn’t say, but teased that some of them are “really deep cuts,” suggesting they could be more obscure characters from Mario’s world. “But because of the way the story’s laying itself out right now, those characters are going to be very intriguing,” Key said.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie earned $1.36 billion at the box office, ranking No. 2 of 2023, only behind Barbie ($1.44 billion).
Illumination’s Chris Meledandri is coming back to produce the sequel alongside Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, who helmed 2023’s movie, are coming back to make the next one as well. And once again, Universal Pictures is co-financing with Nintendo and distributing the film.
In addition to The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Nintendo is making a live-action Legend of Zelda movie with Planet of the Apes and Maze Runner director Wes Ball.
