Bigger scope, more Easter eggs

As successful as The Super Mario Bros. movie was for Illumination and Nintendo, it barely scratched the surface of the long-running video game series. In a recent interview with Men’s diaryKeegan-Michael Key, who voiced Toad in the film, made this clear The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 will significantly expand the world of the film franchise.

“One thing I can say about the second film,” Key said, “is that it’s a little more expansive and takes place in the plot of very intriguing lore and the Mario world.” You’ll find some really fantastic Easter eggs and it was very exciting so far.”

There were a lot of Easter eggs in the first film, but since it was also an origin story of sorts, we had to take the time to get to know the characters and their backstories. That clearly won’t be the case with the sequel, which should open the door to all sorts of fun additions.

“I feel like they’ve really expanded the universe that these characters live in in a creative way and we’re going to meet some new people,” Key added, although he didn’t reveal any details. “We’re going to meet some new people who are old favorites and some people who I think have some real depth, but because of the way the story is unfolding right now, these characters are going to be very fascinating.”

While the first Mario film featured plenty of cameos from the broader Nintendo canon, from Donkey Kong and Funky Kong to Kamek and King Bob-omb, there are still plenty of characters we didn’t get to know. Personally, I wish at least one of Wario or Waluigi makes his big screen debut The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2.

Earlier this year Nintendo revealed The The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on April 3, 2026. There is also a live action Legend of Zelda Film in the works by director Wes Ball and co-financed by Nintendo and Sony Pictures.