An industry source has shared new information about Nintendo and Illumination’s long-term plans for the Super Mario Bros. franchise. The insider hinted that The Super Mario Bros. Movie 3 is already in early development, suggesting it could explore a new adventure inspired by one of the series’ most popular games. The update offers an early glimpse into where the animated saga may head next.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 3 to be based on Super Mario Odyssey
An insider account on X (formerly Twitter), @MyTimeToShineHello, claimed that the third Super Mario Bros. film will be based on Super Mario Odyssey.
The post stated, “The third Mario movie is planned to be based on and titled Super Mario Odyssey.” Shared artwork shows Mario in his blue overalls and red cap with Cappy, the hat spirit from the 2017 game. He appears surrounded by several characters and power-ups, including Bowser in a tank and a T-Rex. A chain chomp and a detailed world map form the background of the artwork.
Nintendo and Illumination worked together on The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), which earned over $1.36 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing video game adaptation.
The upcoming sequel will release on April 3, 2026, in the United States and on April 24 in Japan. Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic direct the film, continuing the partnership between Nintendo, Illumination, and Universal Pictures.
Nintendo has not confirmed a third film. Company president Shuntaro Furukawa said Nintendo “plans to produce more animated films based on its properties” after the first movie’s success. IIllumination CEO Chris Meledandri confirmed that new Super Mario Bros. projects are still in development. Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto echoed that statement, noting that work on future installments continues.
Super Mario Odyssey, released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, follows Mario and Cappy on a globe-spanning journey to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans. The game introduced a “capture” ability that lets Mario possess enemies and objects, a concept that could shape the story of the next movie.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.
