The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2: What We Know So Far

The Future of The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2

Although Nintendo has not officially confirmed The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 is in the works, it's inevitable given the first film's massive success. However, one recent update surrounding production on the sequel has disheartened some, despite the news being (in retrospect) a good indication that the possible future movie is going in the right direction. It's only a matter of time before the studios behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie — Nintendo, Universal Pictures, and Illumination — announce their big plans for the future of (what is sure to become) a franchise surrounding Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, and all the other characters in this world.

Mario looking surprised in The Super Mario Bros Movie

When asked about the rumored sequel, Jack Black, who voices Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, told Variety, 'It has been radio silence. The only chatter has been coming from me, and I don't even know if I'm allowed to chatter. I've been chomping at the bit to get back to business.' Of course, learning that one of the stars of the 2023 animated adventure comedy film has not heard anything about the sequel is disappointing and could spell bad news for those hoping for a second movie. But the update (that there is no update) is actually a good sign for the possible future project.

Bowser (Jack Black) about to claim the star standing menacingly in The Super Mario Bros. Movie

The Slow and Steady Approach

Jack Black's quote about the lack of news surrounding The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 indicates that the sequel isn't being rushed, even though the first film was a triumph at the box office. One would think that Nintendo would want to hit the ground running as fast as possible to churn out more movies in this universe. However, the producers are seemingly taking their time with the second movie. Of course, the sequel has not been officially confirmed, but it is inevitable, given some reports and The Super Mario Bros. Movie's $1.36 billion showing at the box office. The 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike likely slowed down the development of a second film, which is partially why there hasn't been any official update surrounding the project. Now that the strike is over, though, the studios are probably hesitant to rush The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2. The sequel should contain as much quality as the first film, and it's good that Nintendo is being diligent with pre-production.

Bowser's Role in The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2

Not much (if anything) is known about the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, but one thing is for certain — Jack Black as Bowser needs to be in it. The villain was one of the highlights of the original film, thanks to Black's voice acting talents and his character's story arc. Of course, The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 shouldn't take what worked in the first film and copy and paste it into the sequel, but Bowser must play a part, regardless of the scale of his role.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is available to stream on Netflix.