Nintendo and Illumination have officially unveiled the first look at Yoshi in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the highly anticipated animated follow-up to 2023’s global box office hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The reveal took place during a recent Nintendo Direct presentation, sending longtime fans and new audiences alike into a frenzy.

The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in April 2026, distributed by Universal Pictures, and promises to expand the beloved Super Mario universe even further.

Why Yoshi’s Reveal Matters

Yoshi isn’t just another familiar face joining The Super Mario Galaxy Movie—he’s one of the most emotionally significant and commercially powerful characters in the entire Mario franchise. His reveal signals that Illumination and Nintendo aren’t just making a sequel; they’re deepening the Mario cinematic universe in a way that longtime fans have been waiting for.

Introduced in Super Mario World in 1990, Yoshi quickly became more than a sidekick. He’s Mario’s loyal companion, transportation, protector, and, let’s be real, the emotional support dinosaur of the Mushroom Kingdom. Where characters like Bowser bring chaos, and Peach brings leadership, Yoshi brings warmth, trust, and pure joy.

Most importantly, Yoshi’s reveal tells fans that Illumination and Nintendo are committed to doing this universe right. Including such a beloved character early in marketing shows confidence and intention, hinting that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will fully embrace the rich lore of the games rather than playing it safe.

A Sequel to a $1.3 Billion Phenomenon

Originally slated for April 3, 2026, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has been moved up to April 1, 2026, in the United States and several international markets.

Japanese audiences will receive the film slightly later, with a confirmed release date of April 24, 2026, while additional territories will roll out throughout the month.

The shift signals strong confidence from both Nintendo and Illumination as they build momentum toward another potential blockbuster.

A Sequel to a $1.3 Billion Phenomenon

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie follows the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which earned over $1.3 billion worldwide in 2023. Once again, the film is produced by Chris Meledandri of Illumination and Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary creator of Mario and one of Nintendo’s most influential figures.

The project is co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo, continuing the partnership that proved wildly successful with the previous film.