Nintendo unveiled the debut trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, an animated feature drawing from the beloved video game universe and featuring an all-star voice cast led by Chris Pratt as Mario and Jack Black as Bowser. The clip marks a pivotal moment as fans finally get a longer look at how the iconic characters will come to life on screen.
The trailer appeared in a special Nintendo Direct presentation broadcast from Japan, timed to coincide with the bustling Comic-Con festivities in New York. It served not only as a hype-builder for devoted gamers but also as a strategic introduction to a broader audience curious about how the franchise translates into cinema.
Running a little over two and a half minutes, the video delivers the first full auditory glimpse of Pratt voicing the titular hero while Black makes a formidable impression in the role of the antagonist Bowser. The performances are backed by lush animation and a soundtrack that nods to the source material while offering new textures for movie audiences.
Pratt shared a lighthearted message recorded for the Direct broadcast, reflecting on his lifelong love of the franchise. He admitted the dream of voicing Mario is tempered by the hard work and dedication required to bring such a legendary character to life, balancing reverence for the games with fresh interpretation for cinema.
He recalled long afternoons spent playing the classic Mario Bros. arcade game at a neighborhood laundromat, a memory that underscores his genuine connection to the character. Shortly after, Black described the movie as a cinematic experience meant to resonate with longtime fans and new viewers alike, promising a film that honors the franchise while delivering spectacle and humor.
The trailer also offered a glimpse of the anticipated release window, suggesting a debut in theaters sometime between March and April of the following year. The news set expectations for a spring launch that could position the film as a standout family title during a competitive window for animated features.
During the presentation, producer Chris Meledandri of Illumination Entertainment emphasized the team’s progress, noting that animation work would reach a critical milestone soon as lighting and composition are refined. His comments highlighted a focus on visual fidelity and cohesive storytelling that aligns with fans’ gaming experiences.
The shown footage exhibits a fidelity to the video game world that many players will recognize, while the score—composed by Brian Tyler with input from Koji Kondo, the original game’s composer—aims to weave familiar melody threads into a new cinematic context. Meledandri described the collaboration as a bridge between beloved game themes and fresh cinematic music, designed to evoke nostalgia while driving the narrative forward.
Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo’s legendary designer and producer who created the Red-Cap-wearing plumber, appeared as a host figure in the event. He reflected on the seven-year journey of developing the project and offered reflections on finding the right balance for the characters and the world of Super Mario within the film’s framework.
The project’s path has been lengthy, with fans awaiting a more definitive reveal after many conversations and creative explorations. The film builds on a broader legacy of adaptation, seeking to satisfy both the core gaming audience and a wider audience looking for a charming animated adventure featuring iconic figures and imaginative settings.
In addition to Pratt and Black, the cast includes familiar voices such as Charlie Day and Anya Taylor-Joy, among others, whose performances contribute to a vibrant ensemble that amplifies the movie’s humor and heart. The production team continues to craft a story that respects the source material while introducing new layers of character and world-building that can translate across audiences and cultures.
This adaptation represents the second cinematic entry featuring the famous plumber. The first, released in 1993 under the title Super Mario Bros., starred Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo. While that earlier film met with mixed critical reception, it later achieved a cult following, underscoring the franchise’s enduring appeal and wide cultural resonance.