‘Super Mario Bros.’ Movie Delayed to 2023

Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed the delay on the Nintendo Twitter.

Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed the delay on the Nintendo Twitter.

The animated film adaptation of the classic Super Mario Bros. series of video games, produced in partnership between Nintendo and animation studio Illumination, was slated for release in theaters some time this year. However, yesterday, Mario creator and Nintendo veteran Shigeru Miyamoto announced that the film would need to be pushed back a good ways.

“This is Miyamoto. After consulting with Chris-san, my partner at Illumination on the Super Mario Bros. film, we decided to move the global release to Spring 2023– April 28 in Japan and April 7 in North America. My deepest apologies but I promise it will be well worth the wait.”

Miyamoto is likely referring to Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri, not actor Chris Pratt, who is slated to play the role of Mario in the film. This announcement surprised some fans, specifically because the film will be releasing in western theaters before eastern ones, contrary to how Nintendo usually sets up releases. While a precise reason for this hasn’t been given, it is likely a stipulation of Nintendo’s partnership with Illumination, as well as the voice cast they’ve hired on.

While a precise reason for the delay has not been given, it may prove to be to the movie’s benefit, as it keeps it out of competition with other major productions like the sequel to James Cameron’s Avatar.