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.

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 26, 2022

“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.

Nintendo’s animated Super Mario Bros. movie is delayed until next spring, still stars Chris Pratt https://t.co/TkoYn1BPFL pic.twitter.com/MVVPm45RLs

— The Verge (@verge) April 26, 2022

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.