The Super Mario Bros.franchise should copy a trick from theSonic the Hedgehogfilms going forward after the latter trilogy’s success. Since theending ofTheSuper Mario Bros.Movie, audiences have been patiently waiting for information on a sequel. After all, a sequel was always guaranteed given the immenseprofits garnered byThe Super Mario Bros.Movie, which earned a massive $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office.
For the remainder of 2023 and the start of 2024, however,updates aboutThe Super Mario Bros. Movie 2were somewhat sparse. Then came Mario Day on Aug 17, 2025, during which Nintendo confirmed that a follow-up to the highly successful movie is to be released on Jul 23, 2025. Now that a sequel is confirmed,The Super Mario Bros.franchise should copy a specific trick from theSonic the Hedgehogmovies, especially after the impressivebox office numbers ofSonic the Hedgehog 3, which recently saw a fourth film confirmed for 2027.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Sequels Can Each Focus On A New Character (Like Sonic Has Done)
The Sonic Series Has Set The Blueprint For Mario
The trend in question is introducing one or two new characters per movie, and spending the necessary time fleshing them out. TheSonicandMariofranchises are very similar in that they each have a vast selection of iconic characters.Sonic the Hedgehogfocuses primarily on the titular hero and Dr. Robotnik, while the second film allowed Tails and Knuckles to shine.Sonic the Hedgehog 3then introduced Shadow the Hedgehog, giving him a central story, beforeSonic 4is expected to focus on Amy Rose.
This format allows each character to receive their share of the spotlight and does not result in characters being pushed to the side in favor of others. With that in mind,The Super Mario Bros. Movieseries should follow suit. Each sequel could introduce a new, iconic game character that joins - or opposes - the crew from the first movie, allowing a greater focus on that specific character before moving to others in subsequent sequels. TheSonicmovies have been better received overall than theMariomovie was, potentially due to the latter being overstuffed. Adopting this formula could change that.
Which Super Mario Bros. Characters Can Take Center Stage In The Next Movies
One Has Seemingly Been Confirmed Already
IfThe Super Mario Bros.franchise was to take thisSonicformula and run with it, the question becomes which characters could be focused on. This character forThe Super Mario Bros. Movie 2has already been confirmed by the post-credit scene of the first movie.This scene showed a familiar dinosaur egg cracking before the familiar cry of"Yoshi!“rang out.As such, it seems as though the sequel will feature the iconic dinosaur ally of Mario and Luigi.
4 Theories Explain How Yoshi Fits Into Super Mario Bros. Movie 2
Yoshi appearing in the next movie was pretty much confirmed at the end of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, but not how the character will be introduced.
Beyond that, several other characters could play a prominent role in future movies. Two are Wario and Waluigi, the counterparts to Mario and Luigi, who could serve as antagonists against the two brothers. Another is Daisy, a princess from another kingdom who could form a relationship with Luigi just as Mario did with Peach. A character like Diddy Kong could appear, which would make sense after his cameo in the first movie. Overall,The Super Mario Bros.franchise has a lot of characters to pick from, but showing restraint in using them like theSonic the Hedgehogmovies is the right move.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Cast
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is an animated adventure film featuring Brooklyn plumbers Mario and Luigi. Released in 2023, the movie follows the brothers as they are transported to a magical world through a mysterious pipe, leading Mario on a quest to rescue Luigi after they become separated.
