The highly anticipated sequel to 2023’s box office smash, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, is facing a markedly different reception. Super Mario Galaxy, the film, released April 1st, is drawing harsh criticism, with some reviewers going so far as to compare it unfavorably to AI-generated content. This negative response isn’t just about the quality of the film itself; it’s raising serious questions about the future of a potential Super Smash Bros. movie, a project many fans have long hoped for.
The initial critical response to Super Mario Galaxy, the film has been significantly cooler than its predecessor. Even as The Super Mario Bros. Movie exceeded $1.3 billion worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, its sequel is currently sitting at a 44% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of April 8, 2024. IGN awarded the film a 6 out of 10, praising the animation but criticizing a narrative that prioritizes fan service over a compelling story. The film, based on the beloved Wii games, was intended to demonstrate Nintendo and Illumination’s ability to build a lasting cinematic universe around the iconic franchise.
French media outlets like Journal du Geek and Presse Citron have echoed these concerns, citing a frenetic pace, an overabundance of subplots, and a diminished sense of humor compared to the first film. A common complaint is the film’s relentless stream of references and cameos, leaving little room for the story to breathe. This perceived overreliance on nostalgia was compounded by a marketing campaign that revealed key plot points and character appearances – including Yoshi, Fox McCloud, Pikmin, and R.O.B. The Robot – ahead of the release, frustrating many fans on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
The Weight of Expectations: A Nintendo Cinematic Universe?
The inclusion of characters like Fox McCloud, Pikmin, and R.O.B. Led many to speculate that Super Mario Galaxy, the film was laying the groundwork for a broader Nintendo Cinematic Universe, potentially culminating in a Super Smash Bros. movie. The post-credits scenes, as noted by La Creme du Gaming, certainly hinted at future crossovers. However, Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto has tempered those expectations.
In an interview with Polygon, Miyamoto cautioned against assuming a full-scale crossover event. He stated, “unlike something like Super Smash Bros., I don’t think you’ll have a situation [where] all Nintendo characters would be joining [future Mario movies].” This suggests that while cameos and references may continue, a film featuring the entire Super Smash Bros. roster is far from guaranteed. The concern now is that Galaxy’s perceived reliance on fan service and its handling of established characters – specifically, the perceived underdevelopment of Rosalina – could build a Smash Bros. adaptation even more challenging.
The fear among studios is that a Super Smash Bros. film could simply amplify the issues critics have identified in Galaxy: a story sacrificed for the sake of including as many characters as possible. A successful crossover requires a narrative that justifies the ensemble cast, not just a collection of cameos.
Box Office Numbers Will Determine the Future
Despite the critical backlash, Nintendo and Universal Pictures are likely to focus on box office performance. The Super Mario Bros. Movie proved that positive reviews aren’t necessarily a prerequisite for financial success, and the same logic applies to Galaxy. If the film can approach the $1.3 billion mark achieved by its predecessor, the idea of expanding the universe with franchises like Star Fox or Donkey Kong – and eventually Super Smash Bros. – will remain attractive to studio executives.
However, a significantly lower box office return, coupled with the current negative buzz, could force a reassessment of those plans. Studios might opt to scale back their ambitions and focus on more straightforward Mario sequels. As of April 8, 2024, Super Mario Galaxy, the film has grossed approximately $204.7 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, a figure significantly lower than the first film’s opening weekend.
The fate of a potential Super Smash Bros. movie, rests largely in the hands of moviegoers. The studios are waiting to see if audiences will embrace the film’s chaotic energy and abundance of references, or if they will share the critics’ concerns about its narrative shortcomings.
For now, the focus remains on the performance of Super Mario Galaxy, the film in the coming weeks. Nintendo and Universal Pictures will be closely monitoring ticket sales and audience reactions to determine the next steps for this burgeoning cinematic universe. The next major indicator will be the film’s performance during the upcoming Easter holiday weekend.
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