Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 actor teases ‘intriguing’ setting and ‘deep cut’ characters

The Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel will feature some less widely known characters from Nintendo‘s franchise and an “intriguing” setting.

That’s according to Toad voice actor Keegan-Michael Key, who teased some of what fans can expect from the upcoming film in an interview with Men’s Journal.

“One thing I can say about the second movie is that it’s a little broader in scope, and where it takes place is very intriguing lore and the Mario world,” he said. “They’re going to find some really fantastic Easter eggs and it’s been very exciting so far.

“I feel like what they’ve done creatively is they’ve really widened out the universe that these characters live in and we’re going to meet some new folks,” Key continued. “We’re going to meet some new folks that are old favourites and some folks that I think are really deep cuts, but because of the way the story’s laying itself out right now, those characters are going to be very intriguing.”

The first Mario movie was released in April 2023 and grossed $1.36 billion at the box office, which was second only to Barbie ($1.44b) last year. The sequel is scheduled for release in April 2026.

Like the original, it will be produced by Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri and Nintendo design guru Shigeru Miyamoto, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, and written by Matthew Fogel.