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| Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Toad in a festival scene from the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. |
By Jon Scarr
Super Bowl LX is shaping up to be a major stage for Hollywood, but for Nintendo fans, one title feels like the one to watch. According to industry reporting from Deadline, the Super Mario Galaxy Movie is widely expected to be part of Universal and Illumination’s Super Bowl trailer push, though no official confirmation has been made.
That kind of placement isn’t accidental. With a reported 128 million viewers expected and ad rates hitting a record $10 million for a 30-second spot, studios only show up when they believe the moment matters. For Nintendo, it suggests real belief that Galaxy can carry mainstream attention well beyond core fans.
Mario’s Appeal Lines Up Perfectly With the Super Bowl Audience
The Super Bowl has always favoured movies that play well across age groups, and Mario checks every box. The Galaxy branding already carries weight with longtime Nintendo fans, but the film’s broader appeal matters just as much. Families, casual viewers, and people who might not follow game releases closely all recognize Mario instantly.
Illumination is expected to have a strong presence during the broadcast, pairing Mario with Minions 3. That combination says a lot about how Universal sees Galaxy. It isn’t being treated as a niche follow-up, but as a tentpole release meant to anchor the studio’s spring lineup.
For Nintendo, this is also a different kind of exposure than traditional Directs or online trailers. A Super Bowl spot reaches people who may not actively seek out gaming news, expanding Galaxy’s reach in a way few other platforms can.
Nintendo Is Treating Mario Like a True Film Franchise
The original Mario movie proved that Nintendo properties can translate cleanly to film when handled carefully. Galaxy taking a Super Bowl slot suggests Nintendo is ready to double down on that success rather than play it safe.
It also places the movie in rare company. Super Bowl film spots are usually reserved for releases that studios expect to drive significant box office results quickly. Galaxy opening around Easter positions it well for families coming out of winter, and the Super Bowl gives it a massive awareness boost just weeks ahead of release.
Notably, this comes in a year where several major studios are sitting out the game entirely, including Marvel Studios. That makes Mario’s presence even more visible, especially during a broadcast that won’t be overloaded with competing franchise trailers.
A Big Moment Ahead for Mario Fans
If Galaxy does debut a new trailer during Super Bowl LX, it will likely be one of the most talked-about movie moments of the night for gamers. Nintendo doesn’t chase every mainstream marketing opportunity, which makes this one feel deliberate.
While the appearance hasn’t been formally announced, the signs around Illumination’s Super Bowl presence point strongly in Mario’s direction. Whether you grew up with the Galaxy games or were pulled in by the last movie, this Super Bowl moment positions Mario as one of 2026’s most visible entertainment releases. For Nintendo, it’s another signal that Mario’s move to the big screen is becoming a long-term play, not a one-off experiment.
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