Overview
- Citing interviews published May 21–23, Toad actor Keegan‑Michael Key said the team is aiming for a 2029 theatrical window for a third Super Mario film.
- Universal and Illumination have not issued an official announcement, so the 2029 timing is being reported as cast‑level signals rather than a confirmed studio release date.
- The franchise’s box‑office strength underpins planning: the first film grossed about $1.36 billion worldwide and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has earned roughly $968–971 million and is nearing $1 billion.
- Key said directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic want extra time to ‘get all the details right,’ a comment that outlets interpret as a deliberate multi‑year development pace.
- The 2029 target would keep the apparent three‑year cadence between films and leaves room on Nintendo’s release slate for other adaptations and for home‑release windows reported for Galaxy in May–June 2026 to continue driving audience interest.