Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Sets 2026’s Biggest Opening Day With $34.5 Million

Strong audience scores signal staying power despite weak reviews.

Overview

  • Universal’s sequel, which opened Wednesday, delivered $34.5 million in the US for the year’s best first day and the highest April Wednesday on record.
  • Current tracking points to about $128 million for the three-day weekend and roughly $186 million for the five-day domestic start, a step below the 2023 film’s debut but still a major launch.
  • Audience response remains upbeat with a 91% Rotten Tomatoes audience score and an A- CinemaScore even as critic aggregates sit in the low-40% range.
  • The film reunites Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, and Jack Black and adds high-profile voices like Brie Larson, Donald Glover, Glen Powell, and Benny Safdie, with end-credit teases pointing to more Nintendo films.
  • Variety reports a $110 million production budget and overseas projections near $175 million, placing the global first frame around $360–$375 million, with Japan set to open on April 24.