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The Super Mario Galaxy Movie arrives in theaters this weekend, and we're now taking a deep dive into the sequel's conclusion. As well as explaining that, we explore the two must-see post-credits scenes and whether they set the stage for a Super Smash Bros. follow-up.
For fans of the games, there's plenty to love in the movie, and a third instalment is all but guaranteed. There are some big hints about what's to come here, including a major character debut and a post-credits scene that tees up a potential spin-off as the Illumination franchise expands.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Ending Explained
During the movie's climax, after being rescued from an unnamed planet (possibly Super Mario Odyssey's Cascade Kingdom) by the Lumas, Mario, Peach, Luigi, Fox, Yoshi, and Toad set off for Bowser Jr.'s Junk Planet to rescue Rosalina.
Flyboy Fox takes the helm of the Comet Observatory and pilots it through the fleet of Airships guarding the planet. The distraction works, allowing Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Yoshi to sneak onto the surface and into Bowser Jr.'s fortress. Before they can enter, Peach and Mario spring one of Bowser Jr.'s traps, which resembles a Mario Maker level.
They escape thanks to Mario’s birthday gift to Peach, a pink parasol that lets them soar over an unscalable Thwomp wall. In a final confrontation with Bowser, Mario cuts the bridge ropes, sending the villain tumbling into the lava, only for him to re-emerge as Dry Bowser.
As Peach sets off to find Rosalina, Mario locks the gate behind her and holds off Bowser and Bowser Jr. Luigi and Yoshi use power-ups to help even the odds, using the Magic Brush to bring Mr. Game & Watch to life. He destroys Dry Bowser's body, leaving only his sentient skull. Bowser Jr. summons a paint dragon, which immediately swallows him, but Mario powers up with a Red Star to rescue him and reunite father and son.
Meanwhile, Peach reaches Rosalina by joining hands so they can "summon the power of the cosmos."
With everyone safe, the Lumas request a visit to Peach’s Castle in the Mushroom Kingdom. Upon arrival, they find only a crater where the castle once stood. A montage follows as Peach’s Castle is rebuilt, featuring classic SNES-era sprites. Mario finishes the job by mounting the flag at the top, using a Cape Feather to fly up.
What Happens In The Post-Credits Scenes?
In The Super Mario Galaxy Movie's mid-credits scene, we catch up with Fox McCloud, who reveals that Peach helped fix the warp drive on his Arwing. Now able to return to his galaxy, the stage is set for a possible spin-off.
Meanwhile, Dry Bowser and Bowser Jr. are locked in a cell, though the latter is attempting to dig their way out. That escape attempt comes to a swift end when Lumalee, the fan-favourite Luma from The Super Mario Bros. Movie, is revealed as their prison guard.
In the second stinger, we return to Gateway Galaxy's transport hub, where a Whittle has its luggage stolen by a Ukiki monkey that's foiled by a gloved hand. The Whittle thanks "your highness," who is revealed as Sarasaland's ruler, Princess Daisy. She's in her familiar yellow dress, but doesn't speak (suggesting the role will be cast in future).
Is A Super Smash Bros. Movie Happening?
Don't bank on it. In an interview with Polygon, Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto said, "Right off the bat, I’ll say that unlike something like Super Smash Bros., I don’t think you’ll have a situation [where] all Nintendo characters would be joining."
Adding that characters like Fox McCloud were added to provide "a little bit of spice" and "secret cameos," he did hint that Princess Daisy will play a "big role" wherever this franchise goes next.
This will disappoint some fans, but Nintendo is hugely protective of its IP and throwing all its characters into a battle royal-style movie seems like wishful thinking. Reviews for this second chapter have been mixed, if not outright negative, so it will be interesting to see how the next instalment approaches Mario's world.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will be released in theaters on April 3, 2026.