The Next Super Mario Bros. Movie Needs to Be This 10/10 GameCube Game

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Fans won’t have to wait much longer for the release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the follow-up to Nintendo’s hugely successful 2023 film. This new movie is based on the beloved 2007 video game Super Mario Galaxy, but it won’t just retell that story. It will also include elements from other classic Mario games, like characters and power-ups from Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario Bros. 3. Plus, the sequel will even feature characters from Nintendo’s Pikmin series, making it a fun and expansive adventure for everyone.

Before Nintendo brings the cosmic adventures of the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie to theaters, fans are hoping to see one more iconic location adapted for the big screen: Isle Delfino from Super Mario Sunshine. Many believe this tropical paradise would be the ideal setting for a third Super Mario film, offering a fun and refreshing contrast to the space-based adventure and leaving audiences eager for more with its signature “Wahoo!” energy.

Super Mario Sunshine’s Story’s is a Fresh Coat of Paint

Despite sometimes being considered one of the weaker Super Mario games, Super Mario Sunshine has developed a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase since its release on the GameCube in 2002. One of the things that originally set it apart was its attempt at a more original story. While Princess Peach is ultimately kidnapped, the game begins with Mario, Peach, and the Toads taking a vacation to the tropical Isle Delfino.

Mario and his friends crash-land on an island covered in a strange, colorful goo, and are immediately arrested by the local police for causing a mess. However, it turns out someone is pretending to be Mario, creating chaos with a magical paintbrush. While the real Mario performs community service, he must uncover the identity of this imposter, known as “Shadow Mario.” Though not as visually grand as later games like Super Mario Galaxy, this installment was the first in the series to feature full voice acting and pre-rendered cutscenes, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Sunshine is a Dream Vacation Destination

Isle Delfino is a vibrant, sun-drenched setting that feels truly alive. The game’s vacation theme allows each area to be more cohesive and well-developed compared to previous titles. Delfino Plaza, the central hub, clearly draws inspiration from Italian cities like Florence and Venice – years before Assassin’s Creed II let players explore rooftops, Mario was already doing the same, cleaning up the streets of Delfino! From there, you’ll chase Shadow Mario through beautiful locations like Ricco Harbor, Bonco Hills, Noki Bay, Gelato Beach, and Pinna Park – some of which are as good as the best levels in Super Mario Galaxy. Like all Mario games, each area has a wonderful soundtrack and features familiar enemies, including King Boo and his ghostly army.

Perhaps the most talked-about part of Super Mario Sunshine was F.L.U.D.D., a device that worked like a jetpack and water gun. It let players move around levels in completely new ways – hovering, flying, and speeding – something the Mario series hadn’t done before. While it meant the game didn’t have the usual power-ups like fire flowers or animal suits, this encouraged the developers to really focus on the tropical setting and unique gameplay possibilities within it.

The Super Mario Movies Already Have a Villain in the Making

As a huge Mario fan, I’m so excited about the upcoming Galaxy Movie! The Super Mario Bros. Movie already did a great job of getting everyone familiar with the Mario universe, and now we’re finally getting a proper introduction to Yoshi after his quick appearance in the first film. Speaking of familiar faces, if you’ve played Super Mario Sunshine, you’ll be really surprised! I’m trying not to spoil anything, but Bowser Jr. actually debuted in Sunshine as Shadow Mario – he thought Peach was his mom! It’s a really funny story. Anyway, both Bowser Jr. and his magical paintbrush are going to be in the Galaxy Movie, which could mean we’ll see a plotline based on what happened in Sunshine. I’m especially hoping the visuals with the paintbrush will be amazing and really capture the inky style of that game!

Bowser Jr.’s first movie appearance isn’t the only nod to Sunshine in the new film. The Piantas will also be appearing, and the original movie already included hidden references to the game, like a “Shine Sprite.” Sunshine has always been a bit of an outlier in the Mario series, largely due to its unusual physics and camera, but Nintendo consistently finds ways to celebrate it. We’ve seen this with its music appearing in Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023), and the Piantas and Cataquaks as playable characters in Mario Kart World (2025). Nintendo’s biggest franchises, like Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, and Mario Tennis, have consistently featured elements from Sunshine. Some even believe that Splatoon, Nintendo’s popular shooter series, draws heavy inspiration from this unique and energetic 3D Mario game.

Super Mario Galaxy & Beyond

Considering everything, a third Super Mario movie is very likely coming soon, along with the live-action Legend of Zelda and a possible Donkey Kong spin-off. Fans are especially excited about Galaxy, which promises to expand the Super Mario universe in a big way. With characters like Pikmin and R.O.B. the Robot already appearing, we might see even more surprise cameos from other Nintendo games. However, instead of trying to be even more massive in a potential third movie, the Super Mario Bros. series could really shine with a smaller, more story-driven film.

A potential Super Mario Sunshine movie offers a perfect follow-up to the epic scope of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. After such a grand adventure, Mario and his friends deserve a relaxing getaway. For those who grew up with Sunshine, the game was a truly magical experience, offering a unique and immersive world to explore. That’s what makes the best Mario games so special – the pure joy of movement and the constant sense of discovery around every corner. The 2023 film captured that same feeling, transporting audiences back to the wide-eyed wonder and carefree excitement of playing these games as children.

I’m really excited because we’ll finally get a much better idea of where the whole series is going when Galaxy Movie comes out on Wednesday, April 1, 2026! Until then, if you’re craving some Super Mario adventures like I am, you can play Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, and Super Mario Sunshine on the Nintendo Switch. Sunshine is a little tricky right now – it’s only available in the limited Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection, but thankfully Nintendo has said it’s coming to the Nintendo Switch Online app for GameCube soon, which is fantastic news!

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2026-03-25 23:18