Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto has officially addressed the Super Mario Galaxy Movie criticism following the sequel's recent release. While the film launched earlier this month, it has met with a deeply divided reception from professional reviewers compared to its massive fan support.

The Divide Between Fans and Critics

The reception for the sequel has been polarizing. On Rotten Tomatoes, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie currently holds an impressive 89% audience rating, but faces a much tougher-to-swallow 43% approval score from critics.

This split mirrors the response to Nintendo's first animated venture, though that film saw higher totals across both categories. IGN's own review of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie returned a 6/10 score, ultimately labeling the film as "OK."

Analyzing the Super Mario Galaxy Movie Criticism

With the film set for its delayed release in Japan, Miyamoto was asked to react to the negative critical feedback. The legendary creator admitted that the level of Super Mario Galaxy Movie criticism took him quite by surprise.

"The situations are similar, aren't they?" he told Nintendo Dream Web (via machine translation), noting how the sequel continues to generate positive audience reception despite poor reviews. Miyamoto also reflected on his previous expectations:

  • He found the critics' reviews of the first film to be understandable.
  • He believed this time would result in a different outcome.
  • He found it "strange" that the reviews were even harsher than the last film.

Miyamoto also commented on the state of the industry, noting that "people from other mediums have come in and are working hard to liven up the film industry." He expressed confusion as to why those attempting to revitalize the medium are often treated so passively by reviewers.

Box Office Success and Nintendo’s Cinematic Roadmap

Despite the Super Mario Galaxy Movie criticism, the film's financial performance is undeniable. The movie is currently the highest-grossing film of 2026, boasting a global box office total of $753 million before its Japanese debut. While it may be difficult to beat the $1.3 billion success of the original, reaching the $1 billion milestone remains a distinct possibility.

Nintendo's cinematic slate remains incredibly active for the coming years:

  • The Legend of Zelda: A live-action adaptation is scheduled for next year.
  • Donkey Kong: A rumored spinoff film is currently in development.
  • Mario 3: Voice actor Jack Black has suggested a third installment could arrive in 2029.

As the franchise expands, Miyamoto also confirmed his approval of Princess Peach's newly revealed backstory, noting that it will now become canon for both future video games and upcoming big-screen adventures.