Super Mario Galaxy Movie Reaches $1 Billion Box Office Milestone

by : John Lasseter
Universal's latest animated feature, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," has achieved a monumental milestone, becoming the first film of 2026 to cross the coveted $1 billion mark at the global box office. This cinematic triumph not only signals a resurgence for movie theaters but also underscores the enduring appeal of the beloved Nintendo franchise.

A Billion-Dollar Journey: Mario's Galactic Conquest

The Inaugural Billion-Dollar Film of 2026

In a resounding victory for Universal Pictures and the broader film industry, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" has officially surpassed $1 billion in global ticket sales. This achievement makes it the first film released in 2026 to reach this significant financial benchmark, demonstrating robust audience engagement and strong box office performance.

Domestic and International Box Office Breakdown

The animated blockbuster's impressive total is a result of strong showings both domestically and overseas. Following its latest weekend, the film's domestic gross stands at $428.5 million, complemented by an impressive $571.5 million from international markets, collectively pushing it past the billion-dollar threshold.

Building on a Legacy: Mario's Franchise Success

"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" is a successor to the highly successful "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" from 2023, which garnered over $1.3 billion globally. Together, these two animated features have established the Mario film series as one of Hollywood's most profitable animated franchises, accumulating over $2.3 billion in worldwide ticket sales. This places the Mario franchise among an elite group of animated sagas, rivaling the likes of "Inside Out," "Kung Fu Panda," and "Madagascar" in total earnings. The top-grossing animated franchise, "Despicable Me," also from Universal and Illumination, boasts an astounding $5.64 billion across six films.

Animated Film Powerhouses: A Comparative Look

Within the domestic market, the Mario movie series now ranks as the fifth-largest animated franchise. It trails only the colossal successes of "Despicable Me," "Shrek," "Toy Story," and "Inside Out," further solidifying its prominent position in the animated film landscape.

The Galactic Adventure Unfolds: Story and Voice Cast

"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," a collaborative effort between Universal, Illumination, and Nintendo, embarks on an exciting cosmic journey. The film sees Mario and his loyal companions, including Luigi, Yoshi, Bowser, and Princess Peach, venture into the vast expanse of outer space. Their mission is to rescue Princess Rosalina, voiced by Brie Larson, from the clutches of the formidable Bowser, brought to life by Jack Black, and his son, Bowser Jr., voiced by Benny Safdie. The stellar voice cast also features Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Donald Glover, adding star power to this intergalactic adventure.

Michael Jackson Biopic Approaches Billion-Dollar Mark

In related box office news, the Lionsgate and Universal co-production, "Michael," a biopic chronicling the life of the iconic pop star Michael Jackson, continues its impressive run. In its seventh week of release, the film has amassed a global total of $888 million, steadily approaching the $1 billion milestone itself and indicating strong audience interest in biographical dramas.

Tunisian Filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania Champions Political Storytelling in Cinema
by : Mindy Kaling
Tunisian Filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania Champions Political Storytelling in Cinema
At SXSW London 2026, Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania asserted that all films inherently carry a political message, challenging the notion that cinema can be apolitical. She discussed the complexities of funding and representation for Arab filmmakers, particularly her decision to create a scripted drama, "The Voice of Hind Rajab," about a Palestinian girl, rather than a documentary. Ben Hania emphasized the political nature of creative choices and the struggle against Western funding biases that favor certain narratives from the Global South.
learn more
The Journey of Aspiring Actors: From Stage to Stardom and Character Transformation
by : Guillermo del Toro
The Journey of Aspiring Actors: From Stage to Stardom and Character Transformation
This article delves into the experiences of Paul Anthony Kelly and Patrick Ball as they navigate the acting world, discussing their breakthroughs, the challenges of portraying iconic characters, and the personal transformations that come with success. They share insights into their preparation, the intensity of their roles, and how they balance public perception with their private lives, offering a candid look at the dedication required in their craft.
learn more
Scott Pelley Criticizes CBS News Leadership and Bari Weiss's Role
by : Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Scott Pelley Criticizes CBS News Leadership and Bari Weiss's Role
Veteran journalist Scott Pelley has expressed strong concerns about the current state of CBS News, particularly criticizing the leadership of Bari Weiss. Pelley argues that Weiss lacks television experience and her perceived political bias has negatively impacted the network's journalistic integrity. His remarks come after his recent departure from CBS News, following a heated disagreement regarding editorial decisions for a "60 Minutes" segment.
learn more
Charlie Puth Cancels Orlando Concert Due to Illness
by : Stephen King
Charlie Puth has announced the cancellation of his Orlando concert due to illness, expressing his heartbreak on Instagram. The pop star is currently on his "Whatever's Clever!" world tour, which has upcoming dates across the U.S. and Europe. He emphasized the difficulty of the decision and his hope to return to the stage soon.
Michael J. Fox's Enduring Emmy Legacy and 'Family Ties' Impact
by : Stephen King
In 1986, Michael J. Fox made Emmy history at 25, becoming the youngest Lead Actor in a Comedy Series winner for his role in 'Family Ties.' This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable career that includes multiple Emmy awards and his ongoing advocacy for Parkinson's disease research, with recent appearances in Apple TV's 'Shrinking' continuing to highlight his profound influence.
Innovative Strawberry Spoon Cake: A Culinary Delight
by : Samin Nosrat
Discover the Strawberry Spoon Cake, a unique dessert blending cake, cobbler, and pudding textures. Developed by Anna Theoktisto, this recipe simplifies baking with its ingenious layering method, yielding a golden crust, tender cake, and jammy strawberry sauce in one pan. Perfect for using abundant seasonal strawberries, it promises a delightful experience with minimal effort. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream.
20 Delicious Recipes for Enhancing Cognitive Function
by : Maya Angelou
This collection of 20 recipes, inspired by the MIND diet, offers a variety of healthy and delicious meals to support brain and cognitive health. From Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal to Spaghetti with Creamy Lemon-Spinach Sauce, these dishes are rich in nutrients essential for optimal brain function. They combine elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, focusing on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to provide a balanced and brain-boosting culinary experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.