The answer, surprisingly nuanced, is that there are two live-action/animated theatrical releases explicitly titled “Mario Brothers” movies and several animated films and series. Understanding the full picture requires delving into the history of Mario’s cinematic adaptations.
A Look at the Theatrical Releases
While many might immediately think of the critically panned but cult-classic 1993 film, “Super Mario Bros.,” the release of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” in 2023 adds a new dimension to the question. Both films represent vastly different approaches to adapting the beloved Nintendo franchise, highlighting the complexities involved in bringing a video game world to the big screen.
“Super Mario Bros.” (1993)
This movie, starring Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo, took a drastically different approach to the Mushroom Kingdom. Set in a dystopian version of New York City (Dinohattan), it presented a gritty and bizarre interpretation of the source material. While it failed at the box office and garnered overwhelmingly negative reviews, it has since gained a following for its unique (and often unintentional) charm.
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023)
This animated film, produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures, offers a more faithful and visually stunning representation of the Mario universe. Featuring a star-studded voice cast including Chris Pratt as Mario and Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, it was a massive box office success and generally received positive reviews for its animation, voice acting, and faithfulness to the source material.
Beyond the Big Screen: Animated Adventures
While the two movies mentioned above are the only ones carrying the “Mario Brothers” moniker or explicitly featuring live-action portrayals, it’s important to acknowledge the various animated productions featuring Mario and his friends. These often feature the same characters and storylines, expanding the Mario cinematic universe, though they aren’t traditionally considered “Mario Brothers movies.”
Notable Animated Works
- The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! (1989): A live-action/animated television series featuring segments of both formats.
- The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990): An animated television series based on the game of the same name.
- Super Mario World (1991): Another animated television series inspired by the game.
These shows, while not feature films, significantly contributed to Mario’s pop culture presence and further cemented his status as a beloved character.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Mario Movie Universe
To clarify the nuances surrounding Mario’s cinematic appearances, here are some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Is the 1993 “Super Mario Bros.” movie considered canon?
While some fans might enjoy it as a “what if” scenario, the 1993 movie is not considered canon to the main Mario universe established in the games and subsequently adapted in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023). Nintendo has distanced itself from the 1993 film over the years.
FAQ 2: Will there be a sequel to “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023)?
Yes, a sequel to “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is officially in development. Nintendo and Illumination have confirmed this, and it’s expected to explore more characters and storylines from the vast Mario universe.
FAQ 3: Is there a “Luigi’s Mansion” movie in development?
There have been rumors and speculation about a potential “Luigi’s Mansion” movie, particularly given the success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”. However, as of now, no official announcement has been made regarding a “Luigi’s Mansion” film.
FAQ 4: What is the best way to watch “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023)?
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is available for streaming on various platforms and can also be purchased on physical media (Blu-ray, DVD). Check your preferred streaming service or online retailer for availability. Watching it on the largest screen possible with a good sound system definitely enhances the experience.
FAQ 5: Why was the 1993 “Super Mario Bros.” movie so different from the games?
The creative team behind the 1993 movie aimed for a more “realistic” and “adult” take on the source material, influenced by dystopian science fiction films of the time. This led to a significant departure from the whimsical and colorful world that fans were familiar with.
FAQ 6: Where can I watch the older “Super Mario Bros.” animated TV shows?
Some episodes and clips of “The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!”, “The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3,” and “Super Mario World” can be found on platforms like YouTube, various streaming services (though availability varies), and potentially on physical media.
FAQ 7: Who owns the rights to the Mario movie franchise?
Nintendo owns the intellectual property rights to the Mario franchise. However, they partner with various studios like Illumination and Universal Pictures to produce films and other media based on their properties.
FAQ 8: Will there be a live-action Mario movie reboot after the success of the animated film?
While the success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is encouraging, there are no confirmed plans for a live-action reboot. The focus seems to be on expanding the animated universe at this time.
FAQ 9: How involved is Shigeru Miyamoto in the Mario movie projects?
Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, is heavily involved in the production of Mario movies, particularly “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023). He acts as a producer and provides creative input to ensure the film stays true to the spirit of the games.
FAQ 10: What age rating are the Mario movies?
The 1993 “Super Mario Bros.” movie is generally PG, while “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023) is also rated PG. Both are generally considered suitable for family viewing, although the tone of the 1993 film might be darker and more intense for younger audiences.
FAQ 11: Are there any Easter eggs in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023) that reference the older games?
Yes, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023) is filled with Easter eggs and references to various Mario games. These include visual nods to levels, characters, power-ups, and even classic sound effects, making it a treat for long-time fans.
FAQ 12: How did the success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023) impact Nintendo’s stock price?
The immense success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” had a positive impact on Nintendo’s stock price. It demonstrated the power of their intellectual property and its potential for expansion into other media, boosting investor confidence.
Conclusion
While the simple answer is two theatrically released “Mario Brothers” movies, the reality is far richer. The evolving landscape of Mario adaptations, encompassing animated films, television shows, and potential future projects, continues to solidify the iconic plumber’s place in cinematic history. The future of Mario on the big screen appears bright, promising more adventures and potentially expanding the cinematic universe even further.