Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 Sets Up An Epic Universal vs. Disney/Pixar Clash For The Ages After $1.36 Billion Success

The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 has been confirmed with a release date that sets up a major animation box office battle between Universal and Disney/Pixar. The Mario video game adaptation was an enormous commercial success, surpassing all expectations and becoming one of the highest-grossing movies of 2023. Naturally, a $1.36 billion box office hit means a franchise is underway, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 now has a release date confirmed: April 3, 2026.

2026 may seem like a significant lapse, but it’s still exciting to see a turnaround for video game adaptation movies, which were once considered cursed. With Mario making his way to mainstream film, the possibilities for a Nintendo franchise are endless, so it’s better for Universal Studios to take their time and deliver another appealing product. Not to mention, Universal releasing the film in 2026 puts them up against some serious competition from Disney, meaning it will be an incredibly exciting year for animated feature films.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 Will Release The Same Year As Toy Story 5 & Frozen 3

The Super Mario Bros. Movie won’t be the only $1 billion animated franchise with a film releasing in 2026. Disney will be releasing two long-awaited sequels to beloved series: Toy Story 5 and Frozen 3, neither of which have had a release since 2019. All three franchises have had consistent commercial success. The two recent Toy Story films both grossed over $1 billion on top of overwhelming critical acclaim for their heartfelt, meaningful storytelling that appealed to both child and adult audiences.

The first Frozen movie was a cultural phenomenon in 2013, grossing $1.28 billion, making it one of Disney’s most successful non-Pixar animation movies. Frozen 2 topped that off with an even higher box office pull of $1.45 billion. The 2026 release date for Frozen 3 means the Mario sequel will be up against two box-office juggernauts, and that’s just including what’s already been announced. There’s plenty of time for more major studio films to be announced, including more animation. Currently, the next Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is also planned for a 2026 release.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 vs. Toy Story 5 vs. Frozen 3: Which Will Make More?

Many factors come into play when predicting box office success, and ultimately, the quality of the films will be a huge X factor in their success. Frozen 3 seems the most likely winner, as it’s had the highest box office record among the three franchises. A new Toy Story movie could excite audiences, but a general distaste for excessive sequel releases could drag it down if the story isn’t exceptional. The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 could win due to its still recent success, feeling like the most fresh and exciting of the trio.