With the first trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie released, Nintendo and Illumination fans have finally gotten their first look at the new faces joining the cast. After the success of Super Mario the series' first foray into the animated film scene with The Super Mario Bros. Movie In 2023, it's not surprising that its sequel is picking up the pace with new voice talent. The two new additions to the cast are Brie Larson as the voice of Rosalina and Benny Safdie as the voice of Bowser Jr.
The crew of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is already stacked, starring returning actors Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, and Jack Black as Bowser. Brie Larson is not only a Nintendo fan, but also has experience playing the role of a powerful cosmic entity, having played Captain Marvel in the MCU. Benny Safdie, on the other hand, may not be as familiar to Nintendo fans, as his filmography is largely split between writing and acting roles.
The Super Mario Galaxy movie features Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.
While Safdie may not be a household name like Black or Larson, he has the chops to wake up the mischievous Bowser Jr. to life on the big screen. The award-winning writer, director and actor is probably best known for his work in the 2019s Uncut gemstoneswhich he co-wrote and directed with his brother, Josh Safdie. However, Safdie has no shortage of good screen performances.
Benny Safdie's acting roles
|
Film/TV series |
Role |
Year |
|---|---|---|
|
Happy Gilmore 2 |
Frank Manatee |
2025 |
|
The curse |
Dougie Schecter |
2023-2024 |
|
Oppenheimer |
Edward Teller |
2023 |
|
Are you there God? It's me, Margaret |
Herb Simon |
2023 |
|
Obi-Wan Kenobi |
Nari |
2022 |
|
Stars at noon |
CIA man |
2022 |
|
Licorice pizza |
Joel Wachs |
2021 |
|
Pieces of a woman |
Chris |
2020 |
|
Good time |
Nick Nikas |
2017 |
|
Person to person |
Eugene |
2017 |
|
Affinity |
Craddock Brother #2 |
2016 |
|
Solid gold |
Goldman |
2012 |
|
John is gone |
John |
2010 |
|
La Corsa |
Federico |
2009 |
|
A lonely John's acquaintances |
John |
2008 |
|
Yeast |
River Guy 2 |
2008 |
|
The Story of Charles Riverbank |
Charles Riverbank |
2008 |
|
John's Lonely Trip to Coney Island |
John |
2007 |
|
Ralph Handel's story |
Ralph Handel |
2006 |
|
If you see something, say something |
Businessman 2 |
2006 |
|
Alberto lives in a bathroom |
Salesman Benny |
2004 |
It is clear that Benny Safdie has a lot of experience in both serious and comedic roles throughout his acting career. His roles in comedies like Happy Gilmore 2, Are you there God? It's me, Margaretand Licorice pizza will likely serve as a basis for his portrayal of Bowser Jr., whose demeanor is laughable yet humorous. Much like Jack Black's portrayal of Bowser in the first film, Koopa Kid has the potential to steal the show as The Super Mario Galaxy Movies main villain with Safdie behind the wheel.
Benny Safdie's writing roles
|
Movies/TV shows |
Year |
|---|---|
|
The Smashing Machine |
2025 |
|
The curse |
2023-2024 |
|
Question & Answer |
2020 |
|
Goldman v. Silverman |
2020 |
|
Uncut gemstones |
2019 |
|
The trophy hunter |
2012 |
|
The black balloon |
2012 |
|
John is gone |
2010 |
|
Daddy Goofy |
2009 |
|
There is nothing you can do |
2008 |
|
A lonely John's acquaintances |
2008 |
|
The Story of Charles Riverbank |
2008 |
|
John's Lonely Trip to Coney Island |
2007 |
|
The back of her head |
2007 |
|
If you see something, say something |
2006 |
|
The Adventures of Slater's Friend |
2005 |
While some Mario fans may not recognize Safdie's acting accomplishments, his writing also speaks volumes for his career in the film industry. Not only does Safdie have the comedic chops to perform well in the role of Bowser Jr., but his work on dramas like Uncut gemstones and The Smashing Machine leaves room for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to have an element of sincerity amidst the crazy hijinx of Super Mario Bros., and new characters like Rosalina and Bowser Jr. Super Mario Galaxy is already a beautiful and heartfelt game, so balancing the emotional aspect with the humor Illumination is known for will be right up Safdie's alley when translating it to the big screen.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will be released on April 3, 2026.
- Release date
-
April 3, 2026
- Director
-
Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
- Author
-
Matthew Fogel
- Prequel(s)
-
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
-
-
Anya Taylor-Joy
Princess Peach
-
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