The Super Mario Galaxy movie references Kirby, Punch Out and Metroid

While Kirby and Samus are unfortunately not in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, there are some easy-to-miss Easter eggs that reference them and hint that they're out there somewhere.

Ever since Star Fox and Pikmin were confirmed to be in the Super Mario Galaxy movie, Nintendo fans have had a field day imagining what other characters and franchises will potentially appear. In fact, the excitement surrounding the cameos has even led to theories that Illumination is actually setting the stage for a Smash movie in the future.

Miyamoto has claimed that a Smash movie won't happen anytime soon, but that doesn't stop The Super Mario Galaxy Movie from referencing a tone of various Nintendo properties. Some are pretty in your face, but there are two very interesting easter eggs tied to Kirby and Samus (as well as Punch Out) that many will miss.

Metroid, Kirby and even Punch Out are referenced in the Super Mario Galaxy movie

Star Fox isn't the only Nintendo character who is canon in the Mario Movie Universe

The Super Mario Galaxy movie hit theaters yesterday, and while it's getting bashed by fans and critics alike, there's plenty for the Nintendo stalwart to enjoy. Not only is Star Fox a main character (and obviously with more than Rosalina), but there are plenty of nods to some of Nintendo's biggest franchises.

My favorite of the bunch was highlighted by Twitter user DriftCons, who shared a scene from the movie where a bunch of Lumas are flying around what is likely the Comet Observatory. For a very brief moment, a pink Luma is shown puffing out its cheeks and floating just like Kirby does in his games.

Next on Nintendo's easter egg checklist is Metroid which, as pointed out by GamesRadar+, is referenced in a scene where Peach and Toad are looking for a pilot. As they approach the Star Fox in a landing bay, Samus Aran's gunship from Super Metroid can be briefly seen in a single shot. This is also the stage where the Pikmin make an appearance, so it's a bit of a (free) Nintendo overload.

The last Nintendo Easter egg I've seen passed around is another blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment highlighted by Twitter user SuperWiiBros08. During a scene where Yoshi is walking around Brooklyn, Punch Out's Little Mac and Doc Louis can be seen riding along and getting some exercise. Punch Out was also referenced in the first Mario movie, so it's a nice full circle moment.

While these Easter eggs are likely just Illumination and Nintendo having fun and giving fans something to chase, the implications are pretty interesting. While we won't be getting a Smash movie anytime soon, at least we know that many of these characters are out there sighMario Cinematic Universe.