Nintendo Spills Major Super Mario Galaxy Movie Character Reveal Just Before Release

In the final countdown to the premiere of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Nintendo and Illumination have blindsided fans by unveiling a major crossover early. This strategic reveal is already fueling intense debate about a broader “Nintendo Cinematic Universe” that expands well beyond Mushroom Kingdom residents and the previously hinted Pikmin cameos.

On Thursday, the studios officially validated persistent rumors: Fox McCloud, the legendary ace pilot of the Star Fox franchise, will make an appearance in Mario’s cosmic odyssey. While the depth of his involvement remains a mystery, early signs suggest he may play a pivotal role. A promotional clip posted to the film’s Instagram profile features Fox McCloud standing heroically beside his iconic Arwing, while an adoring Ukiki looks on from the sidelines.

Naturally, this has sent the internet into a frenzy of speculation regarding an eventual Super Smash Bros. feature film.

The star power grew even brighter on Friday with the announcement that Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick, Hit Man) will lend his voice to McCloud. Powell celebrated the casting in a new video, fully embracing the role by appearing in Fox’s signature gear.

Fox McCloud first captured the imaginations of players in 1993 with the debut of Star Fox on the Super NES. A collaboration between Nintendo and Argonaut Software, the title was a pioneer for home console 3D graphics, famously utilizing the Super FX chip to power its rail-shooting action. Designed and produced by the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto, Fox has led numerous sequels, including Star Fox 2—a project finished in 1995 but held for over two decades until its release on the Super NES Classic Edition. Today, the lost sequel is accessible to a wider audience via Nintendo Switch Online.

While Nintendo had previously confirmed that auxiliary characters like ROB and Pikmin would appear, the inclusion of a heavy hitter like Fox McCloud suggests the studio is ready to aggressively push the boundaries of established Mario lore.

The full scope of this intergalactic alliance will be revealed when The Super Mario Galaxy Movie arrives in theaters on April 1.

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Source: Polygon