Surprise casting fuels Nintendo crossover buzz

Glen Powell Joins the Expanding Mario Universe

March 27, 2026 – In a major casting reveal, Glen Powell has officially confirmed that he will voice Fox McCloud in the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The announcement came directly from Powell himself, who shared the news via a playful social media video, even appearing in character-inspired attire to celebrate the reveal.

This addition marks another high-profile name joining an already star-studded voice cast, further elevating anticipation for the film’s release. Known for roles in films like Top Gun: Maverick, Powell’s involvement signals the continued blending of Hollywood talent with beloved gaming franchises.

Image Credit: Getty Images

Who Is Fox McCloud?

Fox McCloud is the iconic protagonist of Nintendo’s Star Fox series, first introduced in 1993. As the leader of the Star Fox team, he is best known as a skilled pilot navigating space battles aboard his Arwing spacecraft.

Beyond his original franchise, Fox has become a staple in crossover titles like Super Smash Bros., making him one of Nintendo’s most recognizable characters outside the Mario universe. His inclusion in the Mario film represents a significant shift toward cross-franchise storytelling.

A Major Crossover Moment for Nintendo

The introduction of Fox McCloud into The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is more than just a casting update—it’s a signal of Nintendo’s evolving cinematic ambitions. The character’s appearance was first teased through promotional material, sparking widespread speculation about a larger shared universe.

Historically, Nintendo has been cautious about blending its franchises. However, this move suggests a willingness to explore crossover storytelling similar to what audiences have seen in major Hollywood franchises. Fans are already drawing parallels to the potential for a future Super Smash Bros.-style ensemble film.

Image Credit: Getty Images

Star-Studded Cast Continues to Grow

Powell joins an ensemble that includes Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, and Charlie Day as Luigi. Additional new voices include Donald Glover as Yoshi and Brie Larson as Rosalina.

This lineup reflects a deliberate strategy to merge recognizable Hollywood talent with iconic gaming characters, a formula that proved highly successful in the 2023 Mario film’s global box office run.

What This Means for the Film’s Story

Set in a cosmic setting inspired by the Super Mario Galaxy games, the film follows Mario and his allies on a space adventure involving new characters and expanded worlds.

The inclusion of Fox McCloud fits naturally into this space-themed narrative. As a seasoned intergalactic pilot, Fox’s role could extend beyond a cameo, potentially positioning him as a key ally in Mario’s journey. However, official plot details remain tightly under wraps, leaving fans to speculate about how significant his role will be.

Image Credit: Nintendo and Illumination

Fan Reactions and Industry Impact

The casting news has generated significant excitement online, with fans praising the choice of Powell for his charisma and action-hero persona. His recent rise in Hollywood makes him a fitting match for a confident and skilled character like Fox McCloud.

At the same time, the reveal has reignited discussions about Nintendo’s long-term film strategy. The inclusion of characters from outside the Mario franchise hints at a broader interconnected universe, which could reshape how video game adaptations are developed moving forward.

A Strategic Move Ahead of Release

With the film set to release in April 2026, this announcement comes at a crucial time in the marketing cycle. Revealing a surprise character like Fox McCloud—and attaching a recognizable actor to the role—helps maintain momentum and keep the film in public conversation.

It also demonstrates how studios are leveraging fan nostalgia and cross-franchise appeal to build excitement. By introducing beloved characters from different series, Nintendo and Illumination are expanding the film’s reach beyond traditional Mario fans.

Image Credit: Nintendo

The Bigger Picture for Gaming Adaptations

The success of recent video game films has encouraged studios to think bigger when it comes to adaptations. The addition of Fox McCloud suggests that future projects may lean more heavily into shared universes and crossover storytelling.

If successful, this approach could open the door for standalone films based on other Nintendo franchises, as well as larger ensemble projects. For now, Powell’s casting stands as a clear indicator that the Mario movie universe is only just beginning to expand.

Final Thoughts

Glen Powell’s casting as Fox McCloud adds an exciting new layer to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. It’s not just about bringing in another character—it’s about signaling a shift in how Nintendo approaches storytelling on the big screen.

With a strong cast, a space-driven narrative, and the introduction of crossover elements, the film is shaping up to be more than just a sequel. It could be the foundation for a much larger cinematic universe—one that fans have been hoping to see for years.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Glen Powell playing in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie?
Glen Powell will voice Fox McCloud, the main character from the Star Fox series.

Q2: What is Fox McCloud known for?
He is a skilled space pilot and the leader of the Star Fox team, known for his appearances in Star Fox and Super Smash Bros. games.

Q3: When is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie releasing?
The film is scheduled for release in April 2026.

Q4: Does this mean a Super Smash Bros. movie is coming?
There is no official confirmation, but Fox McCloud’s inclusion has increased speculation about a crossover film.

Q5: Who else is in the cast?
The cast includes Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Donald Glover, and Brie Larson, among others.