Credit: Universal PicturesEdit: The Super Mario Bros. movie was initially slated to release on May 16, though that has not been confirmed by Univeral. The speculative release date is below.
It has been a little over a month since the Super Mario Bros movie was unleashed unto the world. The video game adaptation immediately began breaking blocks as it skyrocketed into the biggest opening for an animated film ever. To add to its record-breaking prowess, it has also landed a staggering $1.1 billion at the global box office. Despite the huge popularity the film is seeing in theaters, the film could be released on digital VOD (video on demand) soon.
Related: ‘Super Mario Bros’ Movie Set to Cross $1 Billion Box Office Haul
Initially, people had become quite anxious about the animated venture being released simply because Chris Pratt was tasked with voicing Mario alongside Charlie Day as Luigi. The titular heroes were set, but longtime fans of the video game series were convinced that Pratt could not hack it as the voice of a generation.
That disappointment turned to glaring acceptance, as Pratt’s performance and the Super Mario Bros movie exploded in popularity. The movie catapulted into the #1 spot shortly after releasing in theaters and began to break records that Disney held. The film would nab the biggest opening for an animated movie ever, beating out Frozen 2.
It also became the fifth movie in the pandemic era to pass over the $1 billion mark. Much like the Despicable Me, Secret Life of Pets, and Sing franchises, Super Mario Bros also turned Illumination into an animation staple, making it clear that Disney is no longer at the top of the animation pecking order.
Most animation companies have also made a switch to releasing their hits films shortly after they enter theaters. We would argue that Illumination is being a bit more cautious about wanting to offer the Mario film on digital so quickly, especially with it breaking records at the box office. However, the digital release date has been revealed.
‘Super Mario Bros’ Could Leap Onto Digital Soon
Based on an advertisement from Optium, the rumored release date for VOD is starting on May 16. That is right around the corner, and for those who have not had a chance to see the animated film everyone is talking about, this means you can watch it from the comfort of your own home starting in a week and a half. However, Universal has not confirmed this release date for the Super Mario Bros movie, so take this rumor with a grain of salt.
For parents with children who cannot get enough of Mario’s antics, this ability to purchase the film via VOD marketplaces could happen soon so that you can watch it repeatedly. We know that you cannot wait to do so. The same can be said for fans of all ages who do not want to wait for the physical release.
The Super Mario Bros movie proposed early release on VOD is something that has been echoed in recent animated films. In comparison, Dreamworks released Puss in Boots: The Last Wish on VOD a mere 16 days after it was released in theaters. Minions: The Rise of Gru also landed on digital platforms 32 days after its release. The Mario movie presumably releasing on VOD on May 16 would mean it was given 41 days since it was released in theaters. However, this speculative release date might not be true, as Universal has not yet confirmed this fact.
Illumination likely wants to capitalize on the vast home market and movie theaters’ success. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that it can continue to climb the charts at the theaters while becoming the #1 digital release too.
Related: Super Mario Bros. Creator Shigeru Miyamoto Thanks Critics For Film’s Success
The film’s success has led to Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto saying there is “no doubt” that there will be more Mario releases along with exploring other Nintendo adaptations in the near future. We hope to see a Legend of Zelda adaptation, but having another Super Mario Bros movie will be great too.
Are you excited to watch Super Mario Bros at home? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!