How NBCUniversal Brought Nintendo’s Super Mario to Life

The collaboration between global entertainment brands Illumination and Nintendo continues to be a huge success with The Super Mario Bros Movie earning more than $900 million at the global box office to-date. The animated adventure now stands as the highest-grossing film of the year at the global, domestic and international box office, as well as the biggest video game adaptation in history.  

NBCUniversal is not only bringing this iconic franchise to life on the big screen but is also giving fans the opportunity to experience the world of Mario up close and personal in our theme parks.  

Universal Studios Hollywood powered up the extremely popular SUPER NINTENDO WORLD earlier this year on February 17, sweeping guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach to become an integral part of their exhilarating universe within the colorful Mushroom Kingdom. The highly immersive and interactive land features the signature ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” Toadstool Cafe, 1-Up Factory store, character meet and greets and a host of interactive gameplay, enhanced with the purchase of a Power Up band. 

Fans can also see Mario and friends brought to life at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Japan. The land made its worldwide debut in 2021 as the first multi-level land at Universal Studios Japan where Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle tower over the area. And, set to open in 2024, Universal Studios Japan will expand the land to include a new area themed after Donkey Kong. This new area will bring to life the world of one of Nintendo’s most beloved games and feature a roller coaster, interactive experiences, themed merchandise and food. 

Additionally, NBCUniversal is celebrating Mario across the company. Iconic NBC property, Saturday Night Live featured Funky Kong on Weekend Update to discuss the Super Mario Bros movie and spoofed an adaptation of Mario Kart with Mario and friends. 

Recently, the cast from the movie joined Jimmy Fallon and his in-house band as they orchestrated a rendition of the Mario theme song. Nintendo legend and game creator Shigeru Miyamoto even makes an appearance and it has now racked up more than 2.4M views.  

The film follows beloved Brooklyn plumbers Mario (Chris Pratt) and brother Luigi (Charlie Day) as they are transported down a mysterious pipe and wander into a magical new world. Get your tickets HERE.