Universal’s 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' blasted into first place at the China box office during the April 3–5 weekend, earning $8.3 million.

Universal’s 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' blasted into first place at the China box office during the April 3–5 weekend, earning $8.3 million.

HOLLYWOOD - Thanks to the enduring appeal of family films and a multi-generational love for the Nintendo video game, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” became a four-quadrant smash. This also marks the second-biggest domestic launch of all time for Illumination, the animation empire founded by Chris Meledandri. The prolific producer, whose company has an exclusive partnership with Universal, has fielded such kid-friendly hits as “Despicable Me” and “Minions” franchise, “Sing” and “The Secret Life of Pets.” Second place on the domestic charts went to “Project Hail Mary.” So far, the space adventure starring Ryan Gosling has earned an impressive $420.7 million globally. Disney’s animated Pixar comedy “Hoppers” landed at No. 4.

Nintendo and Illumination's sequel has beaten the record of the first film from 2023.

Mario and his pals are returning to theaters with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which should easily have the biggest box office opening of 2026 to date.