Early box office predictions underline howThe Super Mario Bros. Moviemight become the biggest hit of 2023. Byopening on Wednesday just before Easter, Illumination and Nintendo might be looking to bank on more than $125 million in US and Canada alone. When extended to other markets, projections determineThe Super Mario Bros. Movieis expected to rise above $225 million at the box office.
It’s not exactly a surpriseThe Super Mario Bros. Movieperforms well at the box office, considering the mustachioed hero leads one of the biggest video game franchises ever. In addition, Illumination received the keys to the Mushroom Kingdom to bring the first theatrical adaptation of the Nintendo franchise since1993’s failedSuper Marioadaptation. So, not only is Mario the face of Nintendo, but Illumination can also bring new fans to theaters looking forthe next hit from the studio that created the Minions. Finally,The Super Mario Bros. Movietrailers assured fans the movie would respect the original IP,with dozens of easter-eggs and hidden references for fans to uncover.
Still, while no one expectedThe Super Mario Bros. Movieto flop, the perspective of scoring more than $225 million only in the first weekend remains an impressive feat. For comparison, Marvel Studios’ latest release,Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, also opened to $225 million. However,a mediocre reception by fans and critics alikedrastically droppedQuantumania’s box office in the following weeks. SinceThe Super Mario Bros. Movie’s first reactions are overwhelmingly positive, chances are the movie keeps scoring big after its premiere week.
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With box office predictions so positive,The Super Mario Bros. Moviewill have a solid headstart to become the highest-grossing video game adaptation ever to hit theaters. The current champion isWarcraft, which, despite its $439 million,had a production cost too high to justify a sequel. In second place isDetective Pikachu, with $433 million,which is getting a sequel. And withThe Super Mario Bros. Moviealready setting up spinoffs, Nintendo should dominate the video game adaptation market in no time.
Who’s Involved WithThe Super Mario Bros. Movie?
The Super Mario Bros. Movieis directed byAaron HorvathandMichael Jelenicfrom a script byMatt Fogel. The star-studded voice cast ofThe Super Mario Bros. MovieincludesChris Prattas Mario,Charlie Dayas Luigi,Anya Taylor-Joyas Princess Peach,Jack Blackas Bowser,Keegan-Michael Keyas Toad,Seth Rogenas Donkey Kong,Kevin Michael Richardsonas Kamek, andFred Armisenas Cranky Kong. Mario’s original voice actor,Charles Martinet, also makes cameo appearances throughout the film.
The Super Mario Bros. Moviecomes out of a warp pipe and into theaters on April 7. Check out Collider’s interview with Pratt and Day below:
