No, it’s not an April Fools’ Day joke, despite the film’s April 1 release date. Still, with a title like Super Mario Galaxy Movie, maybe this was a twist we should have seen coming.
That’s right. Fox McCloud, the legendary Arwing pilot from Star Fox, is confirmed to appear in the upcoming sequel to the wildly successful Super Mario Bros. Movie.
At first glance, the crossover might seem unexpected. After all, Fox has never appeared alongside Mario in a mainline Mario title. From a broader perspective, however, the move aligns with Nintendo’s growing cinematic ambitions. Following the massive success of the first Mario film, the company has made it clear it is thinking bigger.
Company creative officer and legendary creator Shigeru Miyamoto has previously expressed confidence that more Nintendo-based films are on the way. With characters like Donkey Kong already introduced on the big screen, expanding the universe with familiar faces from across Nintendo’s catalog feels like a natural next step.
While Mario and Fox have not crossed paths in their respective core franchises, they are no strangers to each other. Both characters have long shared the spotlight in Nintendo’s crossover fighting series, Super Smash Bros., a connection that now feels more relevant than ever. Fox’s inclusion could be a subtle test of audience appetite for a full Super Smash Bros. movie in the future.
The timing may not be coincidental.
According to well-known Nintendo insider Nate the Hate, a “classic-style” Star Fox revival is reportedly in development for the Switch 2, with a planned release window in summer 2026.
“Star Fox is coming back in summer 2026. We’re getting a new Star Fox game in the very near future,” Nate said. “I’ve been told it’s a classic style Star Fox game, [and that] the visuals are supposed to be very good, and I’ve heard it does have online multiplayer.”
That return to form would be especially welcome after the divisive reception to Star Fox Zero, released in 2016. Many players were disappointed by its experimental controls and gameplay direction.
Nate also shared a few other insights into Nintendo’s roadmap. A new 3D Mario title is not expected anytime soon. According to the same source, the next mainline entry will arrive in 2027.
StarFox Zero gameplay/Nintendo
Another major franchise may step into the spotlight sooner. With The Legend of Zelda approaching a significant anniversary, reports suggest that a remake of Ocarina of Time could be heading to the Switch 2 in late 2026.
If even part of this comes to pass, it is clear Nintendo is not just building games anymore. The company is building an interconnected universe.
And Fox McCloud may be the next piece of that puzzle.
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