Jack Black, the voice behind the villainous Bowser in the highly successful Super Mario Bros. movie has expressed his desire for the potential sequel to be a full-blown musical. The animated feature, released at the beginning of 2023, became a global phenomenon.
While we haven’t officially heard anything about a sequel to the recent box office smash, Black, who gave Bowser his booming voice in the first film, is already bursting with ideas. In an interview with Variety, Black revealed his bold proposal: a full-fledged musical just like the upcoming Joker 2, starring Joaquin Phoenix.
Jack Black Wants Super Mario Bros. 2 to be a Full-Blown Musical
In an interview with Variety, Jack Black revealed that despite the film’s immense success, there has been a resounding silence from Nintendo and Illumination regarding the much-anticipated sequel. Black, who is unsure about the details he is allowed to disclose, remains hopeful about the future of the franchise and shares his ambitious vision for The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2.
He has enthusiastically pitched his idea for a musical sequel titled Bowser’s Revenge. Inspired by the buzz surrounding Todd Phillips’ upcoming musical Joker sequel, Black envisions a Mario adventure bursting with song and dance.
Black said,
“I think it [‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2’] should be a full musical [‘titled ‘Bowser’s Revenge.’], like what Todd Phillips is supposedly doing with ‘Joker 2’.”
The first Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, has earned $1.36 billion at the worldwide box office, making it the highest-grossing film ever based on a video game and the second-highest-grossing animated film of all time.
The Sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie is Yet to be Officially Confirmed
However, while Black’s enthusiasm for a musical Mario adventure is infectious, the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. movie has yet to be officially confirmed.
While a Chris Pratt-led follow-up was hinted at in mid-2023, factors like the Writer’s Guild strike and the film’s mixed critical reception (59% on Rotten Tomatoes) have likely caused Nintendo, Universal, and Illumination to press pause.
The publisher’s focus on the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie adaptation also plays a role. After years of protectiveness, Nintendo is likely giving Link’s cinematic debut their full attention before diving back into the Mushroom Kingdom.
While the official confirmation of The Super Mario Bros. movie 2 is still pending, the enthusiasm of the cast, coupled with the studio’s positive indications, and the record-breaking success (including three 2024 Golden Globe nominations!) suggests that 2024 might bring exciting news for fans eagerly anticipating the next installment in the animated franchise.
Watch the first Super Mario Bros. movie on Prime Video.
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