Despite there initially being quite a lot of negativity surrounding the news that Illumination had been tasked with developing an animated The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the tide has definitely turned in recent months. While Chris Pratt remains a divisive casting choice, the trailers have sold even the most sceptical of Nintendo fans on this adaptation.
That's been reflected in early tracking for The Super Mario Bros. Movie as Deadline reports that the animated feature is currently eyeing an Easter weekend debut of $85 million - $90 million from Wednesday through Sunday.
The trade believes it could even reach triple digits, and assuming reviews and word of mouth is positive, we wouldn't be remotely surprised. Boys and girls under 12 look set to be a big part of the audience, as do families; the movie is also said to be appealing to male gamers under 25, so a varied group are likely to show up on opening weekend.
The current record holder for the best Easter opening is Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice with a massive $181 million. That's a figure unlikely to be beaten, especially in this post-pandemic landscape.
Universal Pictures recently announced that The Super Mario Bros. Movie would open two days sooner on Wednesday, April 5 instead of Friday, April 7. If these figures are any indication, that was a smart move.
1993's Super Mario Bros. earned a mere $39 million worldwide based on a $50 million budget and was considered a critical and commercial flop. The same fate clearly doesn't await this reboot!
From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.
Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go!, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies) from a screenplay by Matthew Fogel (Minions: The Rise of Gru), the film stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Jack Black as Bowser, as Toad, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is set to be released in theaters on April 7 April 5, 2023.