Nintendo’s next big animated adventure, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, is officially adding controversial Marvel actress Brie Larson as Princess Rosalina—and the internet is already bracing for impact.
The Galaxy awaits. The official trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is here. Only in theaters April 2026. pic.twitter.com/Agl8DrdcxT
— The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (@supermariomovie) November 12, 2025
The announcement came during a Nintendo Direct, where the Captain Marvel actress was revealed as the voice of the galactic guardian, alongside Oppenheimer actor Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.
The film, directed by Chris Meledandri and produced with Shigeru Miyamoto, is set to hit theaters in April 2026.
Bowser Jr. in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – YouTube, Nintendo of America
On the surface, a Mario Galaxy film sounds like another home run for the billion-dollar Mario franchise. After all, the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie became one of the biggest animated hits of all time, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide.
But not everyone is cheering this latest casting announcement.
A Polarizing Princess Pick
Brie Larson is a lightning rod in Hollywood—an actress equally known for her talent and her tendency to alienate audiences with political commentary.
Brie Larson as Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers in Marvel Studios’ THE MARVELS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.
While her Oscar-winning performance in Room remains respected, her outspoken activism has often made her a divisive figure among fans, particularly after her infamous 2018 statement dismissing critical feedback from “40-year-old White dudes.”
Her time as Captain Marvel only deepened that divide. Though Captain Marvel earned over $1 billion, its sequel, The Marvels, bombed with a global gross just over $200 million, the worst in Marvel Cinematic Universe history.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 10: Brie Larson attends THE MARVELS Movie Theater Pop-In on November 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images for Disney)
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Larson’s relationship with fans—and even the press—has been frosty ever since.
A Rare Moment of Restraint
Interestingly, Larson has shown signs of change. In a February 2025 interview with The Telegraph, the actress refused to take the bait when a reporter tried to goad her into calling Marvel fans misogynistic.
“I don’t know,” she replied bluntly when asked why some men were supposedly ‘threatened’ by her casting. “I… don’t pay attention.”
Brie Larson as Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers in Marvel Studios’ THE MARVELS. Photo by Laura Radford. © 2023 MARVEL.
The interviewer then tried to push the issue, suggesting she ignored criticism as a way to cope with supposed “misogyny.”
“What I would like you to see is that by continuing this conversation, you are putting me in connection with something that is nothing to do with me,” Larson said.
Her publicist quickly shut the conversation down—a far cry from the combative Larson who once courted headlines with politically charged remarks.
Why Fans Are Nervous
Larson’s subdued demeanor could mark a turning point, but Nintendo’s partnership with Illumination has thrived precisely because it stayed out of the political fray. The Mario universe appeals to everyone: parents, kids, gamers, and nostalgic fans alike.
Princess Rosalina takes on a Robot in the Super Mario Galaxy Movie – YouTube, Nintendo of America
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The fear among some fans is that Larson’s presence might invite the very culture-war noise the franchise has avoided.
Hollywood reporters are notorious for stirring controversy during press tours, and with Larson’s history, it’s only a matter of time before someone tries to turn a lighthearted animated movie into a social issue.
The Bottom Line
Brie Larson can deliver a great performance as Rosalina—no one disputes that. If she keeps politics out of the press cycle and focuses purely on the story, her portrayal could win audiences over.
Princess Rosalina after dispatching an enemy in the Super Mario Galaxy Movie – YouTube, Nintendo of America
But for a franchise built on joy and simplicity, the last thing Nintendo needs is for its cosmic princess to become the next flashpoint in Hollywood’s culture wars.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie launches April 2026. Fans can only hope the adventure stays in space—and out of controversy.
Do you think Brie Larson can avoid controversy as Rosalina? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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