One of the standout moments in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was the cameo of Fox McCloud. Although there hasn’t been a new Star Fox title in nearly a decade, longtime fans of the Super NES hero recognized him and the Arwing instantly. Now, thanks to the animated film breaking box office records, a new generation is discovering the space pilot for the first time.
Fox in Starfox 64 – Nintendo
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For these new players, Takaya Imamura, the original developer of Star Fox, has expressed his heartfelt thanks.
A Cross-Generational Moment
A clip that has gone viral on X shows a user’s young son playing Star Fox 64 as soon as he got home from the movie. While the graphics may not be as polished as modern titles, the boy doesn’t seem to notice—or care. Clearly, explosions and aerial combat have a timeless, cross-generational appeal. Takaya Imamura saw the clip, and reacted graciously.
息子さんに「ありがとう❗️」とお伝えください。 https://t.co/ezKRVZ4lpm
— 今村孝矢 / Takaya Imamura (@ima_1966) April 2, 2026
What also helps is that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie leans fully into what makes Fox McCloud so iconic. His backstory is delivered in the style of a ’90s Saturday morning cartoon, complete with screaming electric guitars and high-octane spaceship battles. The portrayal has left many fans hoping for a spinoff film centered entirely on the skilled pilot. While fans wait to see if Nintendo and Illumination Studios will act on that enthusiasm, there’s always the games to return to.
If a spinoff film moves forward, Nintendo and Illumination already have a voice actor many fans consider ideal. Hollywood leading man Glen Powell reportedly campaigned for the role, and his enthusiasm may have been a key factor in bringing Star Fox into the movie.
Fox McCloud and Glen Powell – Nintendo; YouTube, GQ
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The decision seems to have not only earned fan approval but also the support of the original Star Fox developer, signaling goodwill that extends beyond the film’s production team and across the entire company.
Hollywood Buzz and Developer Approval
Over the years, some retro gamers have felt that Star Fox was overlooked by Nintendo, making Fox McCloud’s on-screen recognition all the more thrilling. Rumors circulating online suggest that players may soon see a new Star Fox on the Nintendo Switch 2. While nothing has been confirmed, the timing could be deliberate.
The Star Fox Team in Star Fox 64 – Nintendo
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Introducing the iconic pilot in one of the year’s biggest movies—voiced by a major Hollywood star—has renewed attention not only on the character but also on his classic games. If Nintendo can strike the right tone with a potential new game, one that appeals to old fans and new players alike, the franchise could enjoy a revival that reaches far beyond the movie screen, capturing both longtime fans and a whole new generation of players.
Passing on Gaming History
Whether or not Fox McCloud gets his own movie franchise—or if a new Star Fox game is on the horizon—the viral video highlights something bigger. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is bringing families together, creating shared moments that extend beyond the theater. Parents can now introduce their children to the games and characters that inspired the film, passing on a piece of gaming history.
Thanks to social media, creators like Takaya Imamura can join in those moments, personally saying “thank you” and connecting generations of fans in a way that only modern technology allows.
Where do you want to see Star Fox next? Let us know in the comments!
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