Legendary Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto has some disappointing news for those clamoring for a “Nintendo Cinematic Universe.”
Following the recent reveal of Star Fox protagonist Fox McCloud in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Polygon asked Mario’s creator how much further he plans to expand the Mario movie universe in terms of crossovers.
“Right off the bat, I’ll say that unlike something like Super Smash Bros., I don’t think you’ll have a situation [where] all Nintendo characters would be joining,” Miyamoto said.
He reiterated that Pikmin are his big exception, as he believes the tiny plant-based critters can appear in any Nintendo series. A promotional video for the Galaxy Movie last month confirmed that Pikmin would indeed appear in the film.
They're ready for their close up. Don't miss The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, only in theaters April 1. pic.twitter.com/IDaOyBzfvJ
— The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (@supermariomovie) March 17, 2026
“We have plenty of characters to create a movie, and yet we wanted to add a little bit of spice, a little bit of secret cameos here and there,” Miyamoto added.
“And you’ll see that there’s one secret character that plays a big role.”
Miyamoto did confirm he was open to more Fox McCloud-type cameos in the future, however.
Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri also took part in the interview, stating that there’s no 10-year plan in terms of building up a Marvel-style Nintendo movie universe.
“It’s much more geared toward conversations about what would be fun within a certain scene in the movie,” Meledandri said.
“So these ideas come up based on, ‘Oh, wouldn’t it be fun if Pikmin appeared here? Wouldn’t that be fun?’
“If we agree that it’s a fun idea, then we look to Miyamoto-san to just make his own judgment about whether or not it feels right to him.”
Another recent interview with Meledandri and Miyamoto revealed that Fox McCloud’s voice actor, Glen Powell, contacted Nintendo directly to tell them it was his dream to be part of a Star Fox movie. The call was made just as internal discussions about Fox’s potential role started happening, which Meledandri described as “one of those gifts.”
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is available now in theaters.
Check out more Mario content
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has a record-breaking April opening at the box office
Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 are Tetris 99’s 52nd Maximus Cup theme
Mario Kart World’s latest update adds chaotic new Bob-Omb Blast mode
Leave a Comment
Written by Reece Heather
A veteran Zelda Universe editor and First-class journalism graduate, Reece emerged with a Nintendo 64 and a lifelong obsession after a narrow escape from Santa’s Naughty List in 1998. Outside of games, he’s reading Punisher comics, being bossed around by his cocker spaniel, and cornering innocent bystanders to rant about the importance of game preservation.
