AceShowbiz - In just a few weeks, fans will see Anya Taylor-Joy back on the big screen in a highly anticipated adventure. Leading up to this return, audiences have reignited their interest in the original film, which recently experienced a notable spike in streaming numbers. Interestingly, this resurgence coincided with a landmark date in the franchise’s history.

Anya Taylor-Joy kicked off her acting career in 2013 and has since built a diverse portfolio of roles. Among her notable projects are Dune: Part Two, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, The New Mutants, and The Northman. Her performances have earned critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film for The Queen’s Gambit, along with two additional Golden Globe nominations for her work in Emma and The Menu.

However, it was in 2023 that Taylor-Joy starred in a project that broke records: The Super Mario Bros. Movie. This animated feature, a collaboration between Nintendo and Illumination Studios, featured Anya Taylor-Joy as the voice of Princess Peach. She was joined by Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad.

On MAR10, also known as Mario Day, The Super Mario Bros. Movie surged back onto streaming charts, securing the #1 spot on Vudu’s Top Movies worldwide and landing at #8 on Peacock’s Top 10 Movies in the United States. This marked a significant milestone for Nintendo, marking their return to Hollywood two decades after the underwhelming reception of the 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. film.

The 1993 adaptation was a commercial disappointment, grossing just $38.9 million and facing critical and fan backlash. In stark contrast, the 2023 animated movie amassed over $1.361 billion globally, making it the second highest-grossing film of that year, just behind Barbie. This success set the stage for future projects.

Following the blockbuster achievement of the first movie, Nintendo confirmed plans for a sequel to attract those who have yet to embrace the Mario IP.

In related news, the sequel titled The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is generating excitement with new casting announcements. Brie Larson has been confirmed as Princess Rosalina, while Benny Safdie will voice Bowser Jr. Additional cast members include Donald Glover as Yoshi, Luis Guzmán as Wart, and Issa Rae as the Honey Queen.

Nintendo recently hosted a "Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct," where a final trailer was unveiled a month before the film’s theatrical release. Rumors suggest another Mario character may appear, though this has not been officially confirmed. The sequel is scheduled to hit theaters on April 1, 2026.