Where You Know The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’s Benny Safdie From

With the first trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie released, Nintendo and Illumination fans have finally gotten their first look at the new faces joining the cast. After the success of the Super Mario series’ first foray into the animated film scene with The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, it’s not surprising that its sequel is upping the ante with new voice talent. The two new additions to the cast are Brie Larson as the voice of Rosalina, and Benny Safdie as the voice of Bowser Jr.

The cast of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is already stacked, with returning actors like Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, and Jack Black as Bowser headlining it. Not only is Brie Larson a Nintendo fan, but has experience playing the role of a powerful cosmic entity, having played Captain Marvel in the MCU. Benny Safdie, on the other hand, may not be as familiar to Nintendo fans, as his filmography is largely split between writing and acting roles.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Features Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.

While Safdie may not be a household name like Black or Larson, he has the chops to bring the mischievous Bowser Jr. to life on the big screen. The award-winning writer, director, and actor is likely most known for his work on 2019’s Uncut Gems, which he wrote and co-directed with his brother, Josh Safdie. However, Safdie has no shortage of on-screen appearances well.

Benny Safdie’s Acting Roles

It’s clear that Benny Safdie has a lot of experience in both serious and comedic roles throughout his acting career. His roles in comedies like Happy Gilmore 2, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, and Licorice Pizza will likely serve as a basis for his portrayal of Bowser Jr, whose demeanor is scrappy yet humorous. Much like Jack Black’s portrayal of Bowser in the first film, the Koopa Kid has the potential to steal the show as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie‘s main villain with Safdie behind the wheel.

Benny Safdie’s Writing Roles

While some Mario fans may not recognize Safdie’s acting performances, his writing credits also speak volumes about his career in the film industry. Not only does Safdie have the comedic chops to perform well in the role of Bowser Jr, but his work on dramas like Uncut Gems and The Smashing Machine leaves room for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to have an element of sincerity among the wacky hijinx of the Super Mario Bros., and new characters like Rosalina and Bowser Jr. Super Mario Galaxy is already a beautiful and heartfelt game, so balancing that emotional aspect with the humor Illumination is known for will be right up Safdie’s alley when translating it to the big screen.

Release Date

April 3, 2026

Director

Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic

Writers

Matthew Fogel

Prequel(s)

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

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  Anya Taylor-Joy

  Princess Peach

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