Essential Insights
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie showcased many iconic places from the beloved franchise but left numerous possibilities for future sequels.
- The movie only skimmed the surface of the inventive levels and formidable enemies that Mario and Luigi have faced throughout their 40-year adventure.
- Owing to its phenomenal box office performance, the sequel is likely to embrace the franchise’s eccentricities and lesser-known elements.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie made significant strides into the expansive lore of Nintendo’s iconic series, journeying from Brooklyn to the fantastical Mushroom Kingdom. This adventure allowed the film to nod to numerous locations cherished by fans, ensuring a wealth of details and Easter eggs that enhance its rewatchability, despite its brief runtime of 92 minutes barely scratching the surface of the vast universe.
In its vibrant depiction, the film featured memorable settings like Mushroom Forest, Peach’s Castle, Jungle Kingdom, and Dark Lands. However, many locations ripe for exploration remain untouched. Established in the platforming genre, Nintendo’s franchise is also known for its creativity in reimagining locations across various genres. Building on the solid foundation laid by the first film’s success, the upcoming sequel has a promising opportunity to delve into the more whimsical and adventurous realms of Mario and Luigi’s legacy.
Potential Directions for The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2
The inaugural film was rich with references to the gaming franchise’s illustrious history, spotlighting locations recognizable to long-time fans since Mario’s first appearance in the 1981 arcade classic, Donkey Kong. Yet, many classic settings were only briefly remarked upon, particularly during the montage of Mario and Peach’s quest to secure alliances among the Kongs in Jungle Kingdom. Iconic areas such as Bob-omb Battlefield, Sand Kingdom, and Yoshi’s Island were noticeably absent.
Within Peach’s Castle, familiar imagery from levels reminiscent of Super Mario 64 offered a glimmer of hope for future adventures, where Mario and Luigi could engage in ice-skating and traverse treacherous quicksand. Numerous iconic lands await their cinematic debut, along with a host of enemies that are integral to the franchise’s spirit.
Exploring Uncharted Worlds
Given that The Super Mario Bros. Movie grossed a staggering $1.4 billion, the sequel can confidently venture into some of the more radical and imaginative locations that avid fans frequently crave. Such explorations could unveil unique game mechanics and spectacular visuals, harmoniously integrated with the narrative.
The film demonstrated an exceptional grasp of its source material, a feat not easily achieved given the less-than-stellar 1993 live-action adaptation of Mario. The sequel now has a golden opportunity to dig deeper into the Mario universe and reward both fans and new viewers with stunning visuals and compelling storytelling.
Puzzles Awaiting Integration
Some of the games’ intricate interior levels may not serve as primary inspirations for a blockbuster movie. However, returning to classic obstacles akin to those in Super Mario Bros. — where players navigated timed puzzles in castle levels — could be a thrilling callback. Elements from Mario 64 like the ingenious “Wet Dry World,”where players altered water levels to access stars, can also heighten the sequel’s engagement.
Manipulating Size
One of the franchise’s distinctive appeals lies in its playful manipulation of size. Memorable moments from Super Mario Bros. 3 featured a “Giant Land,”wherein obstacles were significantly larger than life. Classic encounters from Mario 64’s “Tiny Huge Island” and enormous adversaries from Super Mario Galaxy 2’s “Super Massive Galaxy” could provide inspiration for captivating sequences.
Advanced Platforming Challenges
As Mario and Luigi have demonstrated mastery of their abilities in the first film, the sequel must elevate the excitement of traversing aerial platforms. Players have enjoyed creatively navigating challenges over the years through various innovative methods. Potential sequences could include jumping on Albatosses or Para-Beetles as they make their way through enchanting landscapes.
Unique level mechanics such as the underwater and above-surface encounters in Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels or the rich experience from Super Mario Land 2’s “Tree Zone,” featuring sap-swimming encounters, would resonate with dedicated fans and add layers of complexity to the narrative.
More Than Just a Mario Kart
While the iconic Rainbow Road played a thrilling role in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Mario Kart is set to return in the sequel. However, racing is just one of the myriad of vehicles Mario has explored throughout his journeys. From submarines and planes in Super Mario Land to riding giant Wigglers in New Super Mario Bros., varied methods of travel could add exciting visual dynamics.
The sequel could also immerse viewers in the enchanting experience of Isle Delfino’s Pinna Park, with Mario navigating exhilarating pirate boats, roller coasters, and even facing a giant mechanized Bowser, just as featured in Super Mario Sunshine.
Flavorful Adventures
The whimsical allure of dessert-themed levels is another choice ripe for exploration. Iconic sites like the “Sweet Sweet Galaxy” from Super Mario Galaxy would entice viewers with their sugary appeal. Heavily inspired environments featuring candy-coated spheres from the “Candy Kingdom” and vibrant platforms of the “Luncheon Kingdom”in Super Mario Odyssey could provide an unforgettable visual feast.
Venturing to Space and Beyond
Given the thematic elements established in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, space exploration is a plausible direction for future projects. Previous titles like Super Mario Galaxy transported players into the cosmos, promising compelling possibilities for subsequent films. The exhilarating “Space Zone” from Super Mario Land 2 allowed for lighthearted lower gravity adventures, similarly echoed in the “Moon Kingdom” of Super Mario Odyssey, providing a distinctive gameplay experience that could translate into fresh challenges for moviegoers.
Papering It Up
While primarily known for its platforming roots, the Mario franchise has ventured into various genres, with attempts like Dr. Mario and Mario Tennis capturing fanfare. Harnessing the nostalgia of Paper Mario, which has gained considerable popularity, could offer an exciting dimension in a spin-off film, especially since it was conspicuously absent from the first hack.
Embracing the Spooky Side
While Luigi deserves his own eerie tale, the next movie could incorporate the ghostly elements from Mario’s adventures, especially after King Boo’s cameo in the first installment. Levels like the “Spinning Spirit House” from Super Mario Bros. U displayed thrilling gameplay featuring rotating platforms and invisible walls, presenting striking visual set pieces for adaptation.
Additionally, the standout “Shadow Play Alley” from Super Mario 3D World, characterized by its unique light-and-shadow mechanics, could elevate tension and creativity within the film’s animation. This game was particularly adept at playing with mechanics that redefined classic platforming experiences, weaving a path of innovation and audience intrigue.
Elevating Mario’s Adversaries
With each new location, Mario and Luigi will encounter fresh, formidable foes. While the antics of the iconic Bowser and Bowser Jr. may not repeat, there exists a wealth of antagonists that can enrich the cinematic experience.
From Super Mario Sunshine, enemies like the intriguing Phantamanta, which generates smaller foes upon defeat, or the notable Gooper Blooper, whose evolving appearances have cemented him as an enemy staple, may offer exhilarating challenges for the sibling duo.
The Challenge Ahead for The Mario Franchise
The primary task facing the Super Mario movie franchise is to build upon the remarkable early achievements successfully. The disappointing performance of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, despite critical acclaim, serves as a cautionary tale.
As Nintendo embarks on broad multimedia adventures, the temptation to infuse cinematic references to its larger gaming universe grows. The memorable moment in which Super Mario 3D Land goes top-down in “World 5-2” hilariously nods to the original Legend of Zelda games. While hints at a grand Super Smash crossover may intrigue fans, caution is essential to avoid overextending the narrative.
Fortunately, as demonstrated by the original Super Mario Bros., the series has conveyed a fundamental message about oversaturation. Should future films feature levels like the unwinnable Minus World from the 1985 classic, even the most devoted fan base may be left questioning the narrative choices.
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