Mario mad in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
By
Nicholas Raymond
Published Feb 28, 2026, 8:00 PM EST
Nicholas Raymond is an author and journalist based out of Alabama, where he proudly roots for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. A graduate of the University of Montevallo, he has a degree in mass communication with a concentration in journalism.
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The Super Mario Galaxy Movie looks poised to officially introduce Captain Toad, which would confirm a common theory that circulated with the release of its predecessor. The Super Mario Bros. Movie featured a number of connections to Captain Toad, but Keegan Michael-Key's character never formally took on that mantle.
It's important to note that in the Super Mario universe, Captain Toad and Toad are not the same character. Whereas the traditional Toad has a reputation as the loyal servant and companion of Princess Peach, Captain Toad - who made his debut in Super Mario Galaxy - is an explorer, the leader of the Toad Brigade, and the protagonist of his own game, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie May Finally Confirm That Toad Really Is "Captain Toad"
The separation between the two characters has been the cause of some confusion, especially since The Super Mario Bros. Movie's interpretation of Toad shares Captain Toad's interest in exploration, and even wears a backpack, not unlike one associated it with the Toad Brigade leader. Not only that, but Captain Toad's theme music, "The Toad Brigade," can be heard in the film.
Another link to Captain Toad emerged in the marketing for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Certain clips, including the one that shows him with Baby Mario and Baby Luigi, Toad is shown sporting a red bandana. However, he's also spotted without in other scenes. The red banana is an important part of Captain Toad's look in the games.
This goes hand-in-hand with the idea that Toad and Captain Toad have been merged into one character, rather than remain individual figures in Mario and Luigi's world. If that's the case, it may be that the movies are gradually building up his transformation into Captain Toad. The red bandana could mark another step in that direction, if it's not already happened at this point in the film.
Putting all the pieces together, from the backpack in the first movie to the bandana in the sequel, plus the possible formation of the Toad Brigade could complete the transition for the character in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. As for how that could be facilitated, it may be that Rosalina or Princess Peach will officially designate him with the rank of "Captain" and offer the finishing touches of his design.
Given that Super Mario Galaxy is where the character debuted in the first place, there's no better story for that moment than the adventure The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has in store for him. Becoming Captain Toad could be the culmination of his journey alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi in the battle against Bowser Jr.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Like Follow Followed PG Action Adventure Animation Comedy Release Date April 1, 2026 Runtime 98 Minutes Director Aaron Horvath, Michael JelenicCast
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Chris Pratt
Mario
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Anya Taylor-Joy
Princess Peach
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Charlie Day
Luigi
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Jack Black
Bowser
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