Super Mario keeps powering box office

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie stayed on top in its second weekend, adding $69 million in North America and keeping the box office lead. (variety.com) Universal and Illumination released the sequel in 4,284 theaters across the United States and Canada, and studio estimates on Sunday put its domestic total at $308.1 million after 12 days. (apnews.com) Its second-weekend drop was 48% from opening weekend, a steadier hold than many event movies post after a front-loaded debut. Box Office Pro reported a $16,106 per-theater average for the frame. (variety.com) (boxofficepro.com) The film’s worldwide gross reached about $629 million, including roughly $321 million from international markets. Deadline reported the weekend added $153 million globally. (apnews.com) (deadline.com) That pace pushed Super Mario past Project Hail Mary as the highest-grossing movie of 2026 so far after less than two weeks in theaters. Variety said it reached that mark in 12 days. (variety.com) The run is also lifting a broader theatrical market that had already improved before April. Comscore data cited by trade and local reports put the 2026 domestic total at about $2.26 billion, up 23% from the same point in 2025. (mynewsla.com) New releases did not dislodge it. CNBC reported Universal’s You, Me & Tuscany opened in fourth place with $8 million from 3,151 screens, while trackers said Mario kept its momentum against fresh competition. (cnbc.com) (columbian.com) The first Super Mario Bros. Movie became a billion-dollar global hit in 2023, and this sequel is now tracking toward the same territory if its current holds continue. For theaters heading into the May start of summer movie season, Mario is still doing the heavy lifting. (cnbc.com) (deadline.com)