The Super Mario Galaxy movie is a treasure trove of hidden references and subtle nods that will delight dedicated Nintendo fans. While some easter eggs are immediately obvious, others are deep cuts requiring extensive knowledge of Mario's gaming history.
A Deep Dive into Nintendo Nostalgia
As a lifelong Mario enthusiast who adored the original Super Mario Galaxy in 2007, I scrutinized every frame of the film's 100-minute runtime. Although a single viewing means I likely missed some details, these are the most significant references that caught my eye. Be warned: spoilers for The Super Mario Galaxy movie follow.
Super Mario Odyssey Connections
The film opens with Mario and Luigi riding dirt bikes toward Tostarena Town, a desert location featuring an inverted pyramid. This setting first appeared in Super Mario Odyssey. Later, a T-Rex chases Yoshi and the group, another clear nod to Odyssey, where Mario could control the dinosaur by throwing his hat.
In the climactic battle, Bowser Jr. summons a massive purple dragon using his paintbrush. This enemy mirrors the boss fight in Odyssey's Ruined Kingdom stage, further cementing the connection between the two games.
Classic Power-Ups and Items
Super Mario Galaxy significantly expands the array of power-ups compared to previous films. Throughout the movie, Mario encounters numerous items that enhance his abilities:
- Penguin Suit
- Frog Suit
- Ice Flower
- Fire Flower
- Drill Mushroom
- Cloud Flower
- Blimp Yoshi
- Bubble Flower
- Red Star
- Cape Feather
Nintendo Character Cameos
The film features several surprise appearances from beloved Nintendo characters. During the final confrontation, Luigi summons Mr. Game & Watch from a Question Block. This iconic figure from Nintendo's early handheld devices is also playable in Super Smash Bros., sparking speculation about potential spin-off movies.
At the Gateway Galaxy help desk, Peach and Toad encounter R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy), the accessory for the original NES. Additionally, a miniature ship carrying Pikmin lands on the Gateway Galaxy pad, hinting at Nintendo's broader universe and potential future cinematic crossovers.
Bowser Jr.'s Arsenal and References
Bowser Jr. wields the Gaddbrush, a magical paintbrush that creates objects from thin air. This weapon debuted in Super Mario Sunshine, where the character also used it as his primary tool. In one scene, Bowser Jr. traps Mario and Peach in a fireball-filled trench using a computer terminal running "Bowser OS." This sequence directly references Mario Maker, the game that allows players to design and share custom Mario levels, complete with similar 8-bit graphics.
Musical Easter Eggs
Brian Tyler's score incorporates several iconic themes from Mario's history. The Gusty Garden Galaxy theme, one of the most memorable tracks from the original game, appears during Peach and Toad's arrival at Gateway Galaxy and in the final battle against Bowser Jr., though not in its traditional context.
When Peach and Toad enter the casino area, an orchestral version of "Jump Up Superstar" from Super Mario Odyssey plays. While typically associated with New Donk City, this musical reference adds another layer of nostalgia for attentive fans.
Post-Credits Surprise
The end-credit scene reveals Daisy confronting a mischievous monkey in Gateway Galaxy. Although her role remains undefined, this appearance has already generated excitement among fans, who are speculating about potential voice actors for future sequels.
How many of these Super Mario Galaxy movie easter eggs did you spot? The film demonstrates Illumination's commitment to honoring Nintendo's rich legacy while expanding the Mario cinematic universe.
