Hollywood actor Glen Powell has been officially cast as the voice of Fox McCloud in the upcoming animated feature ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.’ The announcement was made by Powell himself via a social media video posted on Friday, March 27, 2026. This news confirms the inclusion of the popular Nintendo character from the ‘Star Fox’ franchise into the Mario cinematic universe. The film continues to expand its roster with high-profile talent, aiming for a broad international audience familiar with the iconic video game series.
The casting connects Powell’s recent career trajectory with the character’s thematic elements. Powell gained significant recognition for his role as a naval aviator in the 2022 blockbuster ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ This parallels Fox McCloud’s identity as a skilled space pilot and leader of the Star Fox team. His more recent work includes starring in the thriller ‘How to Make a Killing’ released earlier this year. He also appeared in the film ‘Running Man’ the previous year, showcasing his range across different genres.
The ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ represents a major expansion of Nintendo’s film strategy following the success of 2023’s ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie.’ Integrating characters from the ‘Star Fox’ series suggests a broader, interconnected Nintendo cinematic universe is being planned. Fox McCloud, known for his adventures in the Lylat System, brings a science-fiction angle to the typically fantasy-based Mushroom Kingdom. This crossover could attract fans from multiple Nintendo franchises, boosting the film’s potential box office performance globally.
Voice casting for major animated films has increasingly relied on recognizable Hollywood stars to draw audiences. Powell’s involvement follows this established industry trend, adding to the project’s marketability. The production is likely to leverage advanced animation technology to blend the distinct visual styles of the ‘Super Mario’ and ‘Star Fox’ worlds seamlessly. No specific release date has been announced, but the casting news indicates active pre-production or production phases are underway for the anticipated sequel.
This strategic move highlights the ongoing convergence of the video game and film industries. Successful game adaptations have become major revenue drivers for studios in recent years. The inclusion of Fox McCloud sets a precedent for future cross-franchise storytelling within Nintendo’s vast intellectual property library. Fans worldwide will be watching to see how this beloved character transitions from interactive console to the big screen.
