Summary (tl;dr)

Benny Safdie is trending due to the recent announcement that he will voice Bowser Jr. in the upcoming animated film, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie." This news, along with the casting of Brie Larson as Rosalina, was revealed during a Nintendo Direct event.

Essential Background

The "Super Mario Bros. Movie" (2023) was a major box office success, becoming the highest-grossing video game adaptation to date. Following its popularity, Nintendo and Illumination announced a sequel, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," based on the acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy video game series. Anticipation for this sequel has been building, with fans eager for details on new characters and voice actors.

The Full Story

On November 12, 2025, Nintendo held a special Nintendo Direct presentation dedicated to "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," where a new trailer was debuted and key casting announcements were made. During the Direct, it was officially confirmed that acclaimed filmmaker and actor Benny Safdie (known for Oppenheimer and Uncut Gems) will lend his voice to Bowser Jr., a significant villain in the Mario universe. Alongside this, Marvel star and Nintendo fan Brie Larson was announced as the voice of Rosalina, a powerful princess from space and a central character in the Super Mario Galaxy games. The film is set to release on April 3, 2026.

Why It Matters

The casting of prominent actors like Benny Safdie and Brie Larson generates significant buzz, drawing attention from both gaming enthusiasts and mainstream movie audiences. Safdie's involvement, known for his dramatic and directing work, adds an unexpected and intriguing dimension to the family-friendly animated film, leading to widespread discussion and interest in how he will interpret the mischievous Bowser Jr.. This announcement further elevates expectations for the sequel, which aims to expand the cinematic universe established by the first "Super Mario Bros. Movie" and adapt one of Nintendo's most beloved game titles.