'Super Mario Bros. Movie' Powers Up Box Office With $26M Debut And 2 'Extra Life' Post-Credit Surprises

"Super Mario Bros. Movie," the animated adventure film based on Nintendo's (OTC: NTDOY) Mario video game franchise, is making a big splash at the box office.

According to Deadline, the film produced by Comcast's (NASDAQ: CMCSA) Illumination, Universal Pictures, and Nintendo is already looking at a $26 million opening day on Wednesday, even though it didn't have any Tuesday previews.

This could translate into a projected $86.2 million for the 3-day total and $127.5 million from Wednesday through Sunday, meaning the new movie could break the 3-day record for a videogame feature adaptation that Paramount's (NASDAQ: PARA) and SEGA's (OTC: SGAMY) "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" holds, with $72.1 million.

Moreover, if these numbers hold up, "Super Mario Bros. Movie" will have the second-best 5-day debut (Wednesday through Sunday) for an Illumination title after 2013’s "Despicable Me 2", which raked in $143 million.

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The movie's success is particularly noteworthy given mixed critical reviews. Rotten Tomatoes scored the film at 54% Rotten, but audience reviews were overwhelmingly positive at 96%. The movie's official Twitter account celebrated the news by sharing a picture of the rating and writing: "These koopas are ready to ROCK. Are you?"

These koopas are ready to ROCK 🤘 Are you? Get tickets now at https://t.co/8P2JiqQgNO.#SuperMarioMovie pic.twitter.com/XGZ64rzNbG

— The Super Mario Bros. Movie (@supermariomovie) April 5, 2023

The movie, which was directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, with the screenplay written by Matthew Fogel, showcases a remarkable voice cast. This ensemble includes Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, and Fred Armisen.

And one more thing you should know - the "Super Mario Bros. Movie" features both a mid-credits and a post-credits scene that offer a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the beloved franchise. So remember to stay until the very end!

Photo: Shutterstock

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