Nintendo's iconic creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, has drawn a clear line in the sand for The Super Mario Movie franchise, announcing a strict ban on "dirty jokes" to maintain a child-friendly atmosphere. This directive, shared with Illumination's CEO Chris Meledandri, contrasts intriguingly with the potential inclusion of Wario, a character infamous for his unsavory habits and comedic flatulence, as seen in Super Smash Bros. with his "Wario Waft" ability.

The ban on risqué humor is rooted in Miyamoto's philosophical approach to content for younger audiences, as expressed in an interview with Japanese website Crank In:

"I think of children as 'adults, they just don't have as much knowledge yet.' That's why I don't want to make them laugh with dirty jokes."

Shigeru Miyamoto

Despite this stance, Miyamoto hinted at Wario's possible appearance, leaving fans to ponder how the character's traits might be adapted for the big screen. Wario's inclusion would follow the successful integration of other quirky characters like Rosalina and Birdo in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

About The Super Mario Movie Franchise

Developed under the collaborative umbrella of Universal Studios Hollywood Hub and Nintendo, The Super Mario Movie franchise has proven to be a global box office phenomenon.

Metric Value
Box Office Earnings for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie $898 million worldwide after its first month in theaters
Box Office Earnings for the first animated Mario movie $1.36 billion
Potential release date for the third major film 2029
Release date for the Donkey Kong spinoff 2028

The financial success all but guarantees future sequels, with actor Jack Black (voice of Bowser) suggesting a third major film might arrive in 2029. Additionally, a Mario spinoff centered around Donkey Kong is slated for 2028.

The Wario Conundrum

Wario's potential inclusion in the franchise poses an interesting challenge. Given Miyamoto's ban on dirty jokes, any adaptation of Wario would need to balance his comedic, yet crude, nature with the film's family-friendly ethos. His actions in games, such as chain-chomping garlic and picking his nose, would require creative adjustment. As the most notable Mario character yet to debut on the big screen, Wario's appearance could offer a unique narrative opportunity, potentially even as an antagonist for the anticipated third film.

What This Means for Fans and the Franchise

Miyamoto's directive ensures the franchise's accessibility to its broad, family audience, a crucial aspect of its appeal. The possible inclusion of Wario, despite the comedic constraints, hints at the creative solutions the filmmakers might employ to incorporate beloved yet challenging characters. As the franchise moves forward, balancing fan expectations with Miyamoto's vision will be pivotal. The middling reviews of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which reportedly surprised Miyamoto, may also influence the direction of future films, potentially leading to more refined storytelling or character developments.

The upcoming films, including the 2028 Donkey Kong spinoff and the anticipated 2029 third installment, will be closely watched for how they navigate these challenges and opportunities. With the global success of the franchise, the stakes are high, but the potential for innovative storytelling and character introductions, like Wario's, keeps the series exciting for both longtime fans and new viewers.

ℹ️ Note: The third Super Mario film, potentially featuring Wario, is suggested for a 2029 release, with a Donkey Kong spinoff slated for 2028.

Key Takeaways

  • Shigeru Miyamoto has banned "dirty jokes" in The Super Mario Movie franchise.
  • Wario might still appear in future films, despite his character's crude humor.
  • The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has earned $898 million globally.
  • A Donkey Kong spinoff is set for 2028, with a third major Mario film potentially in 2029.