In 1993, an iconic video game franchise made its way to the big screen, but not in the way fans were expecting. The live-action Super Mario Bros. movie, despite its legendary status as one of the most infamous video game adaptations, had the seeds of a sequel planted in its closing moments—though it was a sequel that would never materialize.
The Movie That Brought the Mushroom Kingdom to Life… Kind Of
In 1993, the Super Mario Bros. movie hit theaters with high hopes. With a budget of $48 million, expectations were sky-high for the first major live-action adaptation of a beloved video game. Unfortunately, it became one of the most disastrous releases in cinema history. Grossing only $20 million worldwide, the film quickly gained a reputation as one of the worst video game adaptations of all time.
Despite its failure, Super Mario Bros. remains a cultural curiosity. Audiences and critics alike still mention it with a mixture of fascination and disbelief. With its chaotic production, bizarre narrative, and an overwhelming departure from the video game’s whimsical world, the film earned its place in the “so bad it’s good” category.
The Tease of a Sequel
The film’s conclusion, however, gave fans a glimmer of hope for a follow-up. As Mario and Luigi—played by Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo—witness a news report about their heroics, the screenwriters set up a potential continuation. Just as they’re settling in, Daisy bursts into their apartment, armed and covered in dust, calling for their help on some incredible new adventure.
The film ends with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers wondering: What was the next big event Daisy was referring to? Unfortunately, this tease would never be followed through. The movie’s commercial failure led to the cancellation of any sequel plans, and the filmmakers moved on.
A Chaotic Production That Made a Sequel Impossible
Even if the movie had performed well at the box office, a sequel was already unlikely due to the troubled production process. Directors Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel clashed with the cast and producers constantly. The script was reworked repeatedly, sometimes even during filming, creating an atmosphere of tension on set.
Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo, who played Mario and Luigi, were vocal about their negative experiences making the film. Hoskins, in particular, had no idea he was signing up to play the role of Mario in a video game adaptation—his son had to explain the game to him after he accepted the role. By the time they realized the movie was headed for disaster, the actors, dealing with their frustration, often turned to alcohol to get through the shoots.
It didn’t help that during a chase scene, Hoskins broke his finger and had to wear a pink cast on his hand to keep filming. Looking back, Hoskins called it “the worst thing I’ve ever done,” referring to the entire experience as a “nightmare.”
The Legacy of a Failed Adventure
Despite its infamous reputation, the Super Mario Bros. movie still manages to captivate viewers. It’s considered a cult classic, loved for its unintentional comedy, its offbeat approach to the source material, and its outlandish world-building. The film’s failure didn’t tarnish the franchise, and Nintendo eventually made a successful return to the big screen in 2023 with an animated Super Mario Bros. film that grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, making it a massive success.
However, the lost sequel remains a curious piece of movie history. Imagine what could have been if the Super Mario Bros. saga had continued—would the sequel have lived up to the absurdity of its predecessor, or would it have redeemed the franchise? Fans will never know, but the unanswered question remains as much a part of its legacy as the film itself.
