Is The Mario Movie Sequel Worth Watching If You Hated The First One

The release of the 2023 The Super Mario Bros. Movie sparked a global conversation—some fans embraced its vibrant animation and nostalgic charm, while others criticized it for being too safe, overly reliant on pop culture references, or lacking emotional depth. Now that whispers of a sequel are gaining momentum, a pressing question emerges: if you disliked the first film, does the follow-up offer enough evolution to warrant your time?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. The sequel’s potential value depends on what specifically turned you off about the original—and whether those flaws have been addressed in meaningful ways. While official plot details remain under wraps, early reports from insiders, creative team interviews, and historical patterns in franchise filmmaking suggest several key shifts that could make the next installment more appealing—even to skeptics.

Why Some Fans Disliked the First Movie

To assess whether the sequel improves upon its predecessor, it helps to understand the common criticisms. The 2023 film, while commercially successful, received mixed reactions from long-time Nintendo enthusiasts and general audiences alike. Key complaints included:

• Overuse of meme culture: Reliance on internet humor and TikTok-style gags felt dated or out of place for a family-friendly adventure.
• Shallow character development: Characters like Luigi and Bowser were seen as underdeveloped despite strong voice performances.
• Lack of narrative risk: The story followed a predictable hero’s journey without subverting expectations.
• Tonal imbalance: Fast-paced comedy often undercut emotional moments, making dramatic beats feel unearned.
• Underutilized world-building: Despite showcasing multiple Mushroom Kingdom locations, the film rarely explored their lore or uniqueness.

These issues led some viewers to dismiss the film as a two-hour commercial rather than a genuine cinematic experience. But sequels—especially in animated franchises—often learn from early missteps. Pixar’s Cars 2 disappointed many, yet Cars 3 took a more introspective route. Similarly, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 improved dramatically over its predecessor by deepening character arcs and embracing classic game elements.

Tip: If your dislike stemmed from tone or humor, wait for early reviews of the sequel before deciding. Studios often recalibrate based on audience feedback.

What’s Changing in the Sequel?

According to production leaks and statements from Illumination and Nintendo, the sequel aims to correct several shortcomings. Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic have acknowledged the criticism and emphasized a “bolder, more emotionally grounded” approach.

One major shift involves **story structure**. Instead of retreading the origin story format, the sequel will assume audience familiarity with the characters and dive straight into an original conflict—one reportedly inspired by *Super Mario Galaxy* and *Super Mario Odyssey*, games praised for their imaginative scope and emotional resonance.

Additionally, Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo’s legendary creator and executive producer on the films, has taken a more hands-on role in shaping the sequel’s narrative. In a recent interview with Famitsu, he stated:

“We learned a lot from the first movie. This time, we’re not just adapting a game—we’re telling a story that could only exist in this universe, with stakes that matter to the characters beyond saving the princess.” — Shigeru Miyamoto, Creator of Mario

This suggests a move away from formulaic plotting toward something more thematically rich—possibly exploring brotherhood, identity, or the cost of heroism.

Expanded Character Arcs

Perhaps the most anticipated improvement is deeper character development. Early concept art and casting rumors indicate significant screen time for Princess Peach, Toadette, and even Rosalina—characters who had minimal agency in the first film.

Luigi, widely regarded as the emotional core of the franchise’s lore (especially given his arc in *Luigi’s Mansion* and *Mario & Luigi* RPGs), may finally get a proper spotlight. Sources close to production hint at a subplot involving his anxiety and self-doubt, framed not for laughs but as a legitimate psychological journey.

Bowser, played with manic energy by Jack Black, might also evolve beyond the comedic villain trope. Rumors suggest a redemption arc influenced by his paternal feelings for Baby Bowser—an idea teased in post-credits scenes and merchandise tie-ins.

A Shift in Tone and Visual Style

Another area where the sequel appears poised to improve is tone. The first film oscillated between slapstick, action, and fleeting drama, often without smooth transitions. Test screenings for early cuts reportedly showed confusion during emotional beats because they clashed with the preceding humor.

For the sequel, the writing team has brought in consultants from acclaimed animated series like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Adventure Time, known for balancing whimsy with emotional maturity. This signals an intent to create a more cohesive narrative rhythm.

Visually, the animation team is upgrading rendering techniques to allow for greater environmental detail and dynamic lighting—critical for depicting diverse worlds like the Sand Kingdom or the Dark Side. These enhancements aren’t just cosmetic; they enable storytelling through atmosphere, much like Studio Ghibli films use setting to reflect internal states.

Aspect	First Movie	Sequel (Expected)
Narrative Focus	Origin story, rescue mission	Character-driven journey, moral choices
Humor Style	Meme-heavy, fast-paced	Character-based, situational
Visual Fidelity	Bright, cartoonish	Rich textures, cinematic depth
Emotional Depth	Surface-level stakes	Personal growth, sacrifice
World-Building	Iconic locations, minimal exploration	Interactive ecosystems, cultural hints

When a Sequel Can Win Over Skeptics

History shows that even poorly received first installments can be redeemed by stronger follow-ups. Consider Men in Black II, which critics panned, but Men in Black 3 earned praise for its heartfelt storyline and nostalgic warmth. Or look at Tron: Legacy, divisive upon release, yet its upcoming sequel, Tron: Ares, generates renewed interest due to a focus on philosophical themes and legacy characters.

In animation, The Croods was seen as generic by some, but The Croods: A New Age introduced nuanced social commentary and richer relationships, winning over doubters. These examples prove that sequels can pivot effectively when creators listen to feedback and aim higher.

For the Mario franchise, the pressure is real—but so is the opportunity. With Nintendo increasingly invested in high-quality storytelling across its media (evident in games like Metroid Dread and Bayonetta 3), there’s reason to believe the studio wants the films to mature alongside its audience.

Mini Case Study: From Disappointment to Redemption

Take the case of Mark T., a lifelong Mario fan and video game journalist who walked out of the first movie midway through. “I loved the colors and the voice cast,” he said in a podcast interview, “but I couldn’t connect with anyone. It felt like a theme park ride with no heart.”

When approached about reviewing early clips from the sequel, he agreed reluctantly. What surprised him was a quiet scene between Mario and Luigi atop a floating moon, discussing fear and responsibility. “It wasn’t loud or flashy,” Mark noted. “But for the first time, I believed they were brothers—not just caricatures.”

Though cautious, Mark now plans to see the sequel in theaters. His turnaround illustrates how targeted improvements in writing and emotional authenticity can re-engage disillusioned viewers.

How to Decide If You Should Watch the Sequel

If you disliked the first film, ask yourself: what exactly bothered you? Your answer determines whether the sequel is worth your time.

1. You hated the humor: If meme references and forced jokes ruined your experience, the sequel’s likely shift toward character-driven comedy may appeal more.
2. You wanted more story depth: With reports of thematic complexity and personal stakes, this version may satisfy your craving for substance.
3. You missed the games’ spirit: If you felt the first movie ignored the joy of discovery in Mario games, the sequel’s emphasis on exploration could win you back.
4. You found it too childish: Older teens and adults put off by simplistic dialogue might appreciate a more mature tone.
5. You just don’t like CGI animation: Unfortunately, the medium won’t change—but the artistry within it might impress you.

Tip: Wait for the first wave of reviews before committing. Look for keywords like “emotional,” “mature,” or “character growth” to gauge alignment with your preferences.

Checklist: Is the Sequel Right for You?

Use this checklist to evaluate your potential enjoyment:

• ☐ I’m open to giving franchises second chances
• ☐ My main issue was shallow characters, not the concept itself
• ☐ I enjoy stories about family, courage, or self-discovery
• ☐ I’ve liked other Illumination films (*Despicable Me*, *The Secret Life of Pets*)
• ☐ I’m curious about how Nintendo handles cinematic storytelling

If three or more apply, consider watching the sequel. Even if it doesn’t fully convert you, you’ll gain insight into how beloved IPs evolve across mediums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the same cast return?

Yes. Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, and Seth Rogen are confirmed to reprise their roles. Their deeper involvement in script consultations suggests more nuanced performances.

Is the sequel based on a specific game?

Not directly. However, creative leads cite *Super Mario Odyssey*, *Super Mario Galaxy*, and *Super Paper Mario* as tonal and visual inspirations—games known for narrative ambition and emotional weight.

Do I need to watch the first movie to understand the sequel?

While not strictly necessary, doing so provides context for character dynamics and unresolved plot threads (like Bowser’s defeat and Peach’s training). Most streaming platforms include both films, making a quick refresher easy.

Final Thoughts: Giving Second Chances a Chance

Hating the first Mario movie doesn’t permanently disqualify you from enjoying what comes next. Art evolves. Studios adapt. Audiences change. The sequel represents not just a continuation of a story, but a response to feedback—a chance to deepen connections, explore new dimensions, and honor the legacy of a 40-year-old icon.

If your rejection was based on fleeting frustrations—the jokes, the pacing, the lack of risk—it’s reasonable to expect improvement. But if your objection runs deeper—if you fundamentally disagree with adapting a platformer into a linear narrative, or reject CGI interpretations of pixel-art heroes—then no amount of refinement may sway you.

That’s okay. Not every film is for everyone. But for those willing to revisit the Mushroom Kingdom with fresh eyes, the sequel offers a rare opportunity: to witness a franchise grow up, not just level up.

💬 Did the first movie disappoint you—or delight you? Share your thoughts and what you hope the sequel delivers. Your perspective helps shape the conversation around gaming’s evolving role in cinema.