benny safdie

Benny Safdie Cast as Bowser Jr. in 'Super Mario Galaxy Movie': What We Know

The animated world of the Mushroom Kingdom is expanding, and it’s bringing some serious indie film cred along for the ride. In a surprising casting move that bridges the gap between arthouse cinema and blockbuster animation, director Benny Safdie has been tapped to voice the iconic villain Bowser Jr. in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

This announcement, made during a November 2025 Nintendo Direct, has sent ripples through the entertainment industry, combining the star power of Brie Larson with the distinct vocal talents of one-half of the celebrated Safdie brothers. For fans of Nintendo’s beloved franchise and cinema enthusiasts alike, this intersection of worlds marks a significant moment in the evolution of video game adaptations.

A Galaxy-Sized Reveal

The news broke during a highly anticipated Nintendo Direct livestream in November 2025, an event typically reserved for gaming announcements that surprised viewers with a deep dive into the upcoming film's cast and production. According to reports from IGN and Mashable, the livestream provided the first official confirmation that Benny Safdie would be lending his voice to the spiky, troublemaking son of Bowser.

While Safdie is widely recognized for his work behind the camera—co-directing critically acclaimed films like Uncut Gems and Good Time—his casting suggests a creative direction that values nuanced, character-driven performances, even in a family-friendly blockbuster. The Nintendo Direct showcased the film's direction, highlighting a narrative that expands upon the cosmic adventures introduced in the Super Mario Galaxy video games.

The announcement didn't stop there. The stream also confirmed the casting of Academy Award winner Brie Larson as Rosalina, the ethereal protector of the cosmos. Together, Larson and Safdie represent a high-caliber approach to voice acting, signaling Illumination’s (the studio behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie) intent to give the franchise a sophisticated, yet accessible, cinematic treatment.

The Cast Takes Shape: Larson and Safdie

The combination of Brie Larson and Benny Safdie creates a fascinating dynamic for the film. Larson’s role as Rosalina is a natural fit; her previous work demonstrates a capacity for both strength and vulnerability, essential for the character who guides Mario through the stars. However, it is Safdie’s role as Bowser Jr. that has generated the most intrigue.

Bowser Jr. is traditionally portrayed as a mischievous, somewhat spoiled, but ultimately loyal antagonist. Safdie, known for his intense, high-strung on-screen persona (seen in films like The Perfect Storm and Oppenheimer), brings a unique texture to the character. It implies a Bowser Jr. who might be more complex than a simple brat; perhaps one with a chip on his shoulder or a neurotic edge that mirrors his father’s rage.

Variety’s report on the Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer highlights that these new characters will be central to the plot. The film is expected to follow Mario and Luigi as they traverse the cosmos, encountering Rosalina and dealing with the antics of Bowser Jr., who likely serves as the primary catalyst for the interstellar conflict.

Contextual Background: From Indie Darling to Nintendo Star

To understand the weight of this casting, one must look at Benny Safdie’s trajectory. Along with his brother Josh, Benny Safdie built a reputation for creating visceral, chaotic, and deeply human cinema. Their films are characterized by their "texture"—gritty, loud, and emotionally raw.

Bringing a director known for such a specific aesthetic into the polished, colorful world of Nintendo is a bold stroke. It mirrors a broader trend in Hollywood: the "auteur-ification" of blockbuster casting. Studios are increasingly looking beyond traditional voice actors to secure talent that brings cultural cachet and critical acclaim.

This isn't the first time Nintendo has sought high-profile actors for its adaptations. The 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie featured Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Jack Black. The choice of Safdie continues this trend but pivots toward a more "indie" sensibility, perhaps aiming to capture the emotional depth found in games like Super Mario Galaxy (often cited as one of the greatest games ever made), which deal with themes of family, abandonment, and cosmic loneliness.

Immediate Effects on the Industry

The casting of Benny Safdie has immediate implications for the film's marketing and reception.

1. Cross-Pollination of Audiences: By casting Safdie, Nintendo and Illumination are inviting the "Letterboxd" crowd—the cinephiles who follow directors and festivals—into the theater alongside die-hard Mario fans. It creates a buzz that transcends typical gaming news cycles.
2. Elevated Expectations for Voice Work: Safdie is not a traditional voice actor. His casting suggests that the direction will lean into naturalistic, perhaps unconventional performances. This puts pressure on other animated films to move away from "standard" cartoon voices.
3. The "Nintendo Direct" Marketing Strategy: The decision to unveil this casting during a gaming livestream rather than a traditional movie press event (though covered by outlets like Variety) reinforces Nintendo's control over its ecosystem. It treats the movie as an extension of the game, blurring the lines between the two media.

Future Outlook: What This Means for the Movie

Based on the verified reports and the trajectory of the Super Mario brand, here is what we can expect moving forward:

A More Complex Tone: The involvement of Benny Safdie hints that the Super Mario Galaxy Movie might explore darker or more emotionally resonant themes than its predecessor. While it will remain a family film, the conflict between Mario and Bowser's family could have added layers.

The "Safdie Style" in Animation? While Safdie is voicing the character, not directing it, his influence might be felt in the pacing and energy of his scenes. Fans should expect a Bowser Jr. who is energetic, perhaps frantic, and definitely memorable.

High Stakes for the Box Office: The first Super Mario Bros. Movie was a massive financial success. The sequel, bolstered by the galaxy setting and a stacked cast, is poised to perform similarly well. However, the success of this specific casting will be measured by how well Safdie’s distinct voice integrates into the established Mario lore.

Conclusion

Benny Safdie’s role as Bowser Jr. is more than just a fun piece of trivia; it is a signal of the growing sophistication of video game adaptations. It represents a studio confident enough to mix high-art talent with pop-culture icons. As the November 2025 Nintendo Direct revealed, the Super Mario Galaxy Movie is shaping up to be a cosmic event that blends the familiar comfort of the Mushroom Kingdom with the unexpected thrill of indie cinema.

With Brie Larson guiding the way and Benny Safdie causing trouble from the shadows, the journey to the stars is going to be a wild ride. Fans should keep their eyes peeled for the full trailer, as the galaxy is about to get a lot more interesting.