The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’s Bowser Change Missed A Golden Game Reference

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Beware, spoilers ahead for The Super Mario Bros. Movie! The film had a chance to connect more deeply with the games by further developing Bowser’s character, but didn’t quite take it. While opinions on the new Illumination movie are mixed, most agree that its many references to classic Nintendo games are what make it so enjoyable, especially for longtime fans who love seeing their favorite characters brought to life on the big screen.

Bowser’s development in this film allows for nods to other games in the Mario series. He’s shown as genuinely changed after being reduced in size at the end of the first movie, and the film confirms this isn’t just an act – even when Mario restores his size, Bowser’s new personality remains.

This new take on Bowser’s personality has allowed for lots of fun callbacks to moments throughout the Mario series. Despite being rivals, Mario and Bowser have often found themselves on the same side. From teaming up in sports games like tennis to sharing a surprisingly understanding moment after both being turned down by Princess Peach in Super Mario Odyssey, it’s clear they have a complicated, ‘frenemies’ dynamic.

Their relationship seemed to be improving when Bowser stopped his son from harming Mario and Luigi. However, this positive change didn’t last. Midway through the movie, Bowser Jr. insists he wants to remain villainous, and the film shifts back to a typical Mario and Bowser showdown in the ending of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Super Mario Galaxy Completely Dropping Bowser’s Character Change Mid-Movie Makes Him Less Interesting

It was a letdown to see Bowser suddenly become evil and start hating Mario all over again. He completely went back to being the villain from The Super Mario Bros. Movie – any progress he’d made is gone. He’s just Bowser again, and it’s disappointing that he didn’t continue to develop as a character.

The first part of the movie was particularly engaging thanks to Bowser’s personality. His quick shifts between rage and composure created humorous moments, leaving the audience guessing whether he was truly upset or simply scheming.

The movie eventually shows Bowser changing for the better, culminating in a touching scene where he sacrifices himself to help Mario rescue Peach. This moment genuinely develops Bowser’s character. However, when Bowser Jr. appears and turns his father back into a villain, it undoes all the interesting progress Bowser had made.

Bowser Could Have Become An Unexpected Hero In The Third Act

The most disappointing thing about Bowser in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie isn’t that he acts cruelly, but that the film doesn’t offer him any chance to change or feel remorse. A key moment, like when Bowser Jr. trapped Mario and Peach, could have shown Bowser rejecting his son’s actions and starting to turn good, but the movie doesn’t explore that possibility.

Bowser and Mario have occasionally worked together in games, most famously in Super Mario RPG. Exploring this dynamic further could have been a great way to connect with fans and develop Bowser’s character. Adding a significant conflict with his son would have also created a compelling climax, potentially leading to a final battle involving Mario, Bowser, and others.

While The Super Mario Galaxy Movie does show Mario rescuing Bowser Jr., the film doesn’t follow through on Bowser’s resulting change in character. It feels like this important development is simply ignored, and it leaves Bowser feeling unfulfilled by the end. Hopefully, a sequel will address this, but as it stands, the film leaves Bowser’s transformation feeling pointless and forgotten.

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2026-04-19 17:20