Glen Powell’s Star Fox Pitch Scored Him a Super Mario Galaxy Role

Here’s a behind-the-scenes story straight out of the "no way this was a coincidence" file: Glen Powell, the guy you’ve seen in everything from "Top Gun: Maverick" to just about every rom-com Netflix can pump out, almost talked his way into a Star Fox movie—only to end up voicing Fox McCloud in Illumination’s "Super Mario Galaxy" animated sequel instead. Sometimes, landing the gig really is about shooting your shot.

Powell Calls His Shot

After Illumination’s first "Super Mario Bros." movie basically printed money, Hollywood actors started crawling out of the woodwork to let producer Chris Meledandri know just how badly they wanted in on Nintendo’s next big thing. Glen Powell was one of the most enthusiastic of the bunch. He actually pitched himself for a potential "Star Fox" film—completely unaware that Meledandri and legendary Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto were already plotting to sneak Fox McCloud into the sequel.

Meledandri described it like this:

"After the first movie was done, there were two phone calls from actors who were all-in on Nintendo. Glen was one of them. He went on about how much he loved Fox McCloud. His dream? To be in a Star Fox movie. Meanwhile, he had no idea Miyamoto and I were already working Fox McCloud into the new movie."

So basically, Powell called about a project he didn’t know existed yet, and Meledandri was just sitting there, probably biting his tongue the whole time.

Secret Missions and Casting Surprises

The really fun twist is Meledandri decided to keep Powell’s casting totally under wraps at first. He wanted Fox McCloud’s appearance in the film to be a genuine surprise for fans (and, apparently, most of Hollywood). Powell got the call, but with one condition: talk about the role to no one. Zero leaks. Meledandri also said the role just seemed made for Powell—something about that confident, slightly cocky vibe Powell brings to a character.

Who’s Joining Powell in "Super Mario Galaxy"?

Powell’s not flying solo. Here’s the rest of the main cast for "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie"—and yes, it’s another stacked lineup:

• Chris Pratt as Mario
• Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach
• Charlie Day as Luigi
• Jack Black as Bowser
• Keegan-Michael Key as Toad
• Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr.
• Donald Glover as Yoshi
• Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek
• Luis Guzman as Wart
• Issa Rae as Honey Queen
• Brie Larson as Princess Rosalina

Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (yes, the "Teen Titans Go!" team) are handling directing duties, with the script by Matthew Fogel. Of course, Meledandri and Miyamoto are sticking around as producers to keep things on track (and Nintendo-approved).

Mark Your Calendars

If you want to see how Glen Powell’s surprise Star Fox pivot plays out, "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" hits theaters April 1, 2026. No, seriously, that’s the real release date—April Fool’s aside.