Fox McCloud’s Shocking Debut in “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” Sparks Fan Frenzy
With “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” just days away from its cinematic release on Wednesday, April 1, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Trailers have teased a sprawling adventure, pulling characters not only from the iconic “Super Mario Galaxy” games but from across the broader Mario universe and beyond. While the inclusion of long-absent villain Wart had many speculating about the film’s biggest surprises, Nintendo has dropped an even more astonishing bombshell: Fox McCloud, the beloved protagonist of the “Star Fox” series, is set to make an appearance.
The unexpected revelation was accompanied by the release of an official movie poster featuring Fox McCloud in a dramatic pose, his signature Arwing starfighter prominently displayed behind him. Initially dismissed by some as a clever fan creation, the poster was officially shared on the movie’s X account, solidifying its authenticity.
This development, unless it’s an elaborate and cruel April Fool’s prank, leaves fans with a plethora of perplexing questions. Chief among them is why Nintendo and Illumination chose to reveal such a significant crossover character, a moment that would have undoubtedly been a delightful surprise, mere days before the film’s premiere.
While Fox McCloud has no direct ties to the “Super Mario Galaxy” games themselves, his inclusion does hold a certain logic given the shared outer-space setting of both the Mario and Star Fox franchises. However, if the intention was to introduce a character from a different Nintendo IP, the choice of Fox McCloud, whose own series has seen a significant decline in recent years, is still rather peculiar.
The last mainline “Star Fox” game, “Star Fox Zero,” launched in 2016 for the Wii U. It was a considerable commercial disappointment and, unlike other Wii U exclusives, never received a port to the Nintendo Switch. Consequently, many Nintendo enthusiasts likely only recognise Fox McCloud through his recurring role in the “Super Smash Bros.” series. This movie appearance, therefore, presents a unique opportunity for a new generation of gamers to encounter him, potentially viewing him as a character intrinsically linked to the Mario universe.
This strategic move might signal Nintendo’s intention to revitalise the “Star Fox” franchise and boost Fox’s profile, perhaps in anticipation of a new game for the upcoming Switch 2 console. However, there have been no concrete rumours or announcements regarding a new “Star Fox” title in development.
Alternatively, this crossover could be a deliberate step towards a future “Super Smash Bros.” cinematic universe. With Pikmin already confirmed to be in the movie, as evidenced by recent trailers, it’s plausible that other Nintendo franchises could make appearances. Given the film’s cosmic theme, a cameo from Samus Aran, the protagonist of the “Metroid” series, would also be a fitting addition.
Glen Powell Confirmed as Fox McCloud’s Voice
Adding further weight to the significance of Fox McCloud’s role, it has been confirmed that Glen Powell, known for his roles in “Top Gun: Maverick” and “The Running Man,” will be lending his voice to the character. This casting choice strongly suggests that Fox’s presence in the film will be far more than a fleeting cameo.
Powell himself shared the news via an Instagram post, showcasing his excitement with a video of him playfully mimicking Mario’s iconic jumps while sporting a “Star Fox” jacket, all set to the game’s memorable theme music. The considerable effort and likely substantial celebrity paycheck involved in securing Powell for this role underscore the importance Nintendo and Illumination are placing on Fox McCloud’s character within “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.”
Implications for Other Crossovers
Powell’s casting also appears to bolster the likelihood of other Nintendo characters making an appearance, particularly Samus Aran. Brie Larson, who is already confirmed to be voicing Rosalina in the film, has previously expressed her interest in portraying Samus in a live-action capacity. With her involvement in the “Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” it becomes increasingly conceivable that she could also take on the role of the formidable bounty hunter. The movie’s expansive scope and the confirmed inclusion of characters from disparate Nintendo franchises are paving the way for a truly monumental crossover event on the silver screen.
