Nintendo creator Shigeru Miyamoto wants future Mario games to adopt the character backstories established in the animated sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, according to a report from kotaku.com.
Despite the film receiving largely negative reviews, Miyamoto expressed interest in using the movie's expanded lore to flesh out characters like Princess Peach. This move could potentially retcon established history from decades of Nintendo gameplay.
In an interview with Nintendo Dream, Miyamoto explained his historical aversion to narrative constraints. He noted that he typically avoids deep backstories to ensure gameplay remains flexible.
“Because we don’t know what kind of game we’ll make next with our characters, having too many character settings would become a constraint,” Miyamoto said, as reported by kotaku.com.
He added that the requirements of filmmaking have changed his perspective on character development. “I’m fine with being bound by the gameplay, but I don’t want to be bound by having created a story, which has been the reason for not making movies for many years. So, before making this movie, I hadn’t decided on the character’s backstory, but now that I’m making the movie, it’s become fun to expand on the character in various ways. Therefore, I would like to adhere as much as possible to the settings created in the movie in future games.”
A shift in continuity
The specific plot point Miyamoto aims to integrate involves the relationship between Princess Peach and Rosalina. The movie reveals the two characters are sisters, a direct contradiction to the established lore in the 2007 title Super Mario Galaxy.
While Nintendo previously explored links between the characters during early development, the game's official history kept them separate. The new direction would officially cement this familial bond within the franchise's canon.
This shift marks a transition for Miyamoto, who has increasingly focused on movies and theme parks in recent years. He continues to hold producer credits on major titles such as Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Critics noted that while Nintendo's refusal to be tied to lore can be refreshing, anchoring the franchise to potentially flawed cinematic narratives poses a risk to the established worldbuilding.
