Did You Catch The Super Mario Galaxy Movie's Kirby Reference?

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie felt like a family reunion for several of Nintendo’s most beloved characters, although not all characters, including all Mario franchise characters, were part of the Super Mario Galaxy Movie cast. This new installment centered primarily on Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser, along with sequel newcomers Princess Rosalina, Yoshi, and Bowser Jr.

There were also a few surprising Nintendo character appearances, including some pretty heavy involvement from Fox McCloud and even a hilarious (albeit brief) helping hand from Mr. Game and Watch. However, one of the most popular Nintendo characters of all time has no appearance in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie—just a subtle, blink-and-you-miss-it reference.

Kirby Doesn’t Appear In The Super Mario Galaxy Movie But He Is Referenced

Much to the disappointment of fans who love the pink, adorable, yet incredibly powerful character, Kirby does not have a direct appearance in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. This came as a surprise to many because, although he didn’t have an appearance in the trailers for the movie, it felt like a no-brainer to include the beloved character, who would undoubtedly translate well on the big screen.

Nevertheless, the closest audiences got to seeing Kirby in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was a very subtle reference among the movie’s numerous Easter eggs. Specifically, early in the movie, in Rosalina’s house, one of her Lumas looks strikingly similar to Kirby, with a pink, round body.

What makes it even more obvious that this is meant to be a reference to Kirby, though, is the way that this particular Luma moves. Like Kirby, this Luma bounces through the air, rising and falling slightly as it goes. It’s a true blink-and-you-miss-it moment, but it’s no coincidence that this Luma bears such a resemblance to Kirby and moves in the same manner. Still, it’s not nearly as good as the real thing.

Will Kirby Appear In A Future Super Mario Movie?

Kirby standing by a giant crystal in Star-Crossed World.

Currently, there is no confirmed sequel to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, although there have been discussions about extending the franchise. Even without an official announcement, though, it feels next to impossible that there won’t be some sort of sequel movie or continuation of this franchise.

While The Super Mario Galaxy has been met with mixed reviews, it’s also breaking box office records and reportedly grossed $34.5 million at the box office after just one day. With such a lucrative franchise, it’s safe to assume additional movies are coming. So, that begs the question: Will Kirby appear in an upcoming Mario movie?

At present, that question, like the future of the franchise, remains a mystery. However, it would be a true shame not to include Kirby moving forward. After all, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has already proven that the franchise can pull in additional characters and be met with fanfare (such as with Yoshi), and Kirby would no doubt receive the same.

Particularly in terms of demographics, bringing an adorable, squishy-looking creature to the big screen would be the right move—that’s Star Wars’ strategy with The Mandalorian and Grogu, for example. What’s more, it would make sense for Kirby to become necessary moving forward, particularly with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie seemingly teasing the next villain, the “evil forces.”

If The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is getting a sequel and that sequel is stepping up the threat level (which would make sense), then needing Kirby’s help would be a logical next step for the narrative. Hopefully, that is precisely the plan, because it’s more than time for this beloved Nintendo character to finally get his day on the big screen in this franchise.

For now, though, audiences will have to settle for the quick, subtle reference to Kirby in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie with the Luma who is clearly based on the character.