Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary creator of Mario, has shared insights about his evolving role in the franchise as he steps back from leading development. In an interview celebrating the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., Miyamoto revealed that he has entrusted much of the work on new Mario games to his team while still monitoring the initial phases of new projects to ensure they capture the essence of Mario. He expressed hopes to remain healthy for Mario's 50th anniversary and discussed the franchise's successful expansion into theme parks and movies. With the release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on the horizon, exciting developments are anticipated in the Mario universe.

What are the biggest changes in Shigeru Miyamoto’s role with the Mario franchise?

Shigeru Miyamoto has transitioned from leading development to overseeing the franchise, entrusting much of the work to his team while personally reviewing the first 30 minutes of new games to ensure they feel like Mario. He remains involved in key elements of the franchise, including its expansion into media beyond gaming.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is set to take Mario's adventures to new heights and is expected to feature Princess Rosalina and Bowser Jr. The movie is currently in the final stages of production, building on the success of previous screen adaptations and the enduring popularity of the franchise. As fans eagerly await this new cinematic installment, it highlights the lasting legacy and influence of Mario in the gaming and entertainment industries.