One of the most annoying enemies in the Super Mario franchise looks set to become a thorn in the side of the main characters in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Trailers for the upcoming sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie confirms that a long list of notable figures from the Super Mario games are about to make their big-screen debut.
Old favorites, from Bowser Jr. to Yoshi, will be making major appearances, as will recognizable characters like Birdo and Rosalina. There will also be at least a few surprise, deep-cut choices, as evidenced by the apparent inclusion of Mouser and Clawgrip. Another interesting addition, based on the third Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer, is Ukiki.
Ukiki Has A History As A Nuisance In The Super Mario Games
Introduced in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island, Ukikis are small monkeys known for their thieving habits. In their video game debut, they serve as obstacles that try to make off with Baby Mario, whom Yoshi is trying to protect. Their most famous role, though, came in Super Mario 64 when a Ukiki stole Mario’s cap, forcing him to go on a long and trying chase.
This has since become a key part of the monkey’s utility in the Super Mario games. Whether by constantly throwing objects and stealing items from the player, the Ukiki has developed well-earned reputation as a nuisance among fans of the Super Mario franchise. And from the looks of things, his movie counterpart will be living up to those expectations.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer offers a brief glimpse of an Ukiki running ahead of Princess Peach and Toad, with an airborne Bomb-omb between them. This is reminiscent of his behavior in the games, as it suggests he’s stolen something from Peach and Toad, who are now having to chase him down while he attempts to waylay them with Bom-ombs.
Given the number of characters expected to appear in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the Ukiki is unlikely to have a significant presence in the story, but it does look like his role will go beyond that of a throwaway or background Easter egg.
Instead, it seems The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will honor his video game roots by having him serve as the catalyst for a fun chase sequence. Given his past, it would certainly be fitting if the Ukiki is just as annoying to Peach and Toad as it must have been for Mario when his cap was stolen in Super Mario 64.
- Release Date
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April 1, 2026
- Director
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Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
- Writers
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Matthew Fogel