LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Benny Safdie, known for his distinctive directorial work with his brother Josh, is poised for a significant year in 2026, showcasing his versatility with high-profile acting roles in the highly anticipated sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey. These projects follow his solo directorial effort, The Smashing Machine, released in 2025, collectively highlighting a new, independent chapter in Safdie’s career after the acclaimed Safdie brothers duo went their separate ways.
From Indie Director to Voice Actor: Safdie’s Diverse Roles
Safdie is set to join the star-studded cast of Illumination’s The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, lending his voice to the character of Bowser Jr. The animated sequel is scheduled to arrive in theaters on April 1, 2026, with U.S. markets following on April 3, 2026, and Japan on April 24, 2026. This film marks a significant return for the beloved Nintendo franchise on the big screen, following the success of the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie. Chris Pratt reprises his role as Mario, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser. Brie Larson also joins the cast as Rosalina, confirmed during a Nintendo Direct presentation in November 2025 that also unveiled Safdie’s casting as Bowser Jr.
The film is described as a loose adaptation of the popular Mario Galaxy games, incorporating elements from Super Mario Odyssey. The narrative sees Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Peach embark on a journey into outer space to confront Bowser’s villainous son, Bowser Jr. A recently released trailer, which introduced the fan-favorite character Yoshi, showcased numerous Easter eggs for dedicated gaming fans. These included the appearance of the deep-cut character Mouser, speculation about the return of classic game tunes from Super Mario Galaxy, an innovative overhaul of the Fire Flower power-up mechanics, a noticeable nod to the Jurassic Park film series with a T. rex roar, and a humorous moment depicting Toad’s jealousy of Yoshi, a reference to 1990’s Super Mario World where Yoshi was first introduced.
Beyond the animated world, Safdie is also part of an impressive ensemble for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming feature, The Odyssey, slated for release on July 17, 2026. While details about Safdie’s specific role remain under wraps, he joins a formidable cast that includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Himesh Patel, Elliott Page, Bill Irwin, and Samantha Morton. The film’s exclusive teaser, aired during the AFC Championship match, revealed additional characters such as Menelaus (Jon Bernthal) and Telemachus (Tom Holland). This epic reimagining of Homer’s ancient tale follows Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, on his arduous journey to return to his wife, Penelope, battling various adversaries along the way. Rapper Travis Scott also made a surprise appearance in the teaser and contributed an exclusive song titled “THE PLAN” for the film.
The Smashing Machine: A Solo Directorial Effort
In 2025, Benny Safdie ventured into solo directing with The Smashing Machine, a historical sports film that chronicled the tumultuous rise of mixed martial arts pioneer Mark Kerr. The film starred Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who underwent significant prosthetic work to portray Kerr, and featured Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman. The Smashing Machine aimed for authenticity in its depiction of Kerr’s struggle for relevance within the sport, yet it received a mixed reception from critics and audiences. While Safdie was praised for his talent in staging sequences, some reviews noted that the film, despite its earnest approach, didn’t fully resonate, with some fans expecting more action given the title. Johnson’s performance was lauded as a strong impersonation of Kerr, with Bader’s supporting role also receiving positive mentions for its natural quality.
A New Chapter: Post-Safdie Brothers Era
The decision by Josh and Benny Safdie to pursue individual careers marked a significant shift in Hollywood, following their meteoric rise with acclaimed films like Uncut Gems. Both brothers embarked on historical sports films around the same period, signaling their independent paths. Benny Safdie’s recent string of projects—from a major voice role in a family-friendly animation to a part in a high-concept Christopher Nolan thriller and a solo directorial venture—underscores his deliberate move to diversify his creative output and establish his unique identity in the industry beyond the collaborative success of the Safdie brothers. This period illustrates a strategic expansion of his professional scope, embracing both acting and directing across varied genres and production scales.
Benny Safdie’s robust slate of projects in 2025 and 2026, encompassing diverse acting roles and a solo directorial outing, clearly signals a deliberate and successful pivot into a multifaceted career, demonstrating his adaptability and ambition within the evolving landscape of contemporary cinema.