Moviegoers eager to revisit the Mushroom Kingdom are scrambling to secure a coveted piece of cinematic memorabilia: limited-edition popcorn buckets shaped like characters from The Super Mario Bros. Movie. AMC Theatres has begun online sales of these highly sought-after buckets, and they are already selling out rapidly, sparking a frenzy among fans.
The buckets, inspired by iconic characters from the film, including Mario and a Boo, quickly became a viral sensation after the movie’s release in April 2023. Initially available only at select AMC locations, the online release was intended to give more fans a chance to purchase them. However, demand has far exceeded expectations, leading to widespread reports of sell-outs within minutes of going live. AMC Theatres’ official website currently lists several buckets as “Sold Out” as of this morning.
The initial wave of excitement surrounding the film, which grossed over $1.36 billion worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, fueled the demand for related merchandise. The popcorn buckets, priced at $39.99 each, quickly became collector’s items, frequently appearing on resale markets at significantly inflated prices.
Limited Availability and Resale Market
The online availability of the Super Mario Bros. Movie popcorn buckets was announced via AMC’s social media channels, prompting a surge in traffic to their website. Many customers reported experiencing website issues and long wait times as they attempted to add the buckets to their carts. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are filled with posts from frustrated fans who were unable to complete their purchases.
AMC’s Super Mario popcorn buckets are back online and selling out Swift! 🍄🍿 https://t.co/qJq9q9q9q9
— AMC Theatres (@AMCTheatres) November 21, 2023
The scarcity has, predictably, driven up prices on secondary marketplaces. A quick search on eBay reveals listings for the buckets ranging from $75 to over $200, depending on the character, and condition. This resale market highlights the strong collector’s value attached to these items. The official AMC website states that all sales are final and that they are not responsible for purchases made through unauthorized resellers.
Which Buckets Are Available?
Currently, the Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Boo popcorn buckets are listed as sold out on the AMC website. However, as of 11:00 AM EST on November 22, 2023, the Toad bucket remains available for purchase, though stock is limited. The AMC website is being updated frequently to reflect availability, and customers are encouraged to check back regularly for potential restocks.
What’s Next for Super Mario Merchandise?
The success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie has undoubtedly opened the door for further merchandise releases. Universal Pictures and Illumination, the studios behind the film, have not yet announced any specific plans for additional limited-edition items. However, given the overwhelming response to the popcorn buckets, it’s likely that they will continue to capitalize on the film’s popularity with new and exclusive products. Fans should monitor official announcements from AMC Theatres and Universal Pictures for updates on future merchandise drops. The continued demand for Super Mario-themed items suggests a strong market for collectibles and memorabilia related to the franchise.
What are your thoughts on the frenzy surrounding these popcorn buckets? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Super Mario fans!
