Composer Brian Tyler reflects on near-death experience that shaped ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ score

Film composer Brian Tyler revealed that the music for “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” was deeply influenced by a life-threatening medical emergency he experienced in August 2025. While working in his studio, Tyler suffered a double subarachnoid brain hemorrhage, a rare and often fatal condition involving bleeding in the space around the brain. He described the episode as sudden and overwhelming, saying he felt as though he was “facing the blackness.” After spending three weeks hospitalized and undergoing treatment, Tyler began recovering and returned to composing, using his work as a source of motivation and emotional healing.

During his recovery, Tyler continued scoring both “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” and the historical drama “Nuremberg” (2025). He explained that composing became a cathartic process that gave him purpose and direction. The experience also shaped the emotional tone of his music, as he saw parallels between his own struggle and the themes of endurance and resilience present in both films.

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” a sequel to the successful 2023 “Super Mario Bros.” film, has grossed more than $747 million worldwide, making it one of the year’s biggest hits. Tyler emphasized that music plays a central role in the Mario franchise, aiming to create a score that feels epic, emotional, and unified. Fans have praised the soundtrack as a key element of the film’s appeal.

Tyler also highlighted his neurological condition known as chromesthesia, which allows him to perceive sounds as colors and shapes. He described this ability as a creative advantage that helps him visualize and orchestrate music more intuitively. Looking ahead, Tyler is developing a new film project inspired by this sensory experience, aiming to create a visual and musical work that allows audiences to “see” music as he does.