Nintendo Cinematic Universe Expands with Multiple Films Planned Through 2030
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Universal Pictures has scheduled an 'Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film' for April 2028, following the massive success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Industry insiders report a slate of upcoming adaptations, including Star Fox, Kirby, Luigi's Mansion, and a potential Super Smash Bros. film, suggesting a coordinated cinematic universe is in development. The live-action Legend of Zelda adaptation is also currently making progress.
Facts First
- Universal Pictures lists an 'Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film' for an April 2028 release.
- Industry insiders report a slate of planned Nintendo films including Star Fox (targeting 2030), Kirby, Luigi's Mansion, and a Super Smash Bros. adaptation.
- A live-action Legend of Zelda adaptation is currently in progress, separate from the Illumination projects.
- Copyright filings suggest an animated Donkey Kong spinoff movie is planned for 2028.
- Multiple studios are reportedly competing for the rights to a live-action Metroid film.
What Happened
Universal Pictures' Spanish release calendar lists an 'Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film' scheduled for release in April 2028. This follows the massive commercial success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Copyright filings from last year suggest an animated Donkey Kong spinoff movie is also planned for 2028. Industry insider MyTimeToShineHello has claimed the existence of a 'Nintendo Cinematic Universe' and reports that films based on Star Fox (targeting 2030), Kirby, and Luigi's Mansion are planned, with a Super Smash Bros. adaptation potentially coming in a few years. Separately, the live-action Legend of Zelda adaptation is currently making progress.
Why this Matters to You
If you enjoy the Super Mario films, you may see a steady stream of new Nintendo-based movies and shows in the coming years, expanding your entertainment options. This could lead to more family-friendly film choices and potentially new merchandise tied to beloved characters like Kirby or Star Fox. The competition between studios for projects like Metroid may result in higher-quality productions as they vie for audience attention.
What's Next
The next confirmed theatrical release is the untitled Illumination/Nintendo film in April 2028. The Star Fox movie may target a 2030 release, potentially featuring actor Glen Powell. The live-action Legend of Zelda film will continue its development. The reported competition between Sony Pictures and Universal Pictures for the Metroid rights could be resolved, potentially leading to a live-action pitch moving forward. A Pikmin movie, which Nintendo is reportedly interested in, may continue its long development process.