Considering the massive success of the Super Mario Galaxy Movie, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Nintendo and animation studio Illumination are continuing their partnership. Universal Pictures Spain has uploaded a release schedule for the next few years, revealing that “an untitled Illumination / Nintendo event film” is slated for 12 April 2028.
No other details are known about the animated project, but it seems unlikely to be another instalment fronted by Chris Pratt, who voices the titular plumber in both Super Mario outings. Rather, a Donkey Kong feature of sorts would fit the bill better — a copyright for a Donkey Kong movie has already been filed, and the animated version of the character, voiced by Seth Rogen, didn’t appear in the latest sequel despite expectations.
Although Star Fox is the next potential candidate, following the debut of Glen Powell’s Fox McCloud in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, it does appear a little early for a solo adventure of his own, which also applies to a potential Super Smash Bros. adaptation (the anthropomorphic red fox is on the playable roster). Recent claims have floated the idea of a “Nintendo Cinematic Universe” equivalent for a 2030 release, however, alongside films based on Kirby and even Luigi’s Mansion.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, which just wrapped production. It stars Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (Pinocchio) and Bo Bragason (Renegade Nell) as Link and Princess Zelda, respectively, with Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) serving as director. Avi Arad, whose credits include every live-action Spider-Man movie and the Spider-Verse animated features, is producing together with original series creator Shigeru Miyamoto.
The Legend of Zelda big-screen adaptation is set to hit theatres on 7 May 2027, one year before the untitled Nintendo and Illumination film.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
