Nintendo suggests films based on other IPs will follow The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. movies
Mario and Princess Peach in The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Image source: UIP Singapore)
Nintendo movies premiering at cinemas worldwide may become a regular occurrence. The company's President alluded to future projects at a recent shareholders meeting. Nintendo will release a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2026 and a film based on The Legend of Zelda in 2027.
Even though the Switch 2 launch has been the focus of the industry, Nintendo has plans that extend beyond the gaming world. The company will release the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie in April 2026. In 2027, a live-action film based on The Legend of Zelda will hit theatres. A June 27th investor's meeting suggested that other Nintendo franchises may become cinematic spectacles.
Nintendo has finally posted an English translation of The 85th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. At one point, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa responded to a question about new visual content. The executive confirmed that the Super Mario Bros. and Zelda movies were still on track to meet their release dates. He then revealed, "Although we cannot discuss our plans beyond The Legend of Zelda movie at this time, we are working on various other projects."
Furukawa also maintained that the company prefers a hands-on approach to films celebrating its popular games. In 2022, after acquiring Dynamo Pictures, Nintendo rebranded the studio as Nintendo Pictures. Rather than giving control of production to other companies, Furukawa wants creators like Shigeru Miyamoto to be involved. Miyamoto invented both the Mario and Zelda franchises and is a producer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel.
Mario and Donkey Kong fighting in The Super Mario Bros. movie (Image source: screenshot, UIP Singapore)
Not surprisingly, gamers are now speculating about what games will inspire future Nintendo movies. With Metroid Prime 4: Beyond release date still set for 2025, it may be a leading candidate. A previous film based on the first-person active adventure title fell victim to cancellation in 2007. Viewers have also been impressed by Donkey Kong Bananza trailers, which had an unexpected cinematic flair.
After the disappointing 1993 movie starring Mario and Luigi, Nintendo became hesitant to develop more films. However, there has been a resurgence of well-received productions based on video games in recent years. Besides The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Sega properties like Sonic the Hedgehog have also found success at the box office.
Adam Corsetti - Tech Writer - 480 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I'm anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.
