Nintendo suggests films based on other IPs will follow The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. movies

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.

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.