Highlights
- Rumors suggest a Nintendo Cinematic Universe including upcoming Zelda, Star Fox, Kirby, and Mario 3 movies.
- Among reported nine projects, only Donkey Kong are currently confirmed for Nintendo’s theatrical roadmap.
- The strategy suggests MCU-style IP monetization, though details remain unconfirmed by Nintendo.
Entertainment scooper My Time to Shine Hello published a Nintendo Cinematic Universe report this week detailing nine Nintendo IP properties, the company is reportedly evaluating for film adaptations, over the next few years. The report follows the April 3 release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Nintendo's second theatrical feature in partnership with Illumination.
According to recent reports, a possible “Nintendo Cinematic Universe” is being heavily speculated. Last year, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa already confirmed that the company aims to increase its film and animation offerings as a media-expansion strategy following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023.
Furukawa then confirmed that more film adaptations are planned after The Legend of Zelda releases in 2027, though he did not share further details. As per My Time to Shine Hello, the upcoming slate includes seven in-development movies and two more possible movies.
The rumored properties are each in varying stages of development; however, Nintendo has yet to confirm the development stages of these movies or if the rumors are even true.
Possible Nintendo Cinematic Universe Timeline: What the Rumor Maps Out
Apart from The Legend of Zelda (live-action, in-development with Sony), Nintendo's confirmed slate currently includes only Donkey Kong (with Illumination). The report states Donkey Kong is “deep in development,” with a potential 2028 release schedule.
Recently, on April 1, in an interview with Polygon, Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto hinted that the Super Smash Bros. movie won’t be released soon. The scooper claims that a Super Smash Bros. movie is in development and is expected to arrive after the Star Fox project.
Apart from these in-development movies, the scooper stated that Nintendo is apparently exploring ideas for a Princess Peach & Rosalina and a Bowsers movies. The breadth of Nintendo’s rumored slate signals a deliberate IP monetization strategy, one that mirrors the Western Marvel Cinematic Universe. While recent rumors and reports point towards a Nintendo Cinematic Universe, how the company responds to it or manages the IPs, that remains a question.
Disclaimer: My Time to Shine Hello is an entertainment scooper account with a track record of leaking franchise news. Most projects mentioned in the rumored pipeline remain unconfirmed by Nintendo.
