Nintendo has taken a step further into the movie world, filing a copyright notice for an untitled Donkey Kong motion picture.
This project is set to be a collaboration between Nintendo Studios and Universal Pictures, with both parties aiming to bring the iconic ape to the big screen in a new way.
Nintendo Studios, the company’s in-house arm responsible for transforming its franchises into major film projects, will be working alongside Universal Pictures, which has already partnered with Nintendo on the wildly successful Super Mario Bros. Movie through its Illumination studio. The rumored Donkey Kong spin-off has been a topic of speculation for quite some time, especially following the success of Mario’s box office performance.
While some believe that the next Mario film will be a straight sequel, titled Super Mario World, the filing hints at another project arriving afterward. Could this mean a Nintendo Cinematic Universe is in the works? The potential for more movies starring Nintendo characters could become a reality, with Donkey Kong being the first to take the spotlight.
In addition to this exciting news, there’s also buzz surrounding the upcoming Donkey Kong game, Donkey Kong Bananaza, set to launch alongside the new Nintendo Switch 2. With a focus on cinematic elements and a possible deeper narrative, it’s possible that the game and the movie could share some overlapping themes and characters.
However, Nintendo is staying tight-lipped about its future plans for the big screen, which also includes a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. As for the next Super Mario Bros. movie, it’s slated for release on April 3, 2026, with Shigeru Miyamoto assuring fans that it will be a film to remember. He emphasized that production would be driven by quality, with the goal of delivering an experience that will satisfy fans and not just meet a release deadline.