After the tremendous global box office triumph of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" and "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," which together amassed over $2 billion, the creative alliance between Nintendo and Illumination was destined to continue. The anticipation for their next joint cinematic venture is now met with a tangible date, as Universal Pictures reveals a slot for their upcoming project. While the Mushroom Kingdom's iconic heroes may return, there's a strong undercurrent of speculation pointing towards the beloved ape, Donkey Kong, taking center stage in a standalone feature.
Nintendo and Illumination Unveil 2028 Film Project Amidst Donkey Kong Speculation
In a significant announcement for animation and gaming enthusiasts, Nintendo and Illumination are officially set to launch their next collaborative film on April 12, 2028. This exciting news comes via Universal Pictures International Spain's release schedule, identifying the project as an "Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film." This new entry will debut two years following the release of "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," which itself hinted at further cosmic escapades for Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and other fresh faces introduced to the expanding Mario Cinematic Universe.
Despite the lack of an official third Super Mario film announcement, the narrative threads from "Galaxy" certainly lay the groundwork for more intergalactic adventures. However, recent developments suggest a potential shift in focus. In 2025, Nintendo Studios and Universal Pictures notably registered a copyright for an "Untitled Donkey Kong Project" motion picture. Donkey Kong, who played a prominent role in 2023's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" and made a brief appearance in its sequel, has been a subject of standalone film rumors since 2021, with actor Seth Rogen frequently associated with reprising his voice role. Rogen, in interviews, has openly expressed enthusiasm for exploring Donkey Kong's world further, even humorously suggesting a wardrobe upgrade for the character. This aligns with Donkey Kong's recent appearance in pants within "Donkey Kong Bananza," a Nintendo Switch 2 game that delves into the character's origins and his first encounter with Pauline. The character's growing popularity is also reflected in new theme park attractions at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Epic Universe in Orlando.
Other possibilities for the Nintendo-Illumination partnership include expanding on characters from the Star Fox and Pikmin franchises, especially given Glen Powell's involvement hinted at in "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie." However, fans hoping for a "Super Smash Bros. Movie" in 2028 may need to temper their expectations. Meanwhile, Nintendo's immediate cinematic future includes a live-action adaptation of "The Legend of Zelda," directed by Wes Ball and produced by Nintendo Studios and Sony Pictures, scheduled for May 7, 2027.
The unfolding narrative of Nintendo's cinematic universe showcases a strategic and ambitious expansion beyond its gaming origins. This latest announcement not only affirms the success of its partnership with Illumination but also demonstrates a willingness to explore diverse characters and storylines within its rich intellectual property catalog. The potential for a Donkey Kong-centric film, or indeed another groundbreaking Mario adventure, reflects a keen understanding of audience demand and a commitment to delivering high-quality animated experiences. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic characters and their limitless potential to captivate audiences across different mediums, signaling a vibrant future for Nintendo on the big screen.
