Donkey Kong Might Be Nintendo's Next Cinematic Leading… Ape
As of right now, we know there are two Nintendo movies in the works. A sequel to the mega-hit Super Mario Bros. movie scheduled for release April 3, 2026, as well as a live-action film based on The Legend of Zelda, which is coming May 7, 2027. That's important because it sets up a quote from Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa that sent fan speculation into a frenzy a few weeks back. On an investors call, Furukawa said, 'Although we cannot discuss our plans beyond The Legend of Zelda movie at this time, we are working on various other projects.'
What other projects? Well, soon after, it was discovered that Nintendo Studios and Universal Pictures filed a joint copyright for an 'Untitled Donkey Kong Project' that's classified as a 'motion picture.' io9 reached out to representatives for Universal and Nintendo for comment or clarification but had not yet heard back as of publication. We'll update this piece if or when we do.
Since this appears to be a joint collaboration with Universal and Nintendo, it's safe to assume if a Donkey Kong movie is in the works, it could follow the character in animation. He appeared in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, after all, voiced by Seth Rogen, so maybe this would be an expansion of that world. Maybe it could even lead to other films in that universe—Wario, Luigi, Toad, etc.
But for now, it seems like after the second Mario movie and the first Zelda movie, a Donkey Kong movie is on the way. And, with the character returning to the spotlight in such a big way this summer, we think it makes a lot of sense. What about you?
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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