Latest news with #SuperMarioBros
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
5 best movies and series based on the video game adaptation
(Image via YouTube/HBO) Video game adaptations have had a rocky history, but there are a few gems that do stand out. Moving beyond the clunky translations, from gripping dramas to all the animated adventures, these adaptations have successfully brought the beloved gaming world to screens. Here are the highly rated five exceptional adaptations that prove that the potential is real. They provide a fresh take, respecting the story's source and delivering some thrilling experiences to both newcomers and fans. Fallout (2024 to Present) Fallout - Teaser Trailer | Prime Video Amazon 's Fallout takes players to a wasteland like it never did before. Starring Walton Goggins and Ella Purnell, the series expanded on the dark humor and the retro-futuristic world of the game. Early reviews praised how Fallout remained faithful to the game's source material. Even the way it captured the signature essence of the game, while immersing viewers in a post-nuclear war world was appreciated. With the mix of brutal survival and interesting storytelling, Fallout has been set to become one of the most-watched game-adapted series for fans. The show's high production value, along with the strong performances, suggested a bright future ahead. The Last of Us (2023 to Present) The Last of Us | Official Trailer | Max HBO's The Last of Us did shatter all expectations, redefining what video game adaptation can lead to. Translating the harrowing journey of the game, it masterfully blended emotional depth and brutal survival action. Even the star cast, Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal , delivered some powerhouse performances as Ellie and Joel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Set within the world that's been ravaged by fungus, The Last of Us HBO series did not just replicate the game but ensured to expand characters and its world, in a meaningful way. It connected worldwide audience with good storyline and value. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022 to present) Cyberpunk: Edgerunners | Official NSFW Trailer | Netflix Cyberpunk: Edgerunners brought the game's neon-soaked world to life. This Netflix's anime-style series followed the journey of a street kid who later turned into an outlaw mercenary within Night City. Bursting with tragic hyper-stylized storytelling and cybernetic action, it became an instant hit. The series was like a virtual tour-de-force that burst with vibrant, futuristic design and a lot of action. It's a fast-paced and tragic narrative perfectly complemented by the dystopian Night City setting of the game. With it all, the series became a loved one to both the anime and the gaming fans. It was even able to revitalize player's interest in the game. Note: Despite this game's bumpy launch, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners did redeem the franchise of the game. It earned appreciation for visuals and depth. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) The Super Mario Bros. Movie | Official Teaser Trailer The Super Mario Bros. Movie's animated movie on the screen was full of joy. It did perfectly capture the colourful spirit of the Nintendo franchise. Packed with locations and beloved characters, it gave viewers a feel of stepping directly to the Mushroom Kingdom. Chris Pratt's Mario, Jack Black's Bowser and Anya Taylor-Joy's Peach brought a great energy to screen. Stunning visuals and pure fun further drove immense box office success. It showed how embracing the core fun factor of the game can translate to massive mainstream appeal. While The Super Mario Bros Movie critics remained divided, the fans loved the fun references and the colourful world. This movie's success gives hope to the fans that more Nintendo adaptations are likely on their way. Castlevania (2017-2021) Castlevania Official Trailer #1 (2017) Animated Netflix TV Series HD Castlevania, an animated series by Netflix proved that a game's dark fantasy tone can be adapted by an anime. Inspired by the classic gothic horror games of Konami, it delivered a rich and dark fantasy saga. In the series, the story follows Trevor Belmont's fight against the legion of Dracula. It came out with stunning and fluid animation, along with many complex characters. Castlevania's success lies in its visual style and mature storytelling. The series did entirely embrace the gothic atmosphere and the lore of the game, weaving its intricate narrative. It set a high standard for the animated video game adaptations, while proving their potential for style and depth. With 4 seasons, Castlevania Netflix was able to build a loyal fanbase. Its success even led to its spin-offs. It cemented its place as one of the best game-to-screen adaptations that's ever been made. End note The above-discussed 5 adaptations show how exciting evolution is happening, bringing games to screens. By ensuring respect for the core spirit of the source material and leveraging the film's and television's strengths, they are able to deliver outstanding standalone entertainment. From emotional drama to gritty satire, all the above-discussed movies and series prove that video games offer rich worlds that are ready for some compelling translation. It shows that the genre's future is incredibly bright and, of course, there's something for all. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
The Verge
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Zelda's new live-action stars could be around for a long time
Nintendo just announced the two leads of its live-action Legend of Zelda film, and unlike the celebrity-packed Mario movie cast, Zelda will star two young, lesser-known actors: Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. You may not have heard of them, but there's a good chance they're going to be a part of the franchise for a while. Choosing stars who are in their teens (Ainsworth) and early 20s (Bragason) makes a lot of sense. In the games, even the 'older' Links and Zeldas are still typically young adults, so Bragason and Ainsworth seem like they'll fit the mold. (Yes, I know Link and Zelda are technically older than 100 in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, but they look good for their age.) The choice of younger actors gives them both room to grow into the roles in any potential sequels — which, given Nintendo's growing ambitions beyond video games, the company must already be starting to consider. We can look at Nintendo's recent expansion of Mario beyond games as an example of what might be in store for Zelda. The Super Mario Bros. movie, which was surprisingly good, quickly surpassed $1 billion at the box office, and a sequel is set to debut in 2026. A Donkey Kong spinoff might also be in the works. Both franchises are featured in Nintendo's theme parks, too. It's not hard to imagine Nintendo applying the same blueprint for the Zelda franchise. The Zelda movie has the potential to be a similarly huge hit. The franchise is arguably as popular as it has ever been; Breath of the Wild was the fourth-best-selling game on the original Switch, after all, and Tears of the Kingdom was an excellent followup. If this first Zelda film is even halfway decent, Bragason and Ainsworth might be representative of Zelda and Link for an entire generation of fans. The two aren't complete unknowns – Ainsworth voiced Pinocchio in Disney's 2022 version of the film and played a major role in Netflix's The Haunting of Bly Manor – but Nintendo is still taking a gamble by hinging a potentially risky adaptation on them. They'll likely be in good hands with Wes Ball as director, though, who is known for his work directing the Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Nintendo is borrowing from a proven strategy here. Warner Bros. recently introduced its second trio of young leads for Harry Potter, and they'll be the faces of a new decade-long series for HBO, much like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint were before them for the Harry Potter films. Netflix has similarly stuck with the Stranger Things kids all the way through the end, even though the first season debuted nearly 10 years ago. The Legend of Zelda film could be Nintendo's next breakout cultural moment when it debuts in May 2027. If it is, we'll probably be seeing a lot more adventures starring Zelda and Link.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth cast as Zelda and Link in Nintendo's new live-action Legend of Zelda film
Nintendo just pulled a Master Sword-level reveal: the legendary Princess Zelda and courageous Link have finally been cast for the highly anticipated live-action Legend of Zelda movie. British actors Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will step into the iconic roles, and yes, the internet is collectively losing it. 宮本です。「ゼルダの伝説」の実写映画は、ゼルダ役をBo Bragasonさん、リンク役をBenjamin Evan Ainsworthさんに演じていただくことになりました。おふたりの出演が今から楽しみです。「ゼルダの伝説」実写映画は2027年5⽉7⽇に劇場公開予定です。もうしばらくお待ちください。 Meet the new Zelda and Link! Fans got their first official peek via a social media post on Wednesday, when Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto personally announced the casting news along with some stunning first-look photos that feel straight out of Hyrule itself. While Miyamoto kept things respectful and brief, the excitement in the fandom is absolutely off the charts. Bo Bragason has been cast as Zelda in the live-action 'LEGEND OF ZELDA' movie. Who are Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth? Bo Bragason, who's known for her performances in Three Girls, The Jetty, and Disney+'s Renegade Nell, is stepping into the royal boots of Zelda. Most recently, she starred in the vampire comedy The Radleys, proving she can handle quirky fantasy with ease. As for Link, say hello to Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the voice of Pinocchio in Robert Zemeckis' live-action remake and a familiar face from Netflix's The Haunting of Bly Manor. He's also had stints in The Sandman and the Canadian sitcom Son of a Critch. With that résumé, he's more than ready to take on the Hero of Time mantle. Release date, director, and what's next Originally set to drop in March 2027, the film has now been pushed to May 7, 2027. Miyamoto previously noted the delay was due to 'production reasons,' which could honestly mean anything in the world of Hollywood magic and rupee-counting budgets. The movie is being helmed by Wes Ball, the director behind The Maze Runner trilogy and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. With production powerhouse Avi Arad also on board, expectations are through the ceiling, and possibly into the Sacred Realm. Can it beat Super Mario Bros. at the box office? After the Super Mario Bros. movie crushed it for Universal and Illumination, all eyes are now on Zelda to do the same for Sony. Will this fantasy epic be the next video game adaptation to rule them all? Well, if the casting buzz is anything to go by… it just might.
Gizmodo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Donkey Kong Might Be Nintendo's Next Cinematic Leading… Ape
Donkey Kong is having a moment. This summer, not only did Mario's original foe get his first theme park ride in the United States, but he's also got Donkey Kong Bananza, his own mega game coming to Switch 2 later this week, and he might even be getting a movie sometime in the future. 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.
The Verge
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
A Donkey Kong movie is a safe bet for Nintendo's growing entertainment empire
It's looking like Nintendo might have a DK-sized addition to its feature film lineup. The company has filed a copyright notice for a motion picture listed as an 'Untitled Donkey Kong Project.' And last month, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa said in an investors call that the company was working on more movies, explaining that 'although we cannot discuss our plans beyond The Legend of Zelda movie at this time, we are working on various other projects.' So even though a Donkey Kong movie isn't official just yet, it seems likely — and it would make a whole lot of sense for Nintendo. Nintendo's current foray into film got off to a great start. It partnered with Universal for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which earned more than $1 billion and currently has a sequel in the works. It was a safe bet among a series of safe bets from Nintendo: taking one of the most iconic properties in games and adapting it alongside Universal's Illumination animation studio, the same team behind family-friendly blockbusters like Minions and Despicable Me. Nintendo used a similar tactic for its foray into theme parks, leading with Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom, and also partnering with Universal. Things will get trickier from there. While the Super Mario Bros. sequel seems like a fairly safe follow-up, the upcoming adaptation of The Legend of Zelda feels much riskier. Zelda games are as popular as they've ever been thanks to Switch-era releases Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, but taking a beloved fantasy world and translating it into a live-action film is more complicated than an animated Mario movie crafted by an established studio. The casting of Link and Zelda alone will likely bring much more scrutiny than Chris Pratt's Mario voice. Zelda director Wes Ball has had some success in the past, most recently with last year's Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, but nothing to suggest that the live-action take on Hyrule will be a guaranteed box office success. (And that's not even factoring Nintendo's questionable history with live-action films.) Given how calculated Nintendo tends to be, balancing out a risky bet like Zelda with a safer one like Donkey Kong makes a lot of sense. And the company has been priming DK for his breakout moment for years now. Not only did the character have a major role in the first Mario Bros. film (voiced by Seth Rogen), but a DK-themed area was the first expansion for the Super Nintendo World theme park in Osaka. DK is also playing a major role in the launch of the Switch 2. Following the launch title Mario Kart World, this week's Donkey Kong Bananza — developed by the same team behind Super Mario Odyssey — will be the console's second significant Nintendo exclusive. So this really is Donkey Kong's moment. The original game from 1981 was a pivotal point as Nintendo cemented its space in video games, introducing Mario to the world and also providing a taste of what creator Shigeru Miyamoto had in store for the future. Now, a few decades later, DK is playing a different but no less pivotal role in the company's biggest expansions, whether it's a theme park or new console — and, just maybe, his own movie.
