KYOTO, JAPAN – October 28, 2025 – Fresh off the monumental success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and riding high on anticipation for the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo is sending its clearest signal yet: the Mushroom Kingdom and Hyrule are just the beginning. In a move exciting fans and industry watchers alike, the gaming giant has strongly suggested that a wave of films based on its vast library of iconic Intellectual Properties (IPs) is on the horizon.
The revelation came during Nintendo's recent quarterly financial results briefing and subsequent Q&A session with investors. When pressed on the company's strategy regarding visual content expansion beyond games, President Shuntaro Furukawa didn't mince words.
"We see visual content, including film, as a powerful way to bring our characters and worlds to broader audiences," Furukawa stated, according to the official Q&A transcript. "The positive response to The Super Mario Bros. Movie demonstrated this potential, and we are actively working on the live-action Legend of Zelda film. Looking ahead, we intend to leverage our IP more proactively in visual media. This includes exploring adaptations for other Nintendo IP, not just limited to animation."
This explicit confirmation marks a significant strategic shift for Nintendo, long known for its cautious, protective approach to its beloved franchises outside the realm of gaming. The record-breaking performance of the Illumination-produced Mario movie – grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide – clearly proved the viability and massive appeal of Nintendo's worlds on the big screen. The subsequent announcement of a live-action Zelda film, directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), further cemented their commitment.
Building the Infrastructure: Nintendo Pictures
Crucially, Nintendo hasn't just been talking; it's been building the infrastructure to support this cinematic ambition. In late 2022, the company acquired long-time CG production partner Dynamo Pictures, rebranding it as Nintendo Pictures. This studio, based in Tokyo, is explicitly tasked with "focusing on development of visual content utilizing Nintendo IP."
Nintendo Pictures Official Website: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/10/nintendo-launches-official-website-for-newly-acquired-nintendo-pictures
This acquisition signaled a move towards greater internal control over how Nintendo's characters and stories are translated visually. While partnerships with major studios like Illumination (for Mario) and Sony Pictures (for Zelda) are clearly still valuable for global distribution and specific expertise, Nintendo Pictures provides an in-house hub for creative development, animation, CG work, and ensuring fidelity to the source material.
What's Next? Speculation Runs Rampant
Furukawa's carefully worded statement – "other Nintendo IP, not just limited to animation" – has sent the fanbase into a frenzy of speculation. Which beloved worlds could be next?
- Kirby: The pink puffball's inherently cute and colourful world seems tailor-made for an animated feature, potentially capturing the younger demographic while delighting long-time fans.
- Metroid: A grittier, sci-fi action film focusing on bounty hunter Samus Aran offers a starkly different, but equally compelling, cinematic opportunity, likely in live-action.
- Splatoon: The vibrant, chaotic, and music-filled world of the Inklings and Octolings could translate into a visually stunning animated spectacle with broad appeal.
- Animal Crossing: The relaxed, life-simulation charm of Animal Crossing presents a unique challenge but could resonate as a heartwarming, character-driven story.
- Donkey Kong: Already introduced successfully in the Mario movie, the Kong family could easily support their own jungle-based adventure.
- Star Fox: Space combat and anthropomorphic animal pilots offer potential for high-flying adventure.
Challenges and Cautious Optimism
While the possibilities are thrilling, Nintendo's history of meticulous quality control and protection of its IP means fans shouldn't expect a rushed Marvel-style slate. Furukawa emphasized quality and careful stewardship: "We are not simply looking to increase the number of adaptations, but rather to create works that meet the expectations of fans and embody the essence of each IP."
The pressure is on for the live-action Legend of Zelda to deliver. Its success or stumble will significantly impact the pace and confidence with which Nintendo greenlights further projects. Partnering with the right creative teams and studios, as they did with Illumination for Mario, will remain paramount.
Source: Nintendo Co., Ltd. 79th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Q&A (June 2025): https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2025/qa2506e.pdf (Referenced statements are in the "Visual Content Expansion" section).
The Future is Animated (and Live-Action)
One thing is undeniable: Nintendo is no longer just a video game company. It is evolving into a multimedia powerhouse, leveraging its decades of iconic characters and worlds. The gates are opening. After decades of guarding its treasures, Nintendo is finally ready to share more of them with the world on cinema screens. The success of Mario paved the yellow brick road; Zelda is the next major test. And if Furukawa's words are any indication, the journey through Nintendo's cinematic universe is only just beginning. Get ready for lights, camera, and a whole lot of action figures.
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