July 14, 2025 – The jungle drums are beating louder for a potential big-screen debut of gaming's original arcade giant. Nintendo has officially registered a copyright for a "Donkey Kong" motion picture with the United States Copyright Office, igniting fresh speculation as the highly anticipated opening of the "Donkey Kong Country: Bananza" expansion at Universal Studios Japan draws near.
The registration, cataloged under the identifier V01503556900000, was filed by Nintendo Co., Ltd. and lists the work simply as "Donkey Kong (Motion Picture)." While the filing itself doesn't reveal plot details, cast, or even a confirmed studio partner (though Illumination, fresh off the billion-dollar success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, remains the heavy favorite), it serves as a significant legal marker. This move solidifies Nintendo's claim to the "Donkey Kong" title specifically for a film project, a crucial step before any major production or marketing push can commence.
See the official copyright record here
The timing is impossible to ignore. This copyright filing arrives just as Universal Parks & Resorts prepares to unleash "Donkey Kong Country: Bananza" upon guests at Universal Studios Japan. Scheduled to open later this year, this massive new land within Super Nintendo World promises to transport visitors directly into the lush, mine-cart-racing, banana-hoarding world of DK Island.
Get a sneak peek at the immersive Donkey Kong theme park land
The synergy is classic Nintendo. The theme park land acts as a giant, walk-through advertisement and experiential primer for the Donkey Kong franchise, perfectly priming the global audience for a cinematic adventure. It mirrors the strategy employed with the Mario movie, which saw immense cross-promotion with the existing Super Nintendo World lands.
Rumors of a Donkey Kong movie have persisted for years, intensifying after Mario's box office triumph. Whispers about potential voice casting have also circulated, with comedian and actor Seth Rogen's name frequently surfacing as a fan-favorite choice for the voice of the mighty, if sometimes simple, ape himself. While unconfirmed by Nintendo or any studio, Rogen's vocal style and comedic timing are seen by many as a surprisingly fitting match for the character.
Dive deeper into the Seth Rogen casting rumors
What does this copyright filing definitively tell us?
- It's Real (and Moving Forward): Nintendo is actively protecting the "Donkey Kong" name for a movie. This isn't just idle rumor; it's a concrete legal step taken by the company.
- The Title is Likely "Donkey Kong": While subtitles could be added later, the core title appears locked in.
- Timing is Strategic: Launching the copyright alongside the Bananza theme park opening maximizes franchise visibility and fan excitement.
What remains shrouded in jungle mist? The release window, director, full cast, plot specifics, and the official involvement of Illumination or another animation studio. However, this copyright registration is a clear signal that Nintendo is shifting gears into higher drive for its next major cinematic foray. With DK's theme park adventure about to become a physical reality for thousands of visitors, the groundwork is undeniably being laid for King Kong's gaming cousin to swing onto the silver screen. Fans can likely expect the hype train – or mine cart – to start picking up considerable speed in the coming months.
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