According to Wccftech, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa told investors that movies and visual media are “very well-suited” to Nintendo games following the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The company confirmed The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will hit theaters on April 3, 2026, while a live-action Legend of Zelda film starring Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link is also in development. Shigeru Miyamoto explained that film production represents a “logical next step” for Nintendo as they expand from interactive to passive entertainment experiences. The company has established Nintendo Pictures as an internal division focused on experimentation with short films and research, including their Pikmin short “Close to you.” Nintendo also confirmed plans to invest in studio acquisitions as part of their broader entertainment strategy.
Sponsored content — provided for informational and promotional purposes.
Nintendo’s Movie Momentum
Here’s the thing – Nintendo has always been cautious about licensing their IP. They got burned badly by the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie and have been understandably gun-shy ever since. But the Illumination collaboration changed everything. When a single film can generate over $1.3 billion globally, even Nintendo can’t ignore that kind of mainstream reach.
What’s interesting is how they’re approaching this expansion. Miyamoto specifically mentioned they don’t want Nintendo to become “a company that just balloons in headcount.” Instead, they’re partnering with established studios worldwide while keeping their own developers involved creatively. It’s a smart move – let the film professionals handle production while Nintendo maintains creative control.
The Zelda Gamble
Now, Mario was the safe bet. Everyone knows Mario. But Zelda? That’s where things get really interesting. The franchise has incredible depth and lore that could translate beautifully to film, but it lacks Mario’s universal recognition. A live-action approach suggests they’re aiming for something more serious and epic – think Lord of the Rings rather than the colorful Mario universe.
Can a Zelda movie capture the magic that makes the games so special? The pressure is enormous. Get it right, and they unlock another billion-dollar franchise. Get it wrong, and they risk damaging one of their most beloved properties. Basically, this is Nintendo’s real test in Hollywood.
Beyond Blockbusters
What fascinates me most is Nintendo Pictures’ experimental focus. While everyone’s talking about the big theatrical releases, they’re quietly working on short films and research projects. That Pikmin short “Close to you” isn’t going to break box office records, but it represents something crucial – Nintendo exploring new ways to use their characters beyond games and blockbuster movies.
This dual approach makes perfect sense. Big studio partnerships for the tentpole releases, internal experimentation for creative exploration. It’s the same philosophy that’s served them well in gaming – balance commercial success with innovation. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to see what Nintendo could do with experimental animation or short-form storytelling?
Changing the Game
So what does this mean for gamers and investors? For gamers, we’re entering an era where Nintendo’s worlds will exist beyond our consoles. That’s exciting but also a bit nerve-wracking. Will these adaptations enhance the games or dilute what makes them special?
For the market, Nintendo is transforming from a pure-play gaming company into a broader entertainment powerhouse. The success of their film ventures could significantly impact their valuation and create new revenue streams that aren’t tied to console cycles. It’s a smart diversification play, especially as the gaming industry becomes increasingly competitive.
But here’s my question: Can Nintendo maintain their unique creative vision across different media? Their games work because of that perfect blend of gameplay, charm, and polish. Translating that to passive viewing experiences is no small feat. Still, if anyone can pull it off, it’s probably the company that reinvented gaming multiple times over the past decades.
