Nintendo is already looking beyond Mario and Zelda when it comes to movies.
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has reiterated the company’s long-term plans for film and animated projects, confirming that Nintendo wants to keep making movies after its current slate and isn’t closing the door on anime either.
Speaking to Kyoto Shimbun, Furukawa discussed the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, set for release in April, alongside the live-action The Legend of Zelda, scheduled for 2027. According to Furukawa, Nintendo’s approach to film mirrors how it treats games: full involvement from the earliest planning stages, with tight creative control throughout production.
“Through this consistent approach, we gradually earn customer trust, which ultimately leads not just to awareness of our characters, but ultimately turns them into fans,” he said, according to translations.
The comments come after the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which surpassed $1 billion at the global box office, but Furukawa made it clear that Nintendo isn’t chasing quick wins.
“While we certainly don’t ignore short-term profits, our main focus is increasing character exposure beyond our games. Films allow us to reach people even in regions where game consoles are not yet widespread.”
Nintendo looking to bring more franchises to the big screen
He added that Nintendo wants to “build a structure” that allows it to keep making films well beyond Mario and Zelda.
That opens the door for other franchises fans have been calling for including Star Fox, F-Zero, Animal Crossing, Donkey Kong, and more.
Interest from filmmakers is already there. YouTuber-turned-director Chris Stuckmann, who recently released Shelby Oaks, has publicly said he wants to direct a Metroid movie.
Meanwhile, Jeff Fowler, director of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, has expressed interest in a Smash Bros-style crossover film. Sonic voice actor Ben Schwartz has also claimed a Super Smash Bros movie is getting closer to becoming reality.
Beyond movies, Furukawa acknowledged fan interest in Nintendo-produced anime, though he warned it wouldn’t be easy.
“I think it would be quite challenging to get to that point. If we can create works uniquely Nintendo, it’d be good in the future.”
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