Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has confirmed that the company’s film efforts are delivering significant returns and expanding the brand beyond games.
Speaking at a Nintendo financial results briefing, Furukawa said the combined worldwide box-office revenue for the company’s Mario films has topped $2 billion, and he reiterated that a live-action The Legend of Zelda movie is scheduled for release in 2027.
The comments underline Nintendo’s ongoing strategy to grow its IP through cinema alongside its core video game business on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch.
Background and box-office context
The Super Mario Bros.
Movie, produced by Illumination and released by Universal Pictures in 2023, proved a major commercial success, grossing roughly $1.36 billion worldwide.
In his address, Furukawa referenced that total revenue across the two Mario films — including the follow-up title mentioned in company materials — has exceeded $2 billion, signaling a notable new revenue stream for Nintendo alongside traditional software sales and Nintendo eShop activity.
Furukawa’s remarks, rewritten for clarity
Furukawa said that Nintendo’s film projects have significantly increased the company’s touchpoints with consumers.
He explained that the combined box-office performance of the Mario movies has reached more than $2 billion and that the films have introduced Mario to audiences in regions where Nintendo’s dedicated hardware business has had limited reach, as well as to people who do not normally play video games.
He added that the movies have also given longtime players a chance to rediscover Mario through experiences unique to film.
Finally, Furukawa confirmed that a live-action The Legend of Zelda is scheduled for 2027 and said Nintendo plans to continue delivering films in coming years while working with partners to carefully craft each production and build a framework to support ongoing production.
What this means for Nintendo’s strategy
Furukawa’s comments make clear that Nintendo views film as a strategic complement to its game business rather than a one-off experiment.
The company’s partnerships with studios such as Illumination and Universal Pictures on Mario demonstrate a model for future collaborations.
Verified details from the briefing are limited to box-office totals, the 2027 Zelda schedule, and the company’s intent to continue producing films; Nintendo has not released additional trailers or production timing for the Zelda project beyond that confirmation.
Nintendo’s move into cinema will remain an important story for fans and industry watchers alike as the company balances game development, Nintendo Direct announcements, and broader brand initiatives.
Speaking at a Nintendo financial results briefing, Furukawa said the combined worldwide box-office revenue for the company’s Mario films has topped $2 billion, and he reiterated that a live-action The Legend of Zelda movie is scheduled for release in 2027.
The comments underline Nintendo’s ongoing strategy to grow its IP through cinema alongside its core video game business on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch.
Background and box-office context
The Super Mario Bros.
Movie, produced by Illumination and released by Universal Pictures in 2023, proved a major commercial success, grossing roughly $1.36 billion worldwide.
In his address, Furukawa referenced that total revenue across the two Mario films — including the follow-up title mentioned in company materials — has exceeded $2 billion, signaling a notable new revenue stream for Nintendo alongside traditional software sales and Nintendo eShop activity.
Furukawa’s remarks, rewritten for clarity
Furukawa said that Nintendo’s film projects have significantly increased the company’s touchpoints with consumers.
He explained that the combined box-office performance of the Mario movies has reached more than $2 billion and that the films have introduced Mario to audiences in regions where Nintendo’s dedicated hardware business has had limited reach, as well as to people who do not normally play video games.
He added that the movies have also given longtime players a chance to rediscover Mario through experiences unique to film.
Finally, Furukawa confirmed that a live-action The Legend of Zelda is scheduled for 2027 and said Nintendo plans to continue delivering films in coming years while working with partners to carefully craft each production and build a framework to support ongoing production.
What this means for Nintendo’s strategy
Furukawa’s comments make clear that Nintendo views film as a strategic complement to its game business rather than a one-off experiment.
The company’s partnerships with studios such as Illumination and Universal Pictures on Mario demonstrate a model for future collaborations.
Verified details from the briefing are limited to box-office totals, the 2027 Zelda schedule, and the company’s intent to continue producing films; Nintendo has not released additional trailers or production timing for the Zelda project beyond that confirmation.
Nintendo’s move into cinema will remain an important story for fans and industry watchers alike as the company balances game development, Nintendo Direct announcements, and broader brand initiatives.
