Nintendo Expands Film Adaptations with The Legend of Zelda Live-Action Movie and New Super Mario Bros. Animated Film

Nintendo Accelerates Film Adaptations: The Legend of Zelda Live-Action Movie and Animated Super Mario Bros.

Film Announced As one of the most iconic names in the gaming industry, Nintendo has leveraged its extensive catalog of intellectual properties (IPs) to captivate audiences for decades.

Following the unprecedented global success of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie in 2023—a collaboration that became an international box office phenomenon—Nintendo is doubling down on its film adaptation ambitions.

The company recently unveiled key details about its next major projects: an animated Super Mario Bros.

film set to debut in April 2026, and a much-anticipated live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda slated for release in May 2027. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa addressed these forthcoming cinematic ventures while speaking at a recent investor briefing.

Furukawa highlighted that the company remains highly motivated to bring more of its celebrated IPs to new audiences beyond its dedicated video game console platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch.

He explained, "We are pleased with the warm global reception for The Super Mario Bros.

Movie since its theatrical release in April 2023.

Building on this momentum, we aim to further expand the reach of Nintendo properties.

Our plan includes a new animated film based on Super Mario Bros.

in April 2026 and a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda in May 2027." A defining aspect of Nintendo’s evolving approach to film and media content is its hands-on production philosophy.

Furukawa emphasized that, rather than licensing franchises out to film companies, Nintendo has taken a more active role, ensuring the company is deeply involved in each stage of development.

"Our strategy is centered on expanding accessibility to Nintendo IP, in order to invigorate our core hardware-software business.

We have invested in initiatives beyond the video game market, and visual content stands as a critical area," he clarified.

"By committing resources and participating closely in production, Nintendo can uphold the high quality our fans expect from any adaptation of our beloved franchises." While Furukawa did not disclose specific details about other IPs currently being considered for film adaptation, he affirmed that additional projects are underway.

This measured announcement signals Nintendo's carefully managed expansion into multimedia entertainment, a move that complements the company's leadership in interactive gaming platforms like the Nintendo Switch and digital storefronts such as the eShop. As Nintendo continues to diversify its business model, fans and industry watchers alike can anticipate a growing presence for storied franchises such as The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros.

on the big screen.

With a proactive stance on production and a commitment to quality, Nintendo is poised to set new benchmarks in how gaming properties are translated for cinema, while reinforcing the enduring appeal of its classic characters and worlds.

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