Nintendo Expands Movie Lineup: The Future of Mario and Zelda Films on Nintendo Switch Era

Nintendo is accelerating its foray into the cinematic world, building on the blockbuster performance of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie, which became a global phenomenon upon its release in 2023.

With worldwide box office numbers that set new records for game-to-film adaptations, Nintendo has demonstrated that its iconic franchises resonate beyond the confines of consoles like the Nintendo Switch and have a strong appeal for mainstream audiences in theaters and on streaming platforms alike. After the resounding success of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie, Nintendo rapidly grew its movie division with planned follow-ups and new projects.

This includes not only sequels but also fresh adaptations of other iconic properties.

Notable among recent announcements is the forthcoming live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda and a new animated feature, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which serves as a continuation of the first Mario animation. Supporting these ambitious efforts are Nintendo Pictures and Nintendo Stars, in-house teams dedicated to expanding the company's reach in video and filmmaking.

Legendary game director Shigeru Miyamoto, instrumental in developing both the Mario and Zelda franchises, remains closely involved with these movie projects.

According to a recent official statement, Miyamoto described the company’s ongoing strategy as aiming for a 'consistent release cadence'—an indication that regular movie releases are now integral to Nintendo's long-term entertainment blueprint. In its latest financial briefing, Nintendo shared updates confirming its cinematic roadmap.

The briefing outlined the upcoming launch of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, scheduled for April 2026, followed by the highly anticipated live-action The Legend of Zelda movie in 2027.

These announcements were accompanied by a visual timeline, underscoring Nintendo's intention to maintain steady momentum in its film slate.

According to the company's official communication, 'Following up on the release of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie in 2023, we have The Super Mario Galaxy Movie scheduled for release in 2026, and the live-action movie of The Legend of Zelda planned for 2027.

We are continuing to prepare for the ongoing release of movies in the future.' While details regarding the storylines and creative teams remain under wraps, reports indicate that the main cast for The Legend of Zelda film has already been selected.

The project has generated significant anticipation within both the gaming and cinema communities.

With Nintendo Pictures and creative visionary Shigeru Miyamoto at the helm, industry observers expect these upcoming movies to build on the momentum generated by the first Mario film, further solidifying Nintendo’s presence in the entertainment industry. This expanded approach to cinematic adaptations signals a new era for Nintendo, one that leverages its acclaimed intellectual properties for multi-platform storytelling spanning game consoles like the Nintendo Switch, in addition to theaters worldwide.

As Nintendo continues to blend its legacy of gaming innovation with Hollywood storytelling, fans can look forward to a consistent stream of must-watch films based on the company's beloved franchises.

Zelda Nintendo Switch Super Mario Galaxy Nintendo Mario The Legend of Zelda Super Mario Bros. Movie Legend of Zelda Switch Super Mario The Super Mario Bros. Movie Super Mario Bros Mario Bros Legend Mario Galaxy Super Mario Galaxy Movie Nintendo Pictures Shigeru Miyamoto Nintendo Stars