Ronda Rousey Expresses Interest in Playing Samus Aran in Metroid Movie Adaptation

Ronda Rousey, acclaimed former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion, has long been recognized not only for her dominance in the ring but also for her passion for video games.

Her enthusiasm for gaming is well-documented, with public appearances featuring her sporting recognizable gaming attire, such as a Pikachu onesie.

Recently, Rousey brought renewed attention to Nintendo’s celebrated Metroid franchise by expressing her desire to star as the iconic Galactic bounty hunter, Samus Aran, in a potential video game movie adaptation. In a candid interview with GameSpot, Rousey was asked which video game-based movie project she would most like to headline.

She replied that embodying Samus Aran would be a dream role for her, describing it as an opportunity that would be nothing short of "badass." Paraphrasing her comments, Rousey admired how the reveal that Samus Aran was a female protagonist surprised many players, especially since it was a significant turning point in early video game history.

She went on to note the appeal of spending most of the narrative within Samus’s iconic suit—a unique aspect of the character that aligns with the intrigue and mystique embedded in the Metroid series. Samus Aran first appeared in Metroid on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, establishing her as one of gaming’s earliest and most influential female protagonists.

The Metroid series, developed and published by Nintendo, has since expanded across multiple Nintendo hardware generations, including the Super Nintendo, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS, and most recently, the Nintendo Switch.

Most notably, Metroid Dread released on Nintendo Switch in October 2021, quickly becoming one of the best-selling entries in series history and winning accolades for its innovative gameplay design and atmosphere. Rousey’s comments reflect an ongoing interest among fans and celebrities in seeing Nintendo properties adapted for the big screen.

While there have been no official announcements from Nintendo regarding a Metroid movie, her athleticism and experience on camera could make her a strong candidate for action-oriented roles should such a project materialize.

Rousey’s engagement also underscores the enduring appeal and cultural significance of the Metroid franchise, and its central protagonist, as part of the broader Nintendo legacy. As Nintendo continues to expand its presence through mediums such as the Nintendo Switch and the increasingly popular Nintendo Direct presentations, the call for a Metroid movie adaptation persists among loyal fans.

With figures like Ronda Rousey championing Samus Aran, the momentum behind bringing this storied sci-fi adventure to a new audience continues to build, further solidifying Metroid’s place in gaming history.

Ronda Rousey Nintendo GameSpot Metroid Samus Aran Nintendo Switch Nintendo Direct