Nintendo Files Copyright for Donkey Kong Movie: Expansion into Visual Content Accelerates

Nintendo has officially filed a copyright for an untitled Donkey Kong motion picture, according to new records listed on the United States Copyright Public Records System.

This notable move highlights Nintendo’s continued expansion into visual content production, closely following the overwhelming success of The Super Mario Bros.

Movie, which launched in 2023 and amassed over $1 billion globally at the box office. While Nintendo has not provided direct confirmation regarding any Donkey Kong film development, the copyright listing identifies Universal as a co-involved party.

This corroborates industry reports that Universal Pictures, alongside its animation partner Illumination Entertainment, is poised to play a significant role in Nintendo's ongoing cinematic ventures.

Both companies previously collaborated on the blockbuster Super Mario Bros.

Movie, marking an effective model for franchise-driven film adaptations. This strategic copyright filing comes as anticipation builds for Donkey Kong Bananza, the latest Donkey Kong title arriving soon on Nintendo Switch.

The timing suggests that Nintendo is broadening its efforts beyond its flagship Mario and Zelda properties, a direction foreshadowed by the company’s leadership.

In the most recent investor call, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa emphasized the company’s intention to strengthen its “visual content business”.

In his comments to stakeholders, Furukawa stated that Nintendo aims to leverage its iconic IP through further film and multimedia opportunities—noting the firm’s expanded ambitions but clarifying no announcements beyond the incoming live-action Zelda film. Nintendo’s visual content roadmap for the next several years is already taking shape.

The sequel to The Super Mario Bros.

Movie is slated for 2026, followed by a live-action Zelda film set for 2027.

With the Donkey Kong movie copyright only recently filed, production is in the early stages, and release is not expected for several years.

No creative details or release timeframe have been announced by Nintendo, Universal, or Illumination at this stage. Meanwhile, Donkey Kong’s profile is rising steadily in the gaming world.

Donkey Kong Bananza, set for release on the Nintendo Switch, has attracted significant interest thanks to new gameplay features and character updates, as shared by the game’s developers.

The careful reimagination of familiar faces and the return of beloved platforming elements reinforce Donkey Kong as a mainstay of Nintendo’s portfolio. Nintendo continues to focus on delivering high-quality game experiences on the Nintendo Switch and expanding its franchises through multimedia initiatives.

The recent copyright filing for a Donkey Kong movie underscores the company’s commitment to broadening its entertainment horizons through partnerships with Universal and Illumination, building on established records of both commercial and critical success. As the gaming industry looks forward to further developments, Nintendo fans can anticipate both fresh gaming experiences and new ways to engage with iconic universes like Donkey Kong on the big screen.

Donkey Kong Nintendo Mario Super Mario Bros. Movie Super Mario Universal Super Mario Bros Mario Bros Illumination Donkey Kong Bananza Super Mario Bros Movie Shuntaro Furukawa Zelda