Nintendo Movie Universe Expands: Donkey Kong, Metroid and More Rumored

Nintendo’s big-screen ambitions might be getting much bigger, with fresh rumors pointing to a wave of new projects starring Donkey Kong, Metroid, Star Fox, Kirby, Luigi, and possibly even the whole Smash Bros. roster down the line. None of this is officially locked in yet, but the picture being painted is clear: after the success of Mario and the momentum behind Zelda, Nintendo seems increasingly interested in building a long-term movie strategy that pulls from its massive library of iconic franchises.

If that sounds exciting, it’s because Nintendo is sitting on one of the richest catalogs in gaming history. For years, fans have imagined what it would look like if the company went beyond a single Mario movie and started treating its characters like a full entertainment universe. Now, with multiple reports and release-calendar clues swirling around, that dream suddenly feels a lot less far-fetched.

The biggest talking point right now is the rumored animated Nintendo project slated for 2028. An untitled Illumination and Nintendo event film appearing on a release calendar has fueled speculation that this could be the long-discussed Donkey Kong movie. That possibility makes a lot of sense. Donkey Kong has already re-entered the mainstream spotlight in a huge way, thanks to his appearance alongside Mario on the big screen and Nintendo’s wider push around the character in games and theme parks.

A Donkey Kong movie feels like one of the safest bets Nintendo could make. He has name recognition, a colorful supporting cast, and a tone that fits perfectly with animation. You can easily imagine a film packed with jungle chaos, mine cart set pieces, barrel-blasting action, and the kind of broad, high-energy humor that works well for all ages. If Nintendo wants to keep its theatrical momentum going without over-relying on Mario every single time, Donkey Kong is a natural next step.

But the rumors don’t stop there. Reports have suggested that Nintendo may be exploring a much broader slate, including movies based on Star Fox, Kirby, and Luigi’s Mansion. Out of all of these, Star Fox might be the most intriguing from a cinematic point of view. It already has the feel of a movie franchise: a team of pilots, space battles, rivalries, and a universe built for fast-paced sci-fi adventure. If Nintendo ever wanted a property that could deliver a more action-driven, slightly older-skewing animated experience, Star Fox could absolutely be it.

Kirby, on the other hand, would offer the complete opposite vibe in the best possible way. A Kirby movie could be bright, weird, adorable, and wildly imaginative. Dream Land is one of those settings that could translate beautifully into animation, especially if the filmmakers leaned into the surreal charm and playful creativity the series is known for. It might not be the first choice for a cinematic universe pillar, but it could become a surprise favorite if handled well.

Then there’s Luigi’s Mansion, which honestly feels like a layup. Family-friendly spooky adventures have always had strong appeal, and Luigi is already one of Nintendo’s most beloved characters. A movie centered on him bumbling his way through haunted halls, facing ghosts, traps, and supernatural chaos could strike a perfect balance between comedy and light horror. It also helps that Luigi’s personality gives writers a lot to work with. He’s nervous, relatable, and easy to root for.

Of course, the rumor getting some of the most curious reactions is Metroid. A live-action Metroid movie has been whispered about before, but the latest talk suggests there may be real interest from major studios. That’s where things get especially interesting, because Metroid would represent a very different kind of Nintendo adaptation. This isn’t a colorful mushroom kingdom or a cartoon jungle. Metroid is isolation, tension, alien worlds, and a protagonist who works best when the atmosphere does most of the talking.

If Nintendo really does move forward with Metroid in live action, the tone will be everything. Fans want the dread of exploring unknown ruins, the fear of hidden threats, and the sheer menace of creatures like Ridley to come through. At the same time, Nintendo is famously protective of its brands, so any adaptation would probably need to find a middle ground between sci-fi horror intensity and broader accessibility. That balancing act could be difficult, but if a studio pulls it off, Metroid could become the most unique film in Nintendo’s lineup.

There’s also chatter about Pikmin, though that sounds less certain. In some ways, Pikmin is one of Nintendo’s trickiest properties to adapt. It has charm, personality, and loads of visual potential, but figuring out the right story structure might be harder than it looks. Is it a tiny-scale adventure comedy? A survival tale? A mostly silent visual experience? There’s definitely something there, but it may need a more unconventional creative approach than Nintendo’s other franchises.

And then there’s the giant question hovering over all of it: is Nintendo actually building toward something like a crossover event? Once people start mentioning Smash Bros., that idea becomes impossible to ignore. The concept of a Nintendo crossover movie is obviously massive, but it’s also the kind of thing that only works if the groundwork is solid. Audiences need a reason to care about each hero before they all collide. If Nintendo tries to sprint straight to a big crossover without establishing these worlds first, it could feel hollow. But if the company plays the long game, the payoff could be enormous.

That’s why these rumors are so fascinating even if they remain unconfirmed for now. They suggest Nintendo may be thinking bigger than just “make another Mario movie.” Instead, the company could be testing what a full entertainment ecosystem looks like across animation, live action, and multiple genres. Comedy, adventure, sci-fi, spooky fun, and maybe eventually crossover spectacle. That’s a wide lane to operate in.

For now, it’s smartest to stay cautious. Rumors are rumors, and movie projects can change fast. Ideas get pitched, shuffled, rewritten, delayed, or quietly dropped all the time. Still, even with that giant grain of salt in hand, it’s hard not to get a little hyped. Nintendo has the characters. It has the audience. And after years of fans imagining what could be next, it finally feels like the company might be ready to open the floodgates.

If even half of these reports turn out to be true, the next decade of game-to-film adaptations could end up looking very Nintendo-shaped.