Nintendo Quietly Seals The Super Mario Universe’s Fate With New Movie Set for April 2028

by

The future looks very promising for movies, even if Mario isn’t always the main focus.

A new report from Universal Pictures International Spain details the studio’s upcoming film projects over the next several years. While the list includes many promising titles, one film—currently known as the “Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film” with a planned release date of April 12, 2028—is generating particular excitement.

What the Future of the Super Mario Bros. Cinematic Universe Looks Like Right Now

Even though fans are really enjoying the recent Mario movie, the next film from Illumination and Nintendo might not focus on Mario himself. There’s increasing speculation that the new movie could actually be about Mario’s longtime enemy instead.

In 2025, Nintendo and Universal Pictures registered a copyright for something related to Donkey Kong. While we haven’t heard about a Donkey Kong project since then, it’s still possible we’ll see an animated movie starring the character. This is especially likely considering how important Seth Rogen’s version of Donkey Kong was in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

With the recent announcements, many fans are now speculating if the upcoming Illumination/Nintendo film might actually be related to Super Smash Bros. The introduction of characters beyond the typical Mario universe, combined with the expanding scope shown in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, suggests that even larger and more ambitious projects are on the horizon.

Mario Isn’t the Only Nintendo Character Set to Take Over the Silver Screen

I’m still totally blown away by how well The Super Mario Bros. Movie is doing – it’s already made over $832 million worldwide! But it’s awesome to hear Nintendo isn’t stopping there. I was really surprised to learn they’re planning even more movies, and the latest one is currently set to come out on May 7, 2027. I can’t wait!

Fans first saw Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the stars of the upcoming project, in November 2025. They were pictured on large, rolling hills that looked just like the landscapes from the popular game, and both actors were wearing their characters’ most recognizable outfits.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is in theaters now.

Read More

2026-04-28 23:51