Donkey Kong Movie Set for 2028 Release, Nintendo Expands Cinematic Universe
UPDATE: A new report confirms that the highly anticipated Donkey Kong movie is officially in the works, with a release window set for 2028. This major announcement follows the incredible success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide.
According to a post by MyTimeToShineHello on X (formerly Twitter), the film is already progressing, marking a significant expansion of Nintendo‘s cinematic ambitions. The excitement builds on a recent copyright filing discovered by Video Game Chronicle, indicating collaboration between Nintendo Studios and Universal Pictures on this project.
If the 2028 date holds, fans will have less than three years to wait for Donkey Kong to hit the big screen in his solo adventure, following a standout performance voiced by Seth Rogen in the 2023 hit. The character’s popularity has fueled demand for a spinoff, especially given his breakout role in the Mario film.
The partnership between Nintendo and Universal is particularly noteworthy, considering their contentious history, which dates back to 1983 when Universal sued Nintendo over the original Donkey Kong arcade game. The court ultimately ruled in favor of Nintendo, affirming that Universal had no rights to the King Kong trademark, clearing the way for this new film collaboration.
This development suggests that the upcoming Donkey Kong film is separate from the next mainline Mario movie, reportedly titled Super Mario World, which is set to release on April 3, 2026. This strategic planning has sparked speculation among fans that Nintendo may be laying the groundwork for its own cinematic universe, where beloved characters could receive individual films while coexisting in a shared narrative.
As of now, specific details about voice casting or plot direction have not been disclosed, leaving fans eagerly waiting for more news from Nintendo. With its recent gaming slate and cinematic plans, the potential for a robust Nintendo movie franchise is becoming clearer.
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project develops. The future of Nintendo in cinema is looking brighter than ever!
