Illumination, the animation studio responsible for the success of “Super Mario Bros. Filme”, is developing a new project based on an Nintendo franchise. The launch is scheduled for April 12, 2028, as revealed in Universal Pictures International Spain’s release schedule. The identity of the intellectual property still remains secret.
The partnership between Nintendo and Illumination bore significant fruit with Mario’s film. Agora, the duo works on another ambitious project for the coming years. Até At the moment, Universal has not released details about which franchise will be adapted for cinema.
Possíveis franchises in development
Embora officially not confirmed, speculation points to three main candidates:
- Donkey Kong — classic character with narrative appeal for animation
- Pikmin — series with unique visual aesthetics and cinematic potential
- Unreleased Projeto — possibility of creation based on Nintendo’s original IP
The secrecy surrounding the project reinforces the marketing strategy of both companies, which usually generate expectations before official revelations.
Estratégia Production Universal
Universal Pictures has invested heavily in video game adaptations for cinema. The success of “Super Mario Bros. The Filme”, released in 2023, opened doors for new collaborations with Nintendo. The strategy also includes Illumination projects with other game development studios.
The choice of Illumination was not accidental. The studio has demonstrated an ability to capture the essence of Nintendo’s franchises, maintaining loyalty to the original audience while attracting new viewers. CGI-style animation has become the production company’s trademark, with previous hits such as “Minions” and “Sing”.
Perspectivas from the adaptation market
The market for films based on video games has grown exponentially in the last decade. Projetos as “Sonic the Hedgehog”, “Detective Pikachu” and “Super Mario Bros.” proved that games offer rich material for cinematic narratives. The presence of consolidated studios like Illumination increases the chances of productive quality.
Analistas in the industry expect the official reveal to take place during technology or entertainment events in 2025 or 2026. Conventions like E3 (if returned) or direct announcements from Nintendo are often channels of choice for surprises of this magnitude. The proximity of the release date — just three years — suggests that pre-production is already at an advanced stage or even in active development.
Fãs of Nintendo and animation enthusiasts await confirmation on which franchise will receive adaptation. The company is expected to break its silence in the coming months, especially as it approaches 2026, when promotional materials are often released. Illumination maintains a robust portfolio for the coming years, with multiple projects in parallel development.
The date of April 12, 2028 marks Universal’s calendar of major releases for that period. Outras productions from the distributor are also expected to occupy cinema space that year, intensifying competition for audiences and marketing resources.