Donkey Kong is about to star in his own big-screen adventure. Nintendo's famous gorilla will be the center of a solo film, currently in development in partnership with Nintendo Studios and Universal Pictures.
The project was officially registered in early June 2025, but the document only came to light in recent days, reigniting rumors about the Japanese giant's next big cinema release.
Official registration reveals working title for new Donkey Kong movie
On June 6, 2025, Nintendo Studios LLC officially registered a feature-length film titled "Untitled Donkey Kong Project; Motion Picture" with the United States Copyright Office. The document lists Universal Pictures as a co-producer and clearly indicates that production is underway.
Although the title is still tentative, the content of the registration suggests that Nintendo is ready to expand its cinematic universe. The information became public after being shared by insider Wario64 on the Bluesky platform, and has since generated anticipation among fans and industry experts.
Nintendo and Universal have not yet officially announced the production
So far, neither Nintendo nor Universal Pictures have commented on the registration or officially confirmed the film's development. However, the document's date and the involvement of both companies indicate that an announcement may be coming soon. The practice of registering productions before revealing them to the public is common in the industry, and the proximity between registration and release often precedes marketing campaigns.
Therefore, although the exact release date has not yet been announced, the current scenario points to a possible release between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.
Film should expand the universe of Super Mario Bros. The Movie
Donkey Kong previously appeared in Super Mario Bros. The Movie, released in 2023, voiced by Seth Rogen. With the animated film grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide, Nintendo has found a solid opportunity to pursue spin-off projects. The character's new solo film could capitalize on this success to build a shared universe among the company's main icons.
It's still unclear whether Rogen will return to the role or whether the new film will be directly connected to the previous animated film. Despite this, the framework already established in Super Mario Bros. serves as the foundation for Nintendo's cinematic expansion, which is also preparing the film's sequel for 2026.
Nintendo expands its investment in film adaptations
In addition to the Donkey Kong project, Nintendo has already confirmed the production of a live-action The Legend of Zelda film. The Japanese studio is also involved in the Super Mario Bros. sequel, scheduled for April 2026. These releases demonstrate a clear strategy of consolidating its film franchises with the support of major studios.
The June 2025 filing indicates that the Donkey Kong film could premiere soon, if production is already well underway. Otherwise, the film is likely to hit theaters in the first half of 2026, in line with other Nintendo initiatives.
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