Donkey Kong is about to star in his own big-screen adventure. The famous Nintendo gorilla will be the focus of a solo film, which is being developed 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 movie release.
Official registry reveals working title for new Donkey Kong movie
On June 6, 2025, Nintendo Studios LLC formally registered a feature film titled “Untitled Donkey Kong Project; Motion Picture” with the United States Copyright Office. The document lists Universal Pictures as a co-producer and is a clear indication that production is already underway.
Although the title is still provisional, the content of the registration suggests that Nintendo is ready to expand its cinematic universe. The information came to light after being shared by insider Wario64 on the Bluesky platform, and has since generated expectations among fans and industry experts.
Nintendo and Universal have not yet officially announced the production
To date, neither Nintendo nor Universal Pictures have commented on the registration or officially confirmed the film's development. However, the date of the document and the involvement of both companies indicate that an announcement may happen soon. The practice of registering productions before revealing them to the public is common in the industry, and the proximity between registration and disclosure often precedes marketing campaigns.
Therefore, although the exact release date has not yet been announced, the current scenario points to a possible launch between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.
The film is expected to expand the universe of Super Mario Bros. The Movie
Donkey Kong had already appeared in Super Mario Bros. The Movie, released in 2023, with Seth Rogen providing the voice in the original version. With the animated film grossing over US$1.3 billion worldwide, Nintendo found a solid opportunity to pursue spin-off projects. The new solo film for the character could leverage 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 if the new film will have a direct connection to the previous animation. Despite this, the structure already established in Super Mario Bros. serves as a basis for Nintendo's cinematic expansion, which also includes a sequel planned 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 film of The Legend of Zelda. The Japanese studio is also involved in the sequel to Super Mario Bros., scheduled for April 2026. These releases demonstrate a clear strategy of consolidating its franchises in cinema with the support of major studios.
The registration made in June 2025 indicates that the Donkey Kong movie may premiere soon, if production is already well advanced. Otherwise, it is likely that the film will hit theaters in the first half of 2026, in line with other Nintendo initiatives.
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