Potential Ape Character, Donkey Kong, Earmarked for Nintendo's Upcoming Cinematic Role
In a groundbreaking move, Nintendo Studios LLC and Universal Pictures have filed a joint copyright for an upcoming Donkey Kong movie, officially classified as the "Untitled Donkey Kong Project." The project, which is currently in its early stages, is expected to capitalise on the success of *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*, produced by Nintendo and Universal's Illumination, which grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide in 2023[1][3].
The filing marks a significant step towards the realization of a Donkey Kong feature film. Seth Rogen, who voiced Donkey Kong in the Mario movie, has previously expressed enthusiasm about a Donkey Kong Country film, hinting at Nintendo's interest in expanding its cinematic universe beyond Mario[1][3]. However, no creative, casting, or plot details have been released yet.
It remains unclear whether the Donkey Kong film will maintain the animation style of *The Super Mario Bros. Movie* or take a different approach. Given Universal and Illumination's success with Mario, continuing in animation seems likely, but this is not confirmed[2].
The Donkey Kong movie appears to be part of Nintendo's broader plan to build a connected cinematic universe around its key franchises. Other upcoming Nintendo-related films include a sequel to the Super Mario Bros. movie planned for 2026 and a live-action Legend of Zelda movie aiming for a 2027 release[2][3]. Given the scheduled releases for Mario's sequel and the Zelda adaptation, the Donkey Kong movie is likely to emerge in theatres a few years after those projects.
Meanwhile, Donkey Kong is making a comeback in a major way this summer, with his first theme park ride in the United States and the release of a mega game titled Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2 later this week[4].
Despite the excitement, no official confirmation or details about the Donkey Kong movie have been disclosed as of publication. It is not clear what other projects Nintendo is working on, apart from the "Untitled Donkey Kong Project" and the two announced movies. However, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has stated that the company is working on various other projects beyond The Legend of Zelda movie, and the Donkey Kong project is suspected to be one of these[6].
[1] https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/06/universal-and-nintendo-are-developing-a-donkey-kong-movie [2] https://www.polygon.com/22398512/donkey-kong-movie-universal-nintendo-animation [3] https://www.gamespot.com/articles/universal-and-nintendo-are-working-on-a-donkey-kong-movie/1100-6502794/ [4] https://www.insidethemagic.net/2025/06/universal-studios-orlando-announces-donkey-kong-ride/ [5] https://www.ign.com/articles/donkey-kong-movie-universal-nintendo-copyright [6] https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/management/msg/2025/0606.html
- The Donkey Kong movie, listed under 'movies-and-tv,' could potentially be another significant box office hit, following in the footsteps of Nintendo and Universal's animated adaptation of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which raked in over $1.3 billion worldwide.
- Gizmodo and IO9 are reporting that the upcoming Donkey Kong movie, part of Nintendo's plan to broaden its cinematic universe, may stay within the animation realm, similar to the successful Mario adaptation, but this hasn't been officially confirmed yet.
- With the Donkey Kong movie set for release a few years after the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the live-action Legend of Zelda movie, technology enthusiasts and entertainment lovers alike will have plenty to look forward to in the future of Nintendo's movie endeavors.
