Nintendo has confirmed plans to continue producing movies based on its franchises beyond the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film in 2027. The company is establishing a production framework intended to support regular film releases in the coming years.
The announcement came during Nintendo’s financial results presentation for the first half of the fiscal year ending March 2027. President Shuntaro Furukawa explained that the company intends to work closely with its partners to develop future films while creating a structure that allows production to continue over the long term.
Nintendo’s movie plans follow the commercial success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in 2026. According to the company, the two animated films have generated more than $2 billion combined at the worldwide box office.
Nintendo believes its film adaptations have helped introduce its characters to audiences who might not otherwise interact with its games. The company specifically highlighted regions where its dedicated gaming hardware has a limited presence, along with consumers who do not typically play video games.
For existing fans, Nintendo said the movies provide another opportunity to experience familiar characters and rediscover their appeal through a different medium.
The company sees film production as part of its broader strategy to expand the audience for its intellectual properties. Other initiatives include mobile applications, character merchandise, and real-world entertainment experiences.
Nintendo also identified investment in non-game entertainment software assets as one of three priorities for its capital allocation strategy. This includes developing a structure capable of supporting the ongoing production of movies and other video content.
The next major project is the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie, currently scheduled for release in 2027. The film is also part of Nintendo’s plans to celebrate the franchise’s 40th anniversary.
Nintendo said anniversary activities will continue throughout this year and into 2027, covering games, the upcoming movie, music, and character merchandise.
Although Furukawa confirmed that additional films are planned after Zelda, Nintendo has not announced which franchises will receive adaptations or provided release windows for future projects. There has been a rumor about Donkey Kong getting its own animated movie, but nothing official has been confirmed so far.
