After the massive success of Nintendo’s animated Mario movies and the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film, fans are already wondering which Nintendo franchise will make the jump to theaters next. If recent leaks and release schedules are anything to go by, Donkey Kong could be first in line.
A newly updated release calendar from Universal Pictures Spain has added fuel to the rumors, listing an “Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film” for April 12, 2028. While the movie remains unnamed for now, many fans believe this mysterious project could end up being a Donkey Kong spin-off film.
Here’s everything we know so far.
Universal’s 2028 Nintendo Movie Listing Explained
The biggest clue comes from Universal Pictures Spain’s release schedule, which now includes an untitled collaboration between Illumination and Nintendo.
Although there are no plot details or official announcements attached to the listing, one detail has caught fans’ attention. The Nintendo project is reportedly highlighted in red, suggesting the title itself is still temporary and subject to change.
That may sound minor, but it typically indicates a project already has a planned release slot internally, even if the studio has not publicly revealed what it actually is yet.
Why Fans Think It’s a Donkey Kong Movie
The timing lines up almost perfectly with previous reports surrounding a Donkey Kong spin-off.
Industry leaker MyTimeToShineHello previously claimed that a Donkey Kong movie was already in active development with a targeted 2028 release window. If those reports are accurate, the newly listed April 2028 slot could easily belong to Nintendo’s iconic tie-wearing gorilla.
At the same time, reports suggest Nintendo and Illumination are already planning a third The Super Mario Bros. Movie for 2029, meaning the studios would likely need another Nintendo property to fill the gap beforehand.
Nintendo’s Expanding Movie Universe
A Donkey Kong movie would apparently be just one piece of Nintendo’s much larger cinematic roadmap.
Recent rumors claim Nintendo is exploring adaptations and spin-offs based on several major franchises, including:
- Metroid
- Star Fox
- Kirby
- Super Smash Bros.
There are also reports that Nintendo is considering spin-offs focused on Bowser and a Princess Peach & Rosalina duo adventure.
According to recent speculation, a potential Super Smash Bros. movie may depend on how future spin-offs perform first, particularly any projects connected to Star Fox.
The Metroid Movie Rumors Are Heating Up Too
Outside of animation, Nintendo is also reportedly pushing deeper into live-action adaptations.
Recent reports claim a Metroid movie is currently at the center of a bidding war between Sony Pictures and Universal Pictures. Both studios are reportedly interested in developing the franchise as a live-action sci-fi film.
Universal is said to be aggressively pursuing additional Nintendo properties overall, which could explain why the company appears heavily invested in expanding the Illumination partnership beyond Mario.
Could the 2028 Movie Be Something Else?
Of course, there is still a chance the untitled 2028 project has nothing to do with Donkey Kong at all.
Nintendo and Illumination have only officially collaborated on Mario projects so far, and the studios have not publicly confirmed any additional animated films yet.
Still, after the Mario movies reportedly generated nearly $2 billion combined at the global box office, it would make perfect sense for Nintendo to branch into another recognizable franchise next.
And when fans think about Nintendo characters capable of carrying their own blockbuster movie, a barrel-throwing gorilla is usually near the top of the list.
