Nintendo fans already have plenty to look forward to with the smash success of the Super Mario Galaxy movie, which has hauled in over $800 million globally this year. But the gaming giant isn't resting on its laurels. A recent update from Universal Studios has confirmed the release of an untitled Illumination and Nintendo animated movie, penciled in for April 12, 2028. While details about the project remain scarce, speculation is running wild about which iconic Nintendo universe could take center stage.

Nintendo and Illumination: A Proven Partnership

Nintendo’s collaboration with Illumination, the studio behind the hit Mario films and "Inventing Minions," has so far proven fruitful. The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 and its cosmic sequel, Super Mario Galaxy, have showcased Illumination's knack for translating beloved game worlds into wildly successful family blockbusters. With Mario commanding such success, questions now arise about what the 2028 project may deliver.

Many fans are quickly eliminating the possibility of a third Mario movie being this rapidly developed. Actor Jack Black, who voices Bowser in the franchise, has hinted that any third installment would land no earlier than 2029. That timeline aligns with the three-year gap between Nintendo’s first two Mario films. Could Nintendo be moving beyond the Mushroom Kingdom for 2028?

A Donkey Kong Film on the Horizon?

One major contender for the mystery movie is Donkey Kong. Nintendo and Universal filed a copyright notice last year for an untitled Donkey Kong film project. While such filings don’t confirm production, the timing adds up. Donkey Kong, a beloved Nintendo character with decades of legacy thanks to games spanning from arcades to the Nintendo Switch, would be a logical next step in expanding the company’s cinematic universe. Seth Rogen's Donkey Kong was a breakout character in the first Super Mario Bros. Movie, further fueling demand for a standalone feature.

Releasing a Donkey Kong movie in 2028 would follow a natural cycle for Nintendo’s cinematic rollouts. It would also appeal to audiences familiar with the character while introducing him to a broader family demographic. However, this isn’t the only possible direction.

Other Franchises in Play

Nintendo has no shortage of franchises that could light up the big screen. Among the most speculated contenders is Luigi’s Mansion, a franchise ripe with personality and atmosphere that could translate wonderfully to a feature film. Given the spooky tone of Luigi’s Mansion, it might make sense to reserve it for a Halloween release rather than April. Still, the idea of Luigi, gaming’s most iconic sidekick, headlining his own movie outside of Mario’s shadow excites plenty of fans.

Similarly, Star Fox might be another possibility. The sci-fi adventures of Fox McCloud and his anthropomorphic squad lend themselves perfectly to spectacular visual storytelling and could fill a niche for Nintendo if they want to venture into a less comedic, more action-packed tone.

Other favorites being tossed into the speculation arena include Pikmin and Kirby, franchises with distinct aesthetics and narratives tailor-made for creative animated storytelling.

The Expansion of Nintendo’s Cinematic Universe

The announcement of a new Illumination project in 2028 signals just how serious Nintendo is about carving out its place in Hollywood. The company already has a live-action Legend of Zelda movie slated for 2027, a massive undertaking with Sony Pictures at the helm. Expanding into multiple genres and formats shows the company's commitment to ensuring its movies reflect the same diversity as its gaming portfolio.

Shigeru Miyamoto, the celebrated mastermind behind these franchises, has in the past emphasized Nintendo's strategic focus on only pursuing film projects that complement their brands. By 2028, Nintendo could be looking at an established cinematic universe rivaling other animation giants.

Why April 2028?

Placing this mystery movie in April may seem like an unusual choice. Typically, films with Halloween or spooky undertones like Luigi’s Mansion would thrive in October, while summer tends to host high-energy blockbusters. However, April has proven successful for Nintendo, as evidenced by the launch of its prior two Mario films, which landed in April releases and enjoyed long theatrical runs deep into the summer.

What Comes Next

Nintendo’s fans may have to wait a bit longer for official information about this enigmatic movie. At this point, the possibilities feel endless. With such an expansive library of iconic games and characters, choosing just one new direction is a high-stakes decision for Nintendo. Still, the heavily speculated Donkey Kong project appears to be the closest to confirmation.

In the meantime, there’s no shortage of Nintendo-related film and game entertainment for fans. The Super Mario Galaxy movie hits streaming platforms on May 5, making it accessible beyond theaters. And, looking ahead, the 2027 Legend of Zelda live-action film promises to deliver even more branching pathways for Nintendo’s foray into the silver screen.

Whether it's bananas, haunted mansions, or distant galaxies, Nintendo’s April 2028 film will undoubtedly fuel excitement, theories, and anticipation over the next few years. For now, all eyes are on Mario, Zelda, and an unnamed project that could define the next chapter of Nintendo at the movies.