Nintendo is gearing up for an exciting new chapter, as the company embraces the world of film and visual media. In a recent Q&A session with investors, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa and legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto discussed how movies could become an integral part of Nintendo’s future. Following the massive success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” Nintendo aims to expand its fanbase and rejuvenate interest in its iconic games through cinematic experiences.
Nintendo’s Cinematic Ambitions
Shuntaro Furukawa emphasized that movies align perfectly with the spirit of Nintendo games, offering a unique opportunity to engage audiences. Following the success of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” I feel that film and visual media are a form of entertainment very well-suited to our games, and we can make unique proposals in this area as Nintendo. The upcoming release of “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is set for April 3, 2026, and all eyes are on the forthcoming Legend of Zelda live-action film, which brings Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth into the spotlight as Zelda and Link. As Nintendo ventures into new storytelling mediums, the reception of these ambitious projects will be a fascinating test of their strategy.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Shigeru Miyamoto highlighted Nintendo’s strategic approach to film production, focusing on collaboration with international partners while maintaining a streamlined workforce. This expansion into films is seen as a logical evolution for the company, which has traditionally been known for its interactive experiences. Nintendo, as an entertainment company, has created a variety of games, IP, and characters. Thinking about entertainment experiences we can maintain long-term, film production became a logical next step. The internal movie division, Nintendo Pictures, is particularly interested in experimental projects, such as the short film “Close to you” featuring Pikmin, which represents a more exploratory approach to content creation.
Future Investments
In addition to its cinematic ventures, Nintendo has also announced plans to invest in acquiring new studios, signaling its commitment to expanding its creative resources and capabilities. As the company continues to innovate, both in gaming and films, these strategic moves are set to shape the future of entertainment, ensuring Nintendo’s place at the forefront of the industry.