New Metroid film in the works: animation and live-action rumors
Intelligence Summary
- Discover details on the new Metroid animated film planned for 2028 and rumors of a live-action adaptation.
New Metroid film in the works: animation and live-action rumors
Nintendo continues to conquer the film world with new projects based on popular franchises. One of the most talked-about projects is a new animated film being produced by Universal and Illumination, with a premiere planned for April 2028. The film is listed as an "Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film," and the exact details about the story and characters are still unknown. This news comes alongside rumors of a possible live-action Metroid adaptation.
Animated film in development
The upcoming animated film, based on a copyright filing submitted last year, also appears to be tied to an earlier reported Donkey Kong spin-off movie. The 2028 film could, like the Super Mario movies before it, blend humor and adventure, but for the Metroid franchise a darker sci-fi horror approach seems to be on the table.
Rumors about a live-action adaptation
In December, rumors spread that Universal was interested in making a live-action Metroid film with a more family-friendly tone. That speculation was recently reignited by Hollywood insider V Scooper, who reported that Sony Pictures and Universal Pictures are competing for the rights to a live-action Metroid movie. This could point to growing interest in Nintendo's wider universe, which may expand into a "Nintendo Cinematic Universe."
The Nintendo Cinematic Universe
Reports suggest the Nintendo Cinematic Universe includes plans for other popular franchises such as Star Fox and Kirby, with a Star Fox movie reportedly planned for 2030. There is even speculation about a Super Smash Bros. adaptation in the near future. This shows that Nintendo is taking its film adaptation potential seriously and may be developing a long-term strategy in this direction.
Timeline
2026-04: Rumors of a live-action Metroid film heat up as Universal and Illumination confirm plans for a new animated film for April 2028.
2028-04: An "Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film" is expected to debut, and it may be connected to a Donkey Kong spin-off movie.
2030: A Star Fox film may be in development as part of broader plans for the Nintendo Cinematic Universe.
With these exciting developments, Metroid remains a major player in the future of Nintendo's film plans. The combination of an animated film and rumors of a live-action adaptation of this iconic franchise is drawing fans in and building high expectations for what's next.
Sources
Tweet van @MyTimeToShineHTweet van @MyTimeToShineHFirst, that 2028 movie. Universal Pictures' Spanish release calendar has just revealed an "Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film" is scheduled for April 2028. This lines up with copyright filings made last year suggesting an animated Donkey Kong spinoff movie was real and coming in 2028.
Tweet van @thevscooperTweet van @thevscooperMounting evidence that Donkey Kong is the next Nintendo character to hit movie screens follows recent claims by industry insider MyTimeToShineHello outlining a so-called "Nintendo Cinematic Universe". This is reported to include a Star Fox movie - perhaps with Glen Powell on board following his Super Mario Galaxy Movie cameo - targeting a 2030 release, alongside films based on Kirby and even Luigi's Mansion . Furthermore, they say a Super Smash Bros. adaptation may happen a few years from now.
Tweet van @thevscooperTweet van @thevscooperMounting evidence that Donkey Kong is the next Nintendo character to hit movie screens follows recent claims by industry insider MyTimeToShineHello outlining a so-called "Nintendo Cinematic Universe". This is reported to include a Star Fox movie - perhaps with Glen Powell on board following his Super Mario Galaxy Movie cameo - targeting a 2030 release, alongside films based on Kirby and even Luigi's Mansion . Furthermore, they say a Super Smash Bros. adaptation may happen a few years from now.