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.