Nintendo's next animated film planned for April 2028

Nintendo has announced its next animated film, a project being produced in collaboration with Illumination. The film currently carries the working title "Untitled Illumination/Nintendo event film" and is scheduled for release on April 12, 2028.

Illumination and previous collaboration with Nintendo

Illumination is the animation studio behind hits like the Minions franchise and the successful "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." Given the recent popularity of those films and their ability to reach a wide audience, it is no surprise that Nintendo is teaming up with Illumination again for a new project.

Major projects in the pipeline

Nintendo has a busy slate of future film projects. In 2027, a live-action film titled "The Legend of Zelda" is scheduled, with production recently wrapped in New Zealand. The movie marks a promising expansion of Nintendo's growing lineup of adaptations.

In addition, recent comments from Jack Black, who voiced Bowser in the Super Mario movie, suggest he is likely to return for a third animated film in 2029. These developments point to a strong future for Nintendo in film and animation.

Expectations around the new film

There are rumors that the April 2028 film could center on Donkey Kong, which would be interesting given the character's absence from the recent Super Mario movie. Fans are speculating that this spinoff could offer more insight into Donkey Kong's jungle kingdom, with hopes that other familiar characters such as Diddy and Dixie will play a bigger role.

In the past, Nintendo films have often been key to expanding their worlds and telling stories that are not always explored in the games themselves. That opens the door for a deeper Donkey Kong story, possibly with new elements drawn from different game storylines, such as his adventures in "Donkey Kong Country."

With these upcoming projects, Nintendo appears set to continue its focus on film and animation, with exciting stories that should appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.