While fans are still enjoying the theatrical run of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, we finally have a timeline for the next chapter in this cinematic universe. Universal has updated its official release schedule, confirming an "Untitled Illumination/Nintendo event film" is slated to hit theaters on April 12, 2028.
Given the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and its recent sequel, a return for Nintendo's next animated movie was all but guaranteed.
Is a Donkey Kong Spinoff on the Horizon?
While the official title remains under wraps, industry rumors suggest this 2028 slot is reserved for a highly anticipated Donkey Kong spinoff. The character’s notable absence from recent Mario projects has fueled speculation that Nintendo and Illumination are building a standalone franchise around the jungle hero.
If these rumors hold true, we can expect several key developments:
- Seth Rogen is widely anticipated to reprise his role as Donkey Kong.
- The film may explore the deeper lore of the Kong Kingdom.
- Fans might see more prominent roles for characters like Diddy and Dixie Kong.
Nintendo's Expanding Cinematic Universe
This announcement adds another massive pillar to Nintendo’s growing media slate. The studio is currently juggling multiple high-profile projects across different mediums:
- The Legend of Zelda: A live-action adaptation that has already completed filming in New Zealand for a 2027 release.
- Mario Franchise Expansion: Jack Black has even hinted at the possibility of returning for a third Mario animated installment as early as 2029.
Whether this Nintendo's next animated movie serves as a direct sequel to existing lore or a fresh adventure within the Donkey Kong Country universe remains to be seen. Speculation is already swirling regarding potential prequel elements, such as an origin story for a younger Pauline or deeper connections to the broader Mario canon. For now, fans will have to wait until April 2028 to see if their theories about the Kong family come to life on the big screen.
