Universal Pictures' Spanish release calendar lists an untitled Illumination/Nintendo event film for April 2028, according to a report that says the project may be an animated Donkey Kong spinoff. [1]
The same report says a live-action Metroid project may be nearing approval, adding to renewed speculation around Nintendo's film plans. [1]
A Hollywood insider previously said Universal was interested in a live-action Metroid movie with a sci-fi horror style but a more family-friendly tone. The update says Sony Pictures and Universal Pictures are competing for the Metroid rights with live-action pitches. [1]
The report also names other Nintendo properties that could be adapted for film in the future, including Star Fox, Kirby, Luigi's Mansion, Super Smash Bros. and Pikmin. It also points to a possible Star Fox target release in 2030. [1]
Copyright filings last year had already suggested an animated Donkey Kong spinoff could be real and headed for 2028. V Scooper also claimed last December that Universal was interested in a live-action Metroid film, and said in April 2026 that Sony and Universal were battling over the rights. [1]
The clearest dated item in the report is Universal's April 2028 slot for the untitled Illumination/Nintendo film. [1]
