Nintendo has quietly filed a copyright notice for an upcoming Donkey Kong movie, sparking speculation among fans about the expansion of the company's cinematic ambitions. The registration, titled “Untitled Donkey Kong Project; Motion Picture,” lists both Nintendo Studios LLC and Universal Pictures as rights holders according to IGN.
The move reflects the ongoing collaboration between Nintendo and Universal, which previously produced the record-breaking Super Mario Bros. Movie through Illumination, the studio behind the Minions franchise. While Nintendo has not officially confirmed the film, the copyright filing—originally made in May 2025—suggests the project may already be in development.
Rumors of a Donkey Kong-focused spin-off have circulated since the release of Super Mario Bros., although reports indicate that the next Mario movie, possibly titled Super Mario World, will be a direct sequel rather than a crossover. Some fans speculate that the Donkey Kong film may be part of a broader strategy to build a “Nintendo Cinematic Universe,” where individual characters receive standalone films within an interconnected world.
The timing has sparked further intrigue, as it coincides with the upcoming release of Donkey Kong Bananaza for the Nintendo Switch 2. Given the game’s more cinematic presentation and expanded storyline, some believe its narrative could be connected to the film.
Nintendo has yet to comment on the Donkey Kong project. However, the company continues to expand its film portfolio, including a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda. In a recent Q&A with investors, Nintendo executive Shigeru Miyamoto reaffirmed the company's commitment to quality, stating that both games and films are only released when the team is confident they will meet consumer expectations.
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