Nintendo and Illumination’s Third Animated Film: Release Date, Cast, Plot and Everything We Know So Far
Lisbon, Portugal — The partnership between Nintendo and Illumination, the animation studio behind the Despicable Me and Minions franchises, has already redefined the landscape of video game adaptations. After the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) and its sequel, The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2: The Koopa Chronicles (2024), fans and industry analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this blockbuster collaboration. While details remain scarce, one thing is certain: the third film in the series is officially set for release on April 12, 2028, according to listings from Universal Pictures International Spain. Here’s everything we know so far about the highly anticipated project.
As a longtime observer of the intersection between gaming and cinema, I’ve seen my share of adaptations—some triumphant, others disastrous. The success of the Super Mario Bros. films, yet, has been nothing short of revolutionary. The first installment grossed $1.36 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing video game adaptation of all time. Its sequel, released just a year later, surpassed even that milestone, earning $1.42 billion at the global box office. With numbers like these, it’s no surprise that Nintendo and Illumination are doubling down on their partnership. But the question on everyone’s mind is: What will the third film be about?
The Release Date: April 12, 2028
The official release date for the third film was confirmed after Universal Pictures International Spain updated its release schedule to include an untitled project from Nintendo and Illumination. Listed as Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film, the movie is slated to hit theaters on April 12, 2028. This date aligns with the typical spring release window for major animated films, which often aim to capitalize on school holidays and family audiences.
For context, the first Super Mario Bros. Movie premiered on April 5, 2023, while its sequel, The Koopa Chronicles, debuted on April 3, 2024. The three-year gap between the first and third films suggests that Nintendo and Illumination are taking a measured approach, balancing fan demand with the require to craft a high-quality product. However, the shorter interval between the second and third films—just four years—indicates that the studios are confident in their ability to maintain momentum.
The Title: Still a Mystery
Despite the confirmed release date, the title of the third film remains a closely guarded secret. Universal’s listing refers to it only as Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film, leaving fans to speculate about its potential focus. The lack of a title has fueled a wave of theories, with many wondering whether the film will continue the Super Mario saga or branch out into another beloved Nintendo franchise.
One prevailing theory is that the film could center on Donkey Kong, a character who has already made a cameo appearance in the Super Mario Galaxy film (as the second installment was unofficially dubbed by fans). Donkey Kong’s rich history in Nintendo’s library—spanning arcade classics, the Donkey Kong Country series, and his role as a recurring character in the Mario universe—makes him a compelling candidate for a standalone adaptation. However, neither Nintendo nor Illumination has confirmed this speculation, and the character’s inclusion in the third film remains unconfirmed.
Other popular theories suggest the film could explore the Star Fox franchise, particularly given the prominence of Fox McCloud in the Super Mario Galaxy movie. Alternatively, some fans have floated the idea of a Metroid adaptation, though rumors suggest that project may be live-action rather than animated. For now, the title—and the franchise it represents—remains one of the biggest mysteries in animation.
The Plot: What Could the Third Film Be About?
With no official plot details released, speculation about the third film’s storyline is rampant. If the movie does indeed continue the Super Mario saga, it could explore modern dimensions of the Mushroom Kingdom or introduce fresh antagonists. The second film, The Koopa Chronicles, expanded the lore by delving into Bowser’s backstory and introducing new characters like Kamek, the Koopa Troop’s sorcerer. A third installment could further develop these narratives or introduce entirely new threats.
If the film shifts focus to another franchise, such as Donkey Kong, the plot could revolve around the iconic ape’s quest to reclaim his stolen banana hoard or his rivalry with King K. Rool. Alternatively, a Star Fox adaptation might follow Fox McCloud and his team as they battle the forces of Andross, the franchise’s primary antagonist. Without official confirmation, however, these remain educated guesses.
One thing is clear: Nintendo and Illumination have shown a knack for blending humor, action, and heart in their adaptations. The Super Mario Bros. films have been praised for their faithfulness to the source material while similarly expanding the universe in creative ways. Whether the third film continues this trend or ventures into new territory, fans can expect a story that resonates with both longtime Nintendo enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The Cast: Will the Original Voice Actors Return?
One of the standout features of the Super Mario Bros. films has been its star-studded voice cast. Chris Pratt voices Mario, while Anya Taylor-Joy brings Princess Peach to life, and Jack Black lends his comedic talents to Bowser. The ensemble also includes Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, and Charlie Day as Luigi. Given the success of the first two films, it’s likely that many of these actors will return for the third installment, though no official announcements have been made.
If the film shifts to a different franchise, such as Donkey Kong, we could witness new voice actors join the cast. Seth Rogen’s portrayal of Donkey Kong in the Super Mario films has been widely praised, and it’s possible he could reprise the role in a standalone adaptation. However, until Nintendo and Illumination confirm the film’s focus, the cast remains a topic of speculation.
The Animation Style: A Continuation of Illumination’s Signature Look
Illumination is known for its distinctive animation style, characterized by vibrant colors, expressive characters, and a blend of humor and heart. The Super Mario Bros. films have embraced this aesthetic, bringing the Mushroom Kingdom to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Fans can likely expect the third film to maintain this visual identity, regardless of its subject matter.
The studio’s ability to balance faithfulness to the source material with its own creative flair has been a key factor in the films’ success. Whether the third film continues the Mario saga or explores a new franchise, Illumination’s signature style will undoubtedly play a central role in its appeal.
Why This Franchise Matters: The Impact of Nintendo and Illumination’s Partnership
The collaboration between Nintendo and Illumination has been a game-changer for video game adaptations. Historically, such projects have struggled to capture the magic of their source material, often falling victim to poor storytelling, weak visuals, or a lack of respect for the original games. The Super Mario Bros. films, however, have bucked this trend, proving that video game adaptations can be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
The success of these films has also had a broader impact on the entertainment industry. It has demonstrated that video game franchises can be viable sources of inspiration for blockbuster films, opening the door for other studios to explore adaptations of beloved gaming properties. For Nintendo, the partnership with Illumination has provided a new avenue for expanding its intellectual property, introducing its characters to audiences who may not be familiar with its games.
As the release of the third film approaches, the pressure is on for Nintendo and Illumination to deliver another hit. With the bar set so high by the first two installments, fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see whether the third film can continue the franchise’s winning streak.
What’s Next? The Road to April 2028
While the release date for the third film is set, Notice still many unanswered questions. Nintendo and Illumination have yet to confirm the film’s title, plot, or cast, leaving fans to speculate for the foreseeable future. However, given the studios’ track record, it’s likely that more details will emerge as the release date approaches.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to The Legend of Zelda movie, which is currently in development at Sony Pictures. Directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner), the film is expected to hit theaters in 2027, offering another exciting entry in Nintendo’s growing cinematic universe.
For now, mark your calendars for April 12, 2028. Whether the third film continues the Super Mario saga or ventures into new territory, one thing is certain: it’s shaping up to be another must-see event for fans of animation, gaming, and blockbuster cinema.
What are your theories about the third film? Do you think it will focus on Donkey Kong, Star Fox, or another Nintendo franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow fans!