Nintendo and Illumination Set April 2028 Release for Third Animated Film in Blockbuster Franchise

LOS ANGELES — The powerhouse partnership between Nintendo and Illumination is gearing up for another cinematic adventure, with the highly anticipated third animated film in the franchise officially slated for release on April 12, 2028. The announcement, confirmed through Universal Pictures’ updated theatrical calendar, has sent ripples of excitement through the gaming and animation communities, though details about the project remain tightly guarded.

This latest installment follows the massive success of Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) and its sequel, Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie (2026), which together have grossed over $2 billion worldwide. While Super Mario Galaxy didn’t quite match the record-breaking performance of its predecessor, its strong box office performance—coupled with Nintendo’s expanding multimedia ambitions—has all but guaranteed a third film. The question on everyone’s mind: Who will take center stage this time?

For now, Universal and Illumination are keeping the project under wraps, listing it only as an “untitled Illumination/Nintendo event film” in their official release schedule. However, industry insiders and recent developments suggest that Donkey Kong is the most likely protagonist, a theory bolstered by several key clues.

The Case for Donkey Kong: Clues and Confirmations

The speculation around a Donkey Kong-focused film gained significant traction in the summer of 2025, when public copyright filings revealed that Universal and Nintendo had registered the title for a Donkey Kong movie. This move aligned with Nintendo’s broader strategy to elevate the iconic gorilla as a standalone star, both in gaming and beyond.

One of the strongest indicators is the return of Seth Rogen, who voiced Donkey Kong in Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). While neither Rogen nor Illumination has officially confirmed his involvement, industry reports and insider chatter suggest he is in talks to reprise the role. Rogen’s distinctive voice and comedic timing brought the character to life in the first film, and his potential return would be a major draw for fans.

Nintendo’s recent efforts to expand Donkey Kong’s presence also lend weight to the theory. The company has been heavily promoting the character across multiple platforms, including the upcoming video game Donkey Kong Bananza, set to release later this year. Donkey Kong has been given a prominent role in Super Nintendo World, the immersive theme park attraction that debuted in Universal Studios Japan and is expanding to other locations. The park features a dedicated Donkey Kong ride, further cementing his status as a marquee character.

Despite the mounting evidence, some fans have speculated that the 2028 film could instead be a direct sequel to the Mario franchise, tentatively titled Super Mario 3. This theory stems from the abundance of cameos in Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie, which introduced a slew of recent characters and hinted at future storylines. However, given the timing of the copyright filings and Nintendo’s clear push for Donkey Kong, most industry analysts believe the spin-off is the more likely scenario.

A Franchise Built on Success

The collaboration between Nintendo and Illumination has proven to be a goldmine for both companies. Illumination, the animation studio behind global hits like Minions and Despicable Me, has demonstrated a knack for translating video game worlds into visually stunning and commercially successful films. Meanwhile, Nintendo has leveraged the partnership to expand its intellectual property beyond gaming, tapping into new audiences and revenue streams.

The first Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) was a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film based on a video game. Its sequel, Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie (2026), while not reaching the same stratospheric heights, still performed exceptionally well, earning over $700 million globally. The combined success of these films has solidified the franchise as a major player in the animation industry, rivaling even Disney and Pixar in terms of box office clout.

The financial success of the Mario films has also had a ripple effect on Nintendo’s broader business. The company’s stock price has seen steady growth since the first film’s release, and its foray into film and theme parks has diversified its revenue streams. With the gaming industry facing challenges like market saturation and rising development costs, Nintendo’s multimedia strategy offers a way to mitigate risk while capitalizing on its beloved characters.

What to Expect from the 2028 Film

While details about the plot of the 2028 film remain scarce, fans can likely expect a few key elements based on the patterns established by the previous movies. The film will almost certainly retain the humor, vibrant animation, and family-friendly appeal that defined its predecessors. Illumination has a proven formula for blending slapstick comedy with heartfelt storytelling, and there’s no reason to believe they’ll deviate from it now.

If the film does focus on Donkey Kong, it will likely explore the lush, jungle-themed world of the character’s video game origins. Fans are hoping for deeper dives into the Kong family, including appearances from fan-favorites like Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong, who made brief cameos in Super Mario Bros. Movie. The film could also introduce new characters or villains from the Donkey Kong universe, such as King K. Rool, the series’ iconic antagonist.

Another possibility is that the film will blend elements from multiple Donkey Kong games, creating an original story that pays homage to the character’s 40-year history. The Donkey Kong Country series, in particular, offers rich material for adaptation, with its tropical settings, platforming challenges, and memorable soundtrack. Given Illumination’s track record, the film’s score will likely be a standout feature, with potential for catchy original songs or reimagined versions of classic video game tunes.

For those hoping for a more traditional Mario sequel, there may still be hope. Actor Jack Black, who voiced Bowser in the first two films, recently hinted at his return for a third installment, suggesting that a Super Mario 3 could be in the works for a later date. Black’s comments, made during a promotional event for Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie, were playful but left the door open for future projects. “I’m not saying no to Bowser,” he joked, “but you’ll have to wait and see.”

Nintendo’s Broader Multimedia Strategy

The 2028 animated film is just one piece of Nintendo’s broader strategy to expand its intellectual property into new mediums. The company has been increasingly aggressive in leveraging its iconic characters across film, television, and theme parks, a shift that reflects the growing importance of multimedia revenue in the entertainment industry.

One of the most anticipated projects on the horizon is the live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, which is currently in post-production and slated for release in 2027. The film, directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner), has been shrouded in secrecy, but recent reports indicate that filming wrapped in New Zealand earlier this year. The project represents a significant gamble for Nintendo, as live-action adaptations of video games have historically struggled to discover critical or commercial success. However, with the right creative team and a faithful adaptation of the source material, the film could break the curse and set a new standard for the genre.

In addition to film and television, Nintendo has been expanding its presence in the theme park industry. Super Nintendo World, which opened in Universal Studios Japan in 2021, has been a massive hit, drawing long lines and rave reviews from visitors. The attraction is set to expand to Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Singapore in the coming years, with plans for additional locations in the works. The immersive experience allows fans to step into the Mushroom Kingdom, complete with interactive elements, rides, and themed dining options.

Nintendo’s multimedia push is not without its challenges. The company has historically been protective of its intellectual property, carefully selecting partners and projects to ensure they align with its brand values. This cautious approach has sometimes led to delays or cancellations, but it has also helped Nintendo maintain control over how its characters are portrayed. The success of the Mario films suggests that the company’s strategy is paying off, but the pressure to deliver another hit will be immense.

What’s Next for Fans?

With the 2028 release still two years away, fans can expect a steady stream of updates as the project moves through production. The first official trailer is likely to debut in late 2027, with promotional campaigns ramping up in early 2028. In the meantime, Nintendo and Illumination will likely continue to tease details through social media, press releases, and industry events.

For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Donkey Kong, the upcoming video game Donkey Kong Bananza offers a preview of what’s to come. The game, which promises new gameplay mechanics and a fresh storyline, is set to release in late 2026 and could serve as a precursor to the film’s narrative. Fans can visit Super Nintendo World to experience the Donkey Kong ride, which offers a taste of the character’s jungle-themed adventures.

As the countdown to April 2028 begins, one thing is clear: the partnership between Nintendo and Illumination shows no signs of slowing down. With a proven track record of success and a wealth of beloved characters to draw from, the next chapter in this animated franchise is poised to captivate audiences around the world.

Key Takeaways

• Release Date: The third animated film in the Nintendo-Illumination collaboration is set for April 12, 2028, as confirmed by Universal Pictures’ official calendar.
• Likely Protagonist: Strong evidence points to Donkey Kong as the star of the 2028 film, including copyright filings and Nintendo’s recent focus on the character.
• Returning Talent: Seth Rogen is expected to reprise his role as the voice of Donkey Kong, though this has not been officially confirmed.
• Box Office Success: The first two Mario films have grossed over $2 billion combined, making the franchise one of the most successful in animation history.
• Broader Strategy: The 2028 film is part of Nintendo’s broader multimedia push, which includes the upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda movie and expansions of Super Nintendo World.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will this be a Super Mario sequel or a spin-off?

While nothing has been officially confirmed, the evidence strongly suggests that the 2028 film will be a Donkey Kong spin-off. This includes copyright filings, Nintendo’s recent focus on the character, and the absence of Donkey Kong in Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie. However, a Super Mario 3 could still be in development for a later release.

2. Who is voicing Donkey Kong in the new film?

Seth Rogen voiced Donkey Kong in Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), and while his return has not been officially confirmed, industry reports suggest he is in talks to reprise the role. Neither Rogen nor Illumination has made a public statement about the project.

3. What can fans expect from the plot?

Plot details are scarce, but if the film focuses on Donkey Kong, it will likely explore the character’s jungle-themed world and incorporate elements from the Donkey Kong Country video game series. Fans can also expect the humor, vibrant animation, and family-friendly appeal that defined the previous films.

4. How successful have the previous Mario films been?

The first Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film based on a video game. Its sequel, Super Mario Galaxy: The Movie (2026), earned over $700 million globally. Together, the films have grossed over $2 billion.

5. What other Nintendo projects are in the works?

Nintendo has several major projects in development, including the live-action Legend of Zelda film, set for release in 2027, and expansions of Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Hollywood and Singapore. The company is also continuing to release new video games, such as Donkey Kong Bananza (2026).

As the entertainment world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the Nintendo-Illumination saga, one thing is certain: the bar has been set high. With a proven formula for success and a wealth of beloved characters to draw from, the 2028 film has the potential to be another blockbuster. For now, fans will have to content themselves with speculation, trailers, and the occasional theme park visit—but the wait will be worth it.

What are your predictions for the 2028 Nintendo-Illumination film? Will it focus on Donkey Kong, or do you think a Super Mario 3 is in the works? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow World Today Journal’s Entertainment section for the latest updates on this and other major entertainment news.