Nintendo and Universal Register Copyright for Donkey Kong Movie

Donkey Kong Movie Copyright Secured by Nintendo and Universal for 2025 Release

Nintendo and Universal Pictures have officially registered the copyright for an “Untitled Donkey Kong Project” film, signaling a potential expansion of Nintendo’s cinematic universe following The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Legend of Zelda films. According to IGN, Nintendo filed a copyright notice for the Donkey Kong movie, indicating a release in May 2025. Speculation suggests the project is already underway, with discussions noting a possible narrative link between the film and the Donkey Kong Bananaza game. Nintendo Studios LLC shares the copyright for the Donkey Kong movie with Universal Pictures. Nintendo Studios LLC was also one of two companies established to create The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Reports indicate Nintendo Studios LLC is not involved in The Legend of Zelda movie currently under development by Sony Pictures. Universal Pictures is reported to have played a role in establishing Nintendo Studios LLC.

Universal and Nintendo Expand Cinematic Universe with Donkey Kong Spin-off and Super Mario World Sequel

The upcoming Donkey Kong film is planned as a spin-off of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, potentially establishing a broader cinematic universe for both Nintendo and Universal, specifically centered on the Mario intellectual property. Initial rumors suggested a separate Donkey Kong spin-off alongside Nintendo’s next major Mario film; however, the next Mario movie is reportedly a sequel titled Super Mario World. In related news, Nintendo is also developing a live-action The Legend of Zelda adaptation. Shigeru Miyamoto has confirmed that the next Super Mario Bros. movie is set to release on April 3, 2026. Speculation links the storyline of Donkey Kong Bananaza, a new game for Nintendo Switch 2, to the upcoming Donkey Kong movie’s narrative. Developed by the same team behind Super Mario Odyssey, Donkey Kong Bananaza received praise from Eurogamer’s Alex Donaldson, who noted its “unique energy.”

Expanded Collaboration: Nintendo and Universal’s Untitled Donkey Kong Project in the Spotlight

This collaboration marks a notable shift in the historical relationship between the companies. In 1981, Universal Pictures attempted to remove Donkey Kong from the U.S. market and sued Nintendo, alleging trademark infringement of King Kong. Universal ultimately lost the court battle on multiple counts, a victory that significantly bolstered Nintendo’s presence in America. Notably, Legendary Pictures later partnered with Universal to integrate King Kong into Warner Bros.’ MonsterVerse. Nintendo and Universal Pictures officially filed the copyright for the “Untitled Donkey Kong Project” film on June 6, 2025. Following The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Legend of Zelda cinematic ventures, the Donkey Kong film is expected to be a top priority for Nintendo and Universal.

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