Shigeru Miyamoto: “Only a Limited Number of People” Play Today, So Nintendo Makes Movies

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Nintendo is eager to expand its franchises into cinematic experiences because the company recognizes a limit to the audience it can reach through video games alone, according to developer Shigeru Miyamoto. In an April 3, 2026, interview with Sickr, Miyamoto stated that Mario has evolved with digital media and can now reach an audience beyond gaming. He added that he wants people to consider the kinds of worlds Nintendo will expand into. Miyamoto believes the Super Mario Galaxy movie will introduce these iconic characters to a broader audience. Nintendo has already hinted at a live-action Zelda film and released animated shorts for Mario and Pikmin online. These shorts were produced by Nintendo Pictures, the company’s new filmmaking division.

Miyamoto, who is moving into a senior position, is concentrating on growing Nintendo’s franchises beyond game development. He told Sickr, “As we get closer to Mario and the development of Mario games, I begin to feel there is a limit to the number of people we can reach through Nintendo’s systems and consoles. Now, with things like digital streaming and the expansion and reach that technology allows today, I feel this is a great way to also engage Mario and truly evolve alongside digital media… Instead of thinking, ‘What kind of game will Nintendo release now,’ I’d like them to think, ‘What kind of universe will Nintendo expand now.’” Miyamoto has recently used Nintendo Direct transmissions to reveal news about these projects, and he remains quite busy with them. Nintendo also has plans to create more experiences around its characters, such as theme park attractions. According to IGN Brasil, several films in the Mario cinematic universe are in development, including a leaked, unannounced Donkey Kong spinoff, and a third Super Mario film that Jack Black anticipates will be released in 2029.

Expanding Nintendo’s Profits: Record-Breaking Openings of Super Mario Galaxy Film

The Super Mario Galaxy movie earned $34 million on its opening day in the U.S. and an additional $24.6 million on Thursday, demonstrating the potential of Nintendo’s expansion into film.

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