A keen-eyed user on X recently spotted an untitled Nintendo and Illumination “Event Film” scheduled for release on April 12, 2028. Beyond that listing, no additional details have been revealed, but it has been enough to spark immediate speculation online.
Untitled Illumination/Nintendo Event Film set for release on April 12, 2028 https://t.co/WMab18O3KR pic.twitter.com/kcQL2yvDi0
— Wario64 (@Wario64) April 28, 2026
Following Nintendo’s recent box office success with The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, it was widely expected that the company would continue expanding its film ambitions. This new release date now gives fans a clearer sense of when the next project will arrive. The remaining—and more intriguing—question is which Nintendo franchise will be making the leap to the big screen next.
Expanding Nintendo’s Film Slate
Nintendo currently has a live-action Legend of Zelda film in production with Sony. There are also growing rumors of a live-action Metroid adaptation. While a Super Smash Bros. entry in a Nintendo Cinematic Universe is an intriguing idea, most fans agree that a cross-studio project mixing live-action and animation would be difficult, if not impossible to execute cleanly.
Link and Zelda in the Legend of Zelda movie – Nintendo
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The Nintendo and Illumination “Event Film” will more likely focus on characters already established within the Mario universe. Many users online strongly suspect it could be a Donkey Kong solo movie. The character, voiced by Seth Rogen, was notably absent from The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
Illumination has not officially confirmed development of a Donkey Kong Country film. However, a 2025 copyright filing by Universal for an “Untitled Donkey Kong Project; Motion Picture” strongly suggests that Nintendo may eventually give the character his own spin-off.
Fox McCloud Could be a Contender
Another possibility for the “Event Film” Nintendo and Illumination have in the works could be Star Fox. Many gamers have long felt that the Super NES space pilot has been underutilized. Rumors have circulated online that Nintendo is working on a new Star Fox title for the Switch 2.
Fox McCloud and Glen Powell – Nintendo; YouTube, GQ
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Given the strong audience reaction to Fox McCloud’s cameo in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie—along with the enthusiasm of voice actor Glen Powell—some fans are hopeful that this film could finally give the franchise a full standalone cinematic debut.
Looking Ahead
For now, the only thing that is confirmed is that Nintendo and Illumination have a target date for a new “event film,” set for April 12, 2028. Everything beyond that remains speculation, but the timing alone is enough to signal that Nintendo’s film strategy is steadily expanding rather than slowing down.
With multiple franchises already in various stages of adaptation—from Zelda in live-action development to ongoing rumors surrounding Metroid—it is increasingly clear that Nintendo is treating its intellectual property as long-term cinematic material, not one-off experiments.
Promotional image for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD – Nintendo
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Now that this listing has surfaced, fans will likely be watching upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations even more closely for any hint or clarification. Even a brief teaser or logo reveal would immediately narrow down the speculation and reshape current expectations.
Until more official details surface, the “event film” remains a placeholder for possibility. But if Nintendo’s recent momentum is any indication, the next reveal may say less about whether another adaptation is coming—and more about which part of its growing cinematic lineup will step into focus next.
What do you think the “Event Film” will be? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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