Nintendo has ventured towards producing movies based on its roster of successful and popular game franchises in the past. However, it has been awhile since the company dipped its toes in film development. Moreover, its most famous theatrical worldwide adaptation "Super Mario Bros." released in 1993 has been less than successful. Nevertheless, it seems like Nintendo is gearing up towards entering the movie business once again.
Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima recently sat down with Japanese website Asahi in order to discuss the future plans for the corporation. According to Kimishima's statement, as translated and reported by Attack of the Fanboy, he is very much interested in developing movies based on Nintendo's characters; however, he intends to develop, film and distribute these upcoming features all on their own.
"We want to do as much as we can ourselves," Attack of the Fanboy quoted Kimishima as saying.
Unfortunately, it would take a couple of years before the films are released. According to Nintendo president, it may take two to three years before Nintendo's first film offering in decades is ready. At this point, the company is still in the process of planning and developing their movie ideas.
Kimishima's recent interview is not the first time a rumoured Nintendo adaptation made it to the headlines.
Early in 2015, several reports surrounding a Netflix "Legend of Zelda" series made the news cycle. Unfortunately, Nintendo has since dispelled the rumors.
"As of now, I have nothing new to share with you in regard to the use of our IPs for any TV shows or films," The Verge quoted former Nintendo President Satoru Iwata as saying.
Avid Nintendo followers are without a doubt excited about the possibility of new Nintendo movies. However, fans remain cautious about this prospect especially considering the history of videogame to movie adaptations.
Video game adaptations have gained notoriety for deviating too far away from its source material. Like the Nintendo's "Super Mario Bros." movie, these films have been critically and commercially panned. Unimpressive videogame movies are usually an end product of film studios interfering and changing plot points of the movie to serve their end goal - rendering the adaptation barely recognizable.
Watch Nintendo's 1993 film "Super Mario Bros." below: