Nintendo representative Shigeru Miyamoto hinted at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) that it might make new movies based on its classic video games. The Japanese company has reiterated the idea in its list of future projects, which includes the possible production of "visual content" films as a follow-up of "Super Mario Bros." (1993).
Movies based on video games have historically been average-to-bad, based on critics' reviews and box office figures. "Wreck-It Ralph" (2012) and "Silent Hill" (2006) are often considered as some of the all-time best video game movies, according to Screen Crush.
Still, Nintendo seems determined to make video game films. Fortune magazine reported that the company's June earning statements included clues that it will invest in movies and character merchandising.
The term "visual content" could refer to movies, TV shows, or even web series. However, since Nintendo has denied a "Legend of Zelda" series being made for Netflix, it likely is about the movie industry.
The movie "Super Mario Bros." starred Bob Hoskins as Mario, and John Leguizamo as Luigi. Although it received just 16 percent positive reviews at the aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, the movie launched a string of video game movies, including "Mortal Combat," "Resident Evil," and "Tomb Raider."
Bowser from the Super Mario Bros. games and Donkey Kong have made guest appearances in recent movies, according to Cinema Blend. However, Mario has been off the big screen for over two decades.
It is unclear if an excellent video game film will ever be produced. However, with the ingredients of a fun game and great story, it is certainly a possibility.
Here is a trailer for the 2012 film "Wreck-It Ralph":