It’s looking like Nintendo might have a DK-sized addition to its feature film lineup. The company has filed a copyright notice for a motion picture listed as an “Untitled Donkey Kong Project.” And last month, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa said in an investors call that the company was working on more movies, explaining that “although we cannot discuss our plans beyond The Legend of Zelda movie at this time, we are working on various other projects.” So even though a Donkey Kong movie isn’t official just yet, it seems likely — and it would make a whole lot of sense for Nintendo.
So this really is Donkey Kong’s moment. The original game from 1981 was a pivotal point as Nintendo cemented its space in video games, introducing Mario to the world and also providing a taste of what creator Shigeru Miyamoto had in store for the future. Now, a few decades later, DK is playing a different but no less pivotal role in the company’s biggest expansions, whether it’s a theme park or new console — and, just maybe, his own movie.
