A Metroid movie is reportedly being planned as part of the expanding “Mario Cinematic Universe.” Illumination and Nintendo have already confirmed that their partnership will go beyond The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with plans to build a larger interconnected film universe.
According to scooper MyTimeToShineHello, Universal Pictures is currently trying to secure the rights to develop a Metroid film that would join this growing Mario-based cinematic universe.
Metroid is one of Nintendo’s most legendary sci-fi franchises. It follows Samus Aran, a lone bounty hunter who travels across dangerous alien worlds to stop threats like the Space Pirates, Mother Brain, and the Metroids themselves. The series is known for its quiet, atmospheric storytelling, mystery, and exploration-heavy gameplay that helped define the “Metroidvania” genre.
The scooper also recently reported that, “Illumination and Nintendo are planning a shared cinematic universe for Mario and friends. A Donkey Kong movie is already in active development, while Luigi’s Mansion and a Princess Peach spinoff are also in the works. They’re aiming to introduce more Nintendo characters through their own films— all leading up to a massive Super Smash Bros. movie event!”
In the early 2000s, John Woo’s Lion Rock Productions began developing a live-action Metroid movie that would explore Samus Aran’s origins, her Chozo past, and early missions involving Metroids and Mother Brain. Despite early scripts and concept work, the project hit major creative roadblocks—mainly Nintendo’s reluctance to let Hollywood define Samus’s personality and backstory.
Producer Brad Foxhoven revealed that Nintendo was uncomfortable with any version that risked contradicting their vision. Combined with script challenges and the difficulty of adapting Metroid’s isolated, atmospheric tone, the project was shut down in 2007. Since then, no live-action adaptation has moved forward.
Illumination and Nintendo have announced the title for the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. It is directed by returning filmmakers Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, from a screenplay by returning screenwriter Matthew Fogel, with Brian Tyler returning to compose the score.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will be released on April 3, 2026, in the United States and many other global markets, followed by a release in Japan on April 24, 2026, with select territories premiering throughout the month of April.
Source: MyTimeToShineHello/X
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