For decades now, movie adaptations of video games have been "cursed" to mediocrity. While some video game movies have done pretty well at the box office, it generally seems like they're not very well received critically and usually fizzle out fairly quickly. Of course, Nintendo contributed to this in the past, too, withthat infamous Super Mario Bros. movie. In more recent times, there's been something of an increased push for video game based movies, and according to Nintendo's president, the company is about to hop onto the bandwagon.
Tatsumi Kimishima recently did an interview with Asahi Shinbun, where he revealed that the company is looking into making movies. These are still early days, so nothing is set in stone yet, but Kimishima said that they'd like to have the first movie ready within two to three years, and that he'd like as much of production as possible to occur in-house. Considering the broad array of franchises that Nintendo has at its disposal, there could be some serious potential here.
What do you think? Is this a good idea on Nintendo's part? What IP do you think it'll pick for the first movie? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
[source asahi.com, via twitter.com]
Comments 194
Plot twist: Pikmin 4 will be a movie, not a game.
Metroid and Zelda would be awesome ! ... maybe F-Zero .... why not !?
In house? They had to outsource an app, but they can write and produce movies?
I'm actually optimistic for this but I really hope that Nintendo doesn't mess this up. I for one would like an animated Splatoon movie; that would be AWESOME.
For the love of all that is holy, stay away from live-action!
Metroid, F-Zero, or Donkey Kong.
I don't buy the in house comment, but as long as Nintendo is willing to trust some good hands in the industry they can probably achieve a hit or two or more. I will wait for developments regarding this.
If by "in-house", they mean written, produced and animated in Japan, then I might actually see these films.
If Hollywood gets involved… I won't. I despise Hollywood's animated efforts (particularly their hideous CGI animated films).
A Fire Emblem film in the visual style of Awakening would be amazing though.
I'm sure they'd do great with Metroid, Zelda, even Star Fox, but If they make a Super Mario movie I seriously hope the plot isn't the usual "Bowser steals Peach" thing. I wanna see them use their creativity and come up with something good!
Could it be? My long standing dream of a Zelda and Metroid movie will finally come true??
Though I wonder about the "in-house" comment. Perhaps that's to say they'd want to retain as much creative control as possible? We all know what happens when they license their property out in that regard.
I think Nintendo will pick an IP they're confidant in and play it safe with how creative the movie is. They're starting out, so I think it makes sense.
As for the IP, probably Zelda or Metroid. Of course there are others like Fire Emblem or even Animal Crossing.
It could be neat. They have a lot of IPs that would translate well to movie. I'd prefer a movie that expands the universe or lore of a franchise though, not just a straight adaptation.
I remember a lot of rumors about a metroid movie a few years ago, and of course those zelda netflix rumors.
Please Nintendo, don't.
Super smash bros movie please! =]]]]]
@NintendoFan64 I think that Live action could work out if they use the right franchises.
Of course I don't want a live action Mario movie, but a big blockbuster of Xenoblade, Zelda or Fire Emblem could actually be pretty neat.
Nice!
This could co be a good or bad thing.
First let me state that I am NOT against companies branching out and trying new things. HOWEVER, Nintendo is already having so much problems with the gaming market. This generation has been the worst generation for Nintendo sales wise. A lot of gamers have stopped buying Nintendo consoles becuas they have failed to provide powerful hardware, 3rd party support, decent online etc etc.
Knowing Nintendo, they'ed probably ditch gaming if the movie business takes over. Let's be fair, a lot of people are saying that they're games are getting repetitive.
As for the movies themselves, who knows what Nintendo has in mind? Live action, animated, Disney themed, Marvel theme etc. They're a Japanese company, and their games have been very Japanese culture influenced. That may have worked well for video games, but who knows how the Western world will react to their movies.
Personally, I just think this movie thing will fail. Nintendo has never been a company known for making amazing stories in their games.
Who even knows if these games will come out in theaters. It'll probably just be sold on the eshop.
Either way, nobody, asked for this. We asked for them to change their ways in the gaming industry.
After those fantastic short cartoons, I'd love to see a whole Pikmin movie.
A punch out movie would be awesome! Colton Haynes could play lil Mac! Have Mike Tyson do a cameo.
There is some pirential here. The Japan-only Animal Crossing movie was apparently pretty good, and I enjoyed Bayonetta: Bloody Fate. Now I'm not saying they should stick to anime, but when done right, some franchises could turn out really good. I'd love to see a live-action serious and mature Metroid movie (ONLY IF DONE RIGHT OF COURSE)
I'm not completely against a video game movie, since it can work (doesn't always work out great, but it can happen!). Wreck-It Ralph was amazing! I thought Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie was great, as well, and I'm still optimistic about the new Sonic movie coming out soon.
An Nintendo movie could be good, but I think just about any Nintendo IP is better than Mario for a movie. A series like Metroid or Star Fox that has a lot more background and history to it would do better as a movie; it would be easier to reach movie-length time and not become repetitive or boring, in my opinion.
I hope whatever they make is successful!
Guys, it's coming to me....
CORRIN IN THE HOUSE: THE MOVIE.
@IamWaluigi Eh...truth be told, the only one I'd be super confident in is Metroid. Those three you mentioned I think COULD work, but I feel as though something like an anime would be better...but that's just me.
@Dakt You're in luck! I believe Nintendo DID say a while ago that they would give anime a go...though, really, that wouldn't be anything new (let's see...there's been a Pokemon anime, a Mario anime, an F-Zero anime, an Animal-Crossing anime movie, a Fire Emblem anime, and a Kirby anime).
@BluStreak While that would most certainly be a bigger deal than the second-coming of Jesus, I'm afraid you'll have to speak to Disney about that.
Maybe a Kid Icarus movie might work......after all, that series is known for breaking the fourth wall often.
And the fact that Uprising has fantastic voice acting just proves that the series can work in movies.....just saying.
For obvious reasons Mario likely won't be their first port of call.
Fire Emblem could work as a tv series; a diverse cast of characters and some interesting politics and adventures. I'd be ok with that.
Or a Metroid film with the isolating feel of the original Alien.
Most likely it will be some direct to dvd animated films aimed at toddlers
@MitchVogel why would it have a number?
Wasn't this already confirmed with the big Sony hack a few years ago?
Wait, so the new Mario movie is not going to be made by Sony?
My Mushroom sense is tiiiiiiingling! There's plenty of potential, as long as they pick the right writers. Hearing Mario pronounce full sentences (outside of Charles Martinet doing random stuff at conventions) will be undoubtedly fun. Hopefully this also means the rights for Nintendo cameos in Wreck-It Ralph 2 will be a bit less of a pain in the backside to negotiate.
@Browny They have some great animators.
I would love a Metroid movie, but I know deep down it will be just like other M.
@Zadaris
A Metroid Fusion movie... imagine the people soiling their pants in sheer terror when the close-up of the SA-X will fill the big screen.
Feel free to panic. Personally I won't be able to sleep well tonight.
@Pandaman Yeah. The skill sets to develop and produce a mobile app are quite dissimilar to the skill sets to make a movie.
Nintendo already has good form in this area in terms of animated productions. Both pikmim and starfox were very well received.
With the in-depth plot of Fates, Fire Emblem definitely would be great for a movie.
I don't think this is a bad idea - it all works in the path of making their IPs more known to the general public.
But for the love of all its holy, please no live action. I doubt many of the IP would translate well to a real actors.
Also, not to sound racist but any live action movies characters are naturally going to be played by Japanese actors, which means the portrayals of certain characters won't be all that accurate.
Also we in the west will have to read subtitles or god forbid terrible voice overs.
I know, I'm super enthusiastic right? lol! Maybe if they aren't afraid to spread out and hire actors that actually resemble the characters... then i will be happy.
@sillygostly
You think Disney CGI animations are hideous?
Ya know the star fox thing they did? Do that but as a movie
Story of the movie: Go save princess.
Plot Twist: Princess in another castle.
Yeah, I'll be excited when I see the trailer for the movie(s), not now. Still, please do a Smash Bros. animated movie. I don't care what's happening; I'll drop everything and watch it the day it comes out lol.
I think a Metroid live action could work, but seeing as anything live action is panned these days, I wouldn't want "rubbish" reviews for a Metroid film.
@Sparx This.
Zelda. And it better be animated. I don't mind CG, but I'd love to see them released like 2D DC Originals as well!
@VR32F1END
Will it include "Well, excuuuse me, Princess!" ?
I thought I would never see the day....
But as for a good Mario movie (well, eventually)....
All I can say is..... IT'S FINALLY HAPPENING
@PigmaskFan
It should be an Easter Egg... Maybe they should get Tingle to say it or something.
Looks like Nintendo is NOT looking at live action films, specifically because of the Super Mario Bros film. They're interested in CG or anime style movies.
https://twitter.com/serkantoto/status/731988215058432000
Anyways, totally for this move. Would their Cinematic Universe be called Super Smash Bros?
It's gonna be Fire Emblem. That's their new go-to franchise for experimentation.
Maybe trying out an anime series would be great first. Like from the Star Fox short and Smash Bros. shorts as well.
My money is on Pikmin. The story feels like it'd transition to a movie most easily. If the Minions can have their own movie, Pikmin could just as easily make that happen. Cute little creatures, a fish out of water on a new planet (Alph, Olimar, etc.), There's a ton of potential there to make a good movie. Or... a decent one, at least.
If they have the funds to produce something that's both very high quality and entertaining, as well as continuing game development at full speed, then great news! I'd be highly surprised if they do, though. The Pikmin Shorts were a nice diversion, but they already have trouble marketing and producing games for their own home console!
If Nintendo can't begin managing a massive multimedia empire, ABORT! ABORT!! Under Kimishima's direction, they seem so concerned with establishing a huge non-gaming presence, and it just does not sound good for anybody. For gamers: poorer-quality games. For everyone else: inexperienced rubbish.
Zelda and Metroid are probably the only ones that would work on the big screen, and Metroid being the only one that would be good as a live action film.
They could do CGI movie like Final Fantasy and Ratchet & Clank. I don't know if doing something half Live Action and half CGI like Warcraft would work well.
Didnt they make an entire Animal Crossing anime movie themselves that remained Japan only and nothing else came of it?
Well I hope it will be Japanese produced because Hollywood will stuff it up like cough Super Mario Bros cough.
Wait, Nintendo didn't want to do a Subspace Emissary sequel in SSB b/c people leaked the cut scenes in the original, do they not think people will see trailers for a movie which is just one long cut scene?
Nintendo, is there anything they won't change their mind about?
Oh, if they're doing it all in house, I expect it in 2325, give or take a decade.
I'm cool with this. Especially if they do a lot of it themselves. And am I the only one that actually enjoyed the Mario Bros movie...?
Oh dear....
An animated Pikmin could be amazing though.
I would love to see a live action Metroid on the big screen! Make it happen!
@rjejr Technically that wasn't Nintendo; that was Sakurai.
Considering Blizzard and Valve have been pretty fantastic at making longform videos out of their games, I hope Nintendo follows in those similar footsteps.
I think the issue is most of the games are rather silly. DK64 had a Crocodile attack an island of monkeys with a floating island. The game is fun but who wants to watch a movie like that? I'd rather them try and make a serious live action movie. Metroid is my first thought but Zelda has potential. Mario, while I love him, I'm just not sure I can stomach him in live action and I fear an animated version would just be to silly to watch as well.
@NintendoFan64 Well technically he was working for Nintendo on a Nintendo game when he made SE, and the next SSB didn't have a similar game component in it, so technically it still holds that Nintendo doesn't like cut scenes.
Wasn't Sakurai also the guy who said SSB wasn't getting any DLC?
I just got the scoop: there's going to be eight major motion pictures at first.
After the first seven, it'll culminate in a live action Smash Bros film where the original eight will duke it out for the first half of the film, before realizing they were being tricked by Master Hand and thus unit to defeat this foe. It'll end in a cliffhanger where some friends fall, but victory is achieved. And then we get a sequel hook: Crazy Hand still exists...
It'll make millions. No, BILLIONS.
Why has no one mentioned Kid Icarus?? That would be perfect for a movie!
if its anything like the metroid movie (other m) then i dont want it to happen
John Leguizamo (aka Luigi) pronounces it
super "marry-oh" brothers.
@sillygostly Nintendo has relations with several good animation studios: SHAFT, MADHOUSE, and Production IG.
Actually, I do believe they stuck with MADHOUSE for the pre-rendered 3D animation in both Awakening and Fates, so, there's your animation studio.
The names are pretty obvious: Metroid, Zelda, Star Fox, Pikmin ad Animal Crossing would all work well, I'm surprised nobody mentioned Kirby.
But you know that all I want is a Mario universe movie where the Koopalings have a personality and it is revealed that they are Bowser's children like in the German version of Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam. Get some Yoshi in there too and possibly Tatanga and Wart and I would go seeing it.
@NintendoFan64 your avatar fits so well
This is the final nail in the Wii U's coffin!
(Until the next announcement of anything)
If they go down that path they should start with an F-Zero movie. Use Sylvester Stallone to play as C. Falcon I'm sure he's perfect for the role. And most importantly get an excellent writer/ Producer that can get the feeling and atmosphere of an F-Zero game, and do not interfere with their work, knowing you nintendo you would probably gonna try to make it as kiddy as possible :/
I don't care what the Internet says, I want conclusion to the Super Mario Bros. movie cliffhanger.
@Browny After the credits in each film they have a scene involving Master Hand.
I'd love to see a Kid Icarus anime tbh, you know, like these 3DS shorts. Maybe a Metroid art movie where Samus doesn't talk but rather lets her actions speak for herself? A Kirby movie would be fun, too, if they keep pop songs out that Hollywood believes every kids movie desperately needs to be successful.
In-house. Great. I'm sure Miyamoto will strive to "innovate" the movie industry with his fantastic new "dual-movie" idea, where you have to watch the movie from two separate angles at once. And no, you can't just look at one screen, cause he included an eye-monitering system that shuts off the movie if you don't switch angles at least once every 3 seconds
My thoughts: Well, the subheading:
PLEASE DON'T MESS UP, PLEASE DON'T MESS UP!
Oh yeah, the Angry Birds movie is the first video game adaptation to be fresh on Rotten Tomatoes! THE FIRST! I haven't seen it, and I don't think it is that good, but this is a first for video game movies!
Wasn't there supposed to be a live action Fatal Frame movie from Hollywood? Nintendo co-owns that IP. Probably separate though, like the Pokemon mobile efforts.
Very exciting news to hear! I feel like they'd go with Mario and/or Zelda first. Hopefully not too far off after that, they'll give Metroid a proper cinematic treatment. (Other M's "movie mode" is how not to do it) F-Zero and Star Fox would definitely be amazing too!
Gwendolyn Christie as Samus Aron. Metroid would be amazing.
I think this could work. I love the quality of animation Nintendo is capable of when they try, such as the FMV sequences from the Mario Sports titles. Only problem I can see is if they decide to do a Super Mario Bros. movie it will be hard to carry of a plot when Mario doesn't say much. Even if Charles Martinet did a script where Mario did speak and carry on conversations, I feel a full movie of that would drive me crazy.
SMB is better suited for shorts, but a Zelda title could work, even as a silent protagonist. Link is better suited to avoid conversation than Mario is.
Personally, I want Star Fox, Pokemon and Zelda to be made into movies. Looking cautiously optimistic as to where Nintendo will go with this.
Star Fox movie... with puppets. Make it happen.
Animated? Sure! Live action.... Ehhhh probably bad idea.
Punch-Out would actually work rather well for live action. Can even have Mike Tyson too. Sure, it's probably a Rocky clone waiting to happen, but that's never stopped Hollywood before
As long as it's animation, and Studio Ghibli is involved somehow, I'm ok with it.
An animated movie based on the original Xenoblade Chronicles, please! That would kick ass!
Guys we all know that Captain Toad is going to be the first movie!
Oh yes, Xenoblade, Zelda and Metroid would make incredible films! That is, if they're done right...
The stories will be really good, but they'll insist on shooting in 8mm.
Hell yes! The Legend of Zelda CGI movie please.
I read somewhere else that they want the movies done in anime style...can anyone confirm that? If so, I think we can all take a huge sigh of relief...
Fire Emblem movie! Omg what a great plot, start with the original FE Marth and wind it in with Awakening using a time warp or through historical reference throughout the film, like showing 2 stories at once. Awakening itself kind of alludes to this but it could be expanded better in film.
As long as it isn't like the DBZ film.... I didn't mind Mario bros film though, bomb omb in reeboks, shameless p product placement yet so funny.
I've always wanted to see a Tomodachi Life film above all. I think it will be a very good action movie.
@MitchVogel No, don't even speak that into existence! 4 will be a game...worst case they do a tie in like Ratchet and Clank did.
Subspace emissary. It made the mashup of all the game worlds make sense and was pretty interesting. Even if you went live action I think you could keep the general feel and still have a good movie.
just give us a fire emblem awakening animated movie and i be happy
Anyone who thinks this will be something more in depth than a "Donkey Kong and Friends" type of adventure is living in a wet dream.
Do you really think they will make a fire emblem movie? Wishful thinking.
Nintendo's new slogan should be "Lower your expectations" and I am not even joking. This is coming from a die-hard fan...
@ShadowLuigi2 something like Mario & Luigi Partners in time perhaps? loved that story
@AlexSora89 Or the screeching sound of metal ridley comming towards the screen out of the dark
i'm against it! even if the movies turn out good, they'll take energy away from games. the little story book from mario galaxy is short, sweet, earned, and optional. they don't need movies to give me the feels cause taking an active role in the games already has me invested. again with mario galaxy it didn't have much plot but that ending got me teary eyed for the lumas.
@NintendoFan64 apparently THAT FILM means they don't want to touch live action
Let's hope it turns out well. Still watching the Pikmin shorts.
A series about the main series of Metroid, maybe?
If they go the Wreck It Ralph route, then go for it Nintendo.
Fire Emblem anime. Make it happen.
It could end up being really good. However, there are a lot of awful video game movies out there.
Zelda, Metroid and Fire Emblem are good choices for deep story and character development. Highly unlikely, but it would be cool if Joss Whedon or JJ Abrams were involved.
just two bits to add about it: they are still in talks with potential partners for doing this; they will not be doing this in house. second, they are looking to use the money from the sale of the seattle mariners to fund it. source: bloomberg
@rjejr That's just a lame excuse for them to not make a Story Mode for Smash Bros. as they still make animated cutscenes for other games like Fire Emblem Awakening.
@Shirma_Akayaku Well, Animal Crossing already has a movie, and Fire Emblem has an OVA, which is kinda like a movie...
@retro_player_22 Still think a Subspace Emissary type story mode is being set aside for an amiibo game even though Disney Infinity is over.
Disney make good movies but average games.
I'd love to see Nintendo make anime movies of their franchises (like they did for Animal Crossing), though perhaps anime isn't popular enough in the West.. even though Pokémon kinda contradicts that, but that might be a unique case.
Despite Nintendo previous miss with the Original Super Mario Bros movie that was a long time ago so figers crossed they will make it good this time. I'm kind of hoping we get a Nintendo Cinematic Universe kind of like the Marvel one with Multiple Movies (e:g Mario, Zelda, Metroid, etc) that come together in a Super Smash Bros Movie.
Animal Crossing a la Ghibli studios style
Metroid a la Aliens Style
Kid Icarus with Ray Harryhausen style Monsters.
Splatoon by Pixar
Star Fox- The Muppets Musical
Nuff 'said lol
Please don't mess it up, please don't mess it up…
Exactly my thoughts but if they do it right, Metroid and Zelda would make great source material for a movie. As would Kid Icarus.
Nintendo has always made games very light on story, and in the last few years have stripped that back even further. I can't imagine them making a decent a film.
Please, no zelda movie. I love Zelda, but it doesn't seem like it would be a good movie. Zelda is something you should experience, not watch.
Ah... "looking into it". Well it wouldn't be the first time.
If however they are serious this time, please don't. Sort out your games department first.
Also, I don't get the obsession with making games into movies - there are very few properties that would even work narratively across the entire medium. Also, a lot of Nintendo's games don't have a thick narrative. And those that do, usually contain a lore that is delivered to the player in a way only a game could do (Metroid Prime being a good example).
Hoping for Ghibli style.
I think that Fatal Frame could be a good horror movie
But I don't imagine Nintendo doing something like this
Why? Nintendo should be concentrating on making amazing games not films.
Definitely Metroid, it has the biggest movie potential.
Here are more details, namely that it probably will be animated and that Miyamoto will be involved.
Metroid
@Pandaman They outsourced the infrastructure, not the game itself.
Sure. Just don't mess it up.
"and that he'd like as much of production as possible to occur in-house"
Wich means a bunch of animators at Nintendo will get pulled from game-development, thus even more delays for the games. You know how it goes!
Either way, we'll see if it happens. This could be another plan that doesn't come to fruition!
@Le07br There's a Fatal Frame movie already (called Gekijōban Zero), though a Hollywood version is still in the making soon. Hopefully it doesn't suck.
Star Tropics seems the most likely
If teh movies are good, you bet im gonna see them all in the cinema!!
@Grumblevolcano As cool as another Subspace Emissary Story mode is, I rather they make a new Adventure Mode similar to the one in Melee and just give us variety in levels like in one stage be Super Mario level, another be a Zelda level, next a Mega Man level and so on and so on. They could include popular element in those levels too like the Lylat Wars, the Banana Horde yard where you can fight the bosses from DKC, maybe add Dr. Robotnik as a boss in the Sonic level and Sephiroth in the FFVII level just like how they did with Ridley in Brawl. I would be excited if each level had its own unique boss true to its source material.
@NintendoFan64 As a game company they would hardly make a live action series in-house.
Also you people need to realize that just because Nintendo announce they are planning to get into the movie business doesn't necessarily mean it will be produced in Hollywood. Some may be exclusive to Japan only.
All this has reminded me of these fan-made posters for a Studio Ghibli Zelda movie. The art style just fits so well. It'll never happen, but it's the only Nintendo movie I'd really want to see.
http://zeldauniverse.net/2015/12/01/studio-ghibli-meets-zelda-in-these-fantastic-fan-made-movie-posters/
FINALLY, we're going to get the live-action Wii Sports movie that every Nintendo fan has been desperate for! YAY!!!
@Churchy Nintendo has produced a lot of excellent animated shorts, particularly recently. They've also been involved in all the Pokemon movies.
It's not like they have zero experience or resources in this area.
Nintendo has identified a key problem this generation - lack of brand recognition. People that remember Nintendo remember it as that games company from the 80s and 90s as well as the one 'that did that Wii thing'. Children are growing up and have grown up with little to no interaction with Nintendo's IP in any way, shape, or form.
In order to combat that, Nintendo's new marketing strategy involves branching out in multiple areas to create more brand touchpoints and ways for people to engage with the brand. Their mobile strategy is tied in with that. Plans for an amusement park also tie in with that. And now, plans for movies too.
Without that expansion of the market, Nintendo is once again looking to market to a shrinking pool of people who wish to enjoy their products. Not a happy place for a business to be.
In this new marketing strategy, games form one part of the equation. Not a smaller part though.
This is not to say their NX console doesn't form part of these plans. I'm specifically commenting on the aspect of marketing the brand.
@Yoshis95
Heck, Meta Ridley as seen in the Subspace Emissary pre-boss cutscene in Super Smash Bros. Brawl in general. I mean, look at the guy!
It's even worse the first time around, as the image freezes right at this point to make you choose a character.
@Pandaman Movies are just long cutscenes with no gameplay.
Well, considering that many other franchises other than Nintendo's have been trying to find success on the big screen, I don't see why Nintendo couldn't try their hand at it. I'd at least like to see them give it a shot. I think I'd love a Donkey Kong Country movie.
@8bitforever The quality of the Pikmin animated shorts and the Star Fox animated short suggest that you're not valuing their production team highly enough. All these shorts were released to quite universal praise.
Nintendo has also produced the Kid Icarus animated series of shorts and were involved in all the Pokemon movies.
Saying their writing isn't up to scratch for animated movies is unjustified criticism given the strength of their existing output.
well im excited to see what theyll cook up
@Dpullam i'd honstly love to see a two part three hour each part Xeno blade chronicles movie
Well, maybe the NX isn't a console after all ...
Donkey Kong done in the style of Junglebook(animated not live action)
Metroid done using Alien as it's framework(yes I know it was inspired by it)
LoZ Use all of it's lore to set up to give it a vibe of Doctor Who and Lord of the rings(or Game of thrones minus the Mature stuff)
Star Fox: Use a healthy dose of Star Wars/Star Trek to set up this epic universe. Take humor from the recent animated short. loved it.
It's a good idea full movies, TV series and Cartoons go for it.
Hopefully they stay away from live-action.
@jsty3105 Well said. Glad some people get it.
@mariovslink62 Already confirmed that Nintendo is definitely not seriously considering live-action movies The focus would be on animated movies, which they already have strengths and resources in anyway.
They're already spread too thin. Can you imagine the delays for a Zelda FILM? The Legend of Zelda, coming 2095.
I expect they mean to create animated films. If they make some nice anime versions of things, that's fine. Anything else, especially in-house, would put the entire company in development hell.
@Nomad It's a little crazy that people are saying Nintendo will likely struggle to put out well-received animated films when they've done so much good work in their animated shorts. And they already have a lot of experience through the many Pokemon movies that have been released.
It's as if Nintendo never did a Pokemon cartoon series and never did Pikmin animated shorts and never did a fully voiced animated Star Fox short. Not forgetting all the cut-scenes they've ever developed for their major IPs. This stuff doesn't get written by a trainee writer.
@Mainsaile No. It won't. Nintendo has gone on record to say the sale of the Mariners is to fund the creation and growth of this in-house team. They're not taking resources away from somewhere else and leaving a gaping hole behind.
They are expanding, in quite a big way, so no, this won't put anything in development hell.
And all I want is for them to bring back the Nintendo cereal.
Super Smash Bros the Movie coming soon. It's like Marvel movies, where Nintendo characters fight with each other.
I'd like to see Bowser's Inside Story made into a movie.
I'd love to see these 3 become films:
Mario Bros: a 3D animated film with Mario and Luigi on their quest to rescue Peach and Daisy from Bowser and DK (with DK turning on Bowser in the end). Wario and Waluigi could have a side story with their quest to get their own film (a little 4th wall breaking there).
The Legend of Zelda: A live action film in the vein of Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit. I'd have it's story take the best elements from the original game, A Link To The Past, and Ocarina of Time (not the time traveling element, though, too confusing). Make it a mostly serious film, with some playful humor, and a lot of focus on traveling and sword fighting. It could even be a 2 or 3 parter.
Metroid: Think Alien. Take the Metroid Prime stories, merge them, and direct it in the style of Ridley Scott's Alien or Prometheus films. Hell, get Ridley Scott himself to direct it (if possible). Make it either R or a very edgy PG-13 film. Also, get a tough and strong woman like Charlize Theron to play Samus, and ditch the Zero Suit! Make it serious, and make Samus an emotionaly strong and very confident character.
Do those 3 right, and the video game movie curse will be lifted.
@Nintendian They don't have many good prior experiences to draw on though. I think the only film based on a fighting franchise that has ever done well as the animated Street Fighter movie. And that was primarily because it was based around it's action sequences and fight scenes.
I could well be wrong but it doesn't sound like a good fit for Smash Bros.
@sillygostly Agreed. If by "movies" they mean a Japanese anime-styled feature; non-Hollywood; or non-live action, I'd be willing to see what comes of it. But something tells me they're likely eyeballing the "big bucks" associated with Hollywood and producing a(nother) piece of Pixar/CGI crap. No wonder non-Japanese people love anime: there's something magical about traditional animation - CGI is just soulless to me (and that's because I grew up with it). They might even try a live-action film, which I'm not so sure of but could possibly be done in the right hands (but the chances of getting someone to do it justice...). Hollywood movies are so generally bad, there's rarely - and I mean rarely - anything that captures my interest. (I don't watch TV: I'm more of a series and anime person.)
Kid Icarus would probably be a good place to start and learn the ropes. It has a rich story already and they don't have worry about tarnishing its legacy with a bad movie, like they would risk with Zelda (it'll probably be another 20 years before another kid Icarus game comes out anyways).
It would be nice if we could vote for the franchises we would like the movies to be based on, just like we voted for the SSB new comers.
@Zapazoid
I know you were being sarcastic with your comment but what you said has been done before, to an extent. TIMECODE. 4 screens at once playing the same movie following different characters whose plots overlap. All done in one 90 minute take. So if Nintendo did this I would be happy.
To the broader topic. I think Nintendo should do a Mario movie. Make it a comedy. Make it very meta and 4th wall breaking and poke a lot of fun at itself. Something bright and funny kids would like but with enough in jokes and self referential fun that adults will want to see it.
OTHER M: THE MOVIE (2018)
OTHER M: THE MOVIE - THE GAME (2019)
It's finally happening!!!!!
@c1pher_c0mplet : You and I are on the same page on this. I made an essay-length post in the forums earlier today explaining why I believe that Dreamworks/Pixar films are literally soulless (along with the majority of crap being produced in Hollywood) and I go into more detail there which I will not repeat here.
I have a Bachelor in Film Production and it's funny how often I'm asked on which films I think are great (and the majority would expect me to respond with Hollywood films, which I scarcely watch… or enjoy). I want to get into the business because the sorts of television shows (which is what I wish to produce) and films that I want to see simply aren't being made. Sure, there are certainly diamonds in the Hollywood rough, but I would still prefer to see something foreign (regardless of the language of the film) so that I can broaden my perspective on the rich cultural, social and moral tapestries of the human experience. Hollywood's key focuses are maximising profits, and perpetuating cultural imperialism, and I have no desire to sustain such a system.
@c1pher_c0mplet Nintendo are on record as saying they're not considering a live action movie.
Unlike some other posters here, I hope Hollywood does get involved with these possible movies, but I hope Nintendo is strict with the quality control this time. I know that the Mario movie was garbage but there are many studios that would be more then capable of producing quality films based off of Nintendo IPs.
I hope they start from ground one and do a quality animated Mario movie.
An animated movie based on Mario Kart would be fun. It has already been done before http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-Wn48geCJ8 If Nintendo applied high quality animation like that with a tad less extreme humour it is totally doable.
Please Nintendo, PLEASE, don't screw this up. Please.
@jsty3105 I intend nothing but respect in response, but I find this summation to be quite a cold, clinical one.
Obviously the quality of Nintendo's shorts (not the article of clothing mind you, which I'm sure are lovely) is of subjective value, these shorts aren't going radically change anything. And the individuals involved in making Pokemon aren't working at Nintendo, it's purely under their supervision. It doesn't change the fact that a lot of Nintendo's games aren't geared towards traditional narrative structures. Shigsy has gone on the record as not being too bothered by it and to try and squeeze traditional narrative out of something that isn't geared towards it would be a huge mis-step.
I would disagree that Nintendo's recent troubles have anything to do with brand recognition. One part of it is the fact that Nintendo have been relying on a lot of the same IPs for a long time and has not been updating their own design ideas. Their recent successes are the ones where they do expand and go with the ideas of younger designers and people. Splatoon is a great example of a great game that has a Nintendo touch whilst feeling fresh. And it sold very well for them.
If people aren't excited about the source of your IP (i.e. the games themselves), then they aren't going to be excited about any potential spin-offs. Although I have complained about Pokemon moving forward slowly, the intrinsic nature of the game is still very fun - and the other aspects of it
Another part of the problem is that their hardware is outdated, and they haven't utilised certain gimmicks of their own (e.g. the Wii U Gamepad) to full effect.
You also have weak third-party ties which means that people will look elsewhere for those games.
My point is that if your IP is tired in the first place, it doesn't matter how much you licence your franchise out into other areas. Nintendo have shrunk this pool themselves with some very bad decisions in recent years. And cranking out more movies, mobile games isn't going to solve it. If these ventures are exceptionally considered and well-thought out then it could change things - but right now such a thing feels like desperation and played by the numbers.
It's sad to have to write such things. Nintendo have so much potential but they haven't lived up to it well in recent times, but at least the 3DS has been a corking handheld.
Nintendo need to make new IPs, take on new ideas and hand much more power to their younger designers and artists. Their success has lay in the past with people like Gunpei Yokoi, Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. Relative newcomers like Tsubasa Sakaguchi should have a lot more say in creative decisions. Just my two shiny bronze pennies.
@IceClimbers Okay sweet! Thanks for that
Maybe now we'll find out why Daisy returned at the end of the Mario Bros. Movie.
The F-Zero story could use a good revamp. It seems like a lot of people only know Captain Falcon for his appearance in Smash Bros.
After seeing the recent Star Fox video, I would totally watch an entire animated series or movie about it.
Fire Emblem has a lot potential. I'm a huge fan, so obviously, I'd love to see anything related to it.
Fans attempt their own live action Zelda films from time to time. I'm somewhat weary of live action, but an official Zelda movie would be a great idea.
Myamoto's Pikmin shorts were neat, but I couldn't really see Pikmin as a movie. It seems like there's not enough to work with. Just keep making games.
Brawl's Subspace Emissary and all of the Smash Bros Wii U character trailers show that it could be an amazing animated movie or series.
Splatoon is popular...
That's all I know about it.
@skwaark
I would be okay with this. Miyazaki is a genius!
No! This can only lead to all things bad and embarrassing. The only two franchises I can see that are doable are Metroid (which would be an Aliens rip-off) and Zelda. (which would be every fantasy Knight movie ever) Hollywood will find a way to spectacularly screw them up. Please don't do this Nintendo.
Animes would be the best route to take. Or animated films straight to dvd.
@ShadowLuigi2
I'm going to assume you've never seen the horror known as Mario Bros. the movie.
@VBTheTruthSeeker
Didn't Wreck-It-Ralph get good reviews?
@AlexSora89 hahaha, its been so long i forgot about that
@Yoshis95
I also screwed it up - there was no character selection before Meta Ridley as character were chosen before the level itself. However, the image DID freeze anyway as it acted as a loading screen for the fight.
Lord of the Triforce
@MitchVogel As long as we found out who sabotaged the S.S. Drake, I'm happy. I was so surprised by that plot twist at the end, that I thought I hadn't gotten the best ending or there was a secret cutscene like in Pikmin 2.
Splatoon and Fire Emblem anime films would be very successful in Japan. They can then get limited releases overseas like the DBZ films tend to do.
As for Hollyweird, animated Mario and Star Fox (in the Disney/Pixar style) and live action Zelda and Metroid have the most mass appeal potential imho. Skepticism is rightfully deserved for the very thought of going into movies, but I would really like for video game movie adaptions to reach the level comic adaptations have reached now where there's been so many good ones with the right people behind them that audiences have their pick of flavor and can demand quality. We just need a Marvel studios or a Christoper Nolan out there to get serious about some properties.
@Tempestryke I'm confused by your semi-rant. Nintendo already said they're doing the production in-house specifically so that Hollywood won't spoil them
They also said that they're definitely not doing live action and will focus on animations. What's presently undecided is whether the first production will be a theatre release or a straight to DVD release.
@AlexSora89 I'm scared already. It works!
@Yoshis95 Yes, exactly something like that! The music for the Final Bosses in those games are amazing and would be perfect for a movie. ...In my opinion at least.
@Tempestryke Yeah, but the video games featured were fake, minus a few cameos. I meant direct adaptations.
@VBTheTruthSeeker
touche'
@jsty3105
fair enough, but it doesn't mean nintendo's incapable of not botching it. they approved the abomination that was other m after all. story writing isn't their strong suit, to put it kindly.
If the movies end up being animated and Nintendo steer clear of live action completely, then I'm all for this
@Tempestryke Other M was almost purely due to Sakamoto's work on the story ;p. While Nintendo's games aren't known for deep stories their animated series do perform well.
Stories for gameplay =/= stories for movies (animated or otherwise). That's why so many video game movies have been terrible.
The Kid Icarus shorts were great, as were the Pikmin and Star Fox shorts. While it doesn't prove that they can produce a great full-length feature, it also doesn't indicate that the level of writing in Nintendo is of dire quality. They have a lot of experience in this field - more than a lot of publishers and developers especially when you factor in the learnings from the Pokemon TV series.
It's also worth noting that Nintendo's plans do not mean they'll be writing the scripts and stories themselves. Far from it - they'll be hiring people as part of their plans to expand in this area and are likely to work with other screenwriters and relevant people in the movie and animation trade. It feels like a lot of people here think Nintendo are going to do the screenwriting - that's not likely as screenwriting is a different skill from writing a story for a game or even writing a story for a book.
@MitchVogel Would it worth updating the story a bit to indicate the Nintendo are definitely not looking to do live action movies? Seems to be a common comment topic here
Sorry to say that few video games could be the basis for a good film ! Just because a film can't just be a "let's play" to Watch !
@Zadaris
However, at least the cutscene ends right there when seen in the cutscene list, and thankfully no cutscenes are replayed in subsequent playthrough of the SSE.
Giga Bowser in Melee, on the other hand, featured the most f@#$ed up loading screen ever: five seconds or so that took forever to end.
Pleasant dreams, kiddos!
@Churchy Been meaning to say that your response to me was very well presented.
@jsty3105 Well I'm glad my passion didn't descend into being cranky, as we all have our own views. But if anything, it's good to encounter views that aren't your own, so your opinion actually made me think - which is great!
Also, at this point - it's all speculative anyway. It's not the first time Nintendo has flirted with this idea in the past!
Anyway, have a good day!
We need a Mario Tennis movie showing how great Waluigi is and why he hates Luigi!!!!
My Ideas:
1. Zelda: Twilight Princess
2. Metroid
3. Pikmin
4. Fire Emblem
5. Earthbound and/or Mother 3
6. Star Fox
7. Chibi Robo
8. Punch-Out
9. Kid Icarus
10. DK
My other idea: A Tomodachi Life Short Film before each one with the Nintendo developers and characters in the style of a sitcom.
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