Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary creator behind Nintendo’s most iconic franchises, recently shared in a brief interview with Kyodo News why the company is now placing greater emphasis on filmmaking. His remarks shed light on Nintendo’s evolving strategy to expand its creative reach beyond video games.
In the interview, Miyamoto explained that while video games are deeply engaging, they are ultimately tied to the hardware and technology of their time. As systems evolve, older titles often become inaccessible to new generations of players. Films, however, offer a different kind of permanence. “Games eventually stop running when newer versions come out, but films remain forever,” he noted, emphasizing the enduring nature of cinema as a medium that can preserve Nintendo’s stories and characters for decades to come.
Nintendo’s move into film is not entirely new, but it has gained momentum in recent years. The global success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 demonstrated the potential of bringing beloved characters to the big screen in a way that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers. Building on that momentum, Nintendo has already announced further projects, including an animated film based on Super Mario Galaxy set for release in 2026, and a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda expected in 2027.
Miyamoto stressed that the company’s goal is not simply to capitalize on its intellectual properties, but to create experiences that can be enjoyed by audiences who may never pick up a controller. By expanding into cinema, Nintendo hopes to share the emotional depth, humor, and imagination of its worlds with a broader audience. This approach reflects a long-term vision: to ensure that characters like Mario, Zelda, and Donkey Kong remain cultural touchstones across multiple generations.
The decision also aligns with Nintendo’s broader business strategy, which now includes live events, merchandise, and cross-media storytelling. By diversifying its creative output, the company is positioning itself as a global entertainment powerhouse. Miyamoto’s comments to Kyodo News are about how Nintendo sees films as a way to secure its legacy, ensuring that its stories endure even as technology continues to change.
