There are rumors that Illumination intends to develop an Avengers-style Super Smash Bros movie, adding to the growing trend of Nintendo franchises taking over the film industry.
Following Marvel’s massive success with the MCU, many studios have been eager to jump into shared universe storytelling, leading to both triumphs like the Godzilla MonsterVerse and missteps like the DCEU. Now, Illumination is allegedly preparing to join in on the fun by pitching Nintendo to merge its cherished franchises into a massive team-up extravaganza in the shape of a Super Smash Bros. movie.
As per movie insider Daniel Richtman, Illumination has developed a pitch for Nintendo to present, outlining a shared cinematic world with several spinoffs that will culminate in a Super Smash Bros. movie reminiscent of the Avengers.
Much like the MCU’s approach, this project would involve various spin-off films preceding it. Nintendo had already confirmed a live-action Legend of Zelda film, likely separate from this proposed project. Also, with the recent hit of The Super Mario Bros movie, more collaborations between Illumination and Nintendo seem likely down the road.
Super Smash Bros made its debut on the Nintendo 64 in 1999, featuring 12 playable characters including iconic figures like Mario, Luigi, Link, Donkey Kong, and others and the Mario movie introduced some of these characters. The only franchises left are Star Fox, Earthbound, Metroid, Kirby, F-Zero, and Pokemon—the latter of which has already been the subject of numerous anime spin-offs and motion pictures.
Initially, there were assumptions that Illumination would opt for an animated movie. However, CEO Chris Meledandri debunked the speculation, stating no Zelda movies were in progress. If Illumination collaborates with Nintendo for a shared cinematic universe, then a Legend of Zelda film would surely come out before a Super Smash Bros. movie.
It’s interesting to note that discussions about a Smash movie aren’t new. Jeff Fowler, the director of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, has also shown interest in a film that highlights the rivalry between the Sega and Nintendo mascots.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, released in 2018 for the Nintendo Switch, is a crossover fighting game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. It is the fifth game in the Super Smash Bros. series, following Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U (2014). However, what’s worth noting is that 2024 will also be Super Smash Bros.’ 25th anniversary, and Nintendo intends to celebrate it with several announcements.
So, a Super Smash Bros movie announcement is a possibility, however, all we can do is wait and see.
For constant updates, keep following Gamevro.
