A recently filed U.S. copyright registration has confirmed that Nintendo and Universal Pictures are collaborating on an “Untitled Donkey Kong Project”, marking official confirmation that a Donkey Kong movie is in the works.
Filed in early May 2025 and officially recorded in June, the paperwork identifies both Nintendo Studios LLC and Universal Pictures as co-producers of a “motion picture” focused on Donkey Kong. While a formal announcement is still pending, the registration confirms the project is beyond rumor stage.
Following 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.3+ billion worldwide, Nintendo is doubling down with more character-focused films—including an animated sequel in 2026 and a live-action Legend of Zelda in 2027.
The iconic gorilla gained popularity from a standout cameo in the Mario film—voiced by Seth Rogen—and has taken center stage at Super Nintendo World theme parks and in the just released Donkey Kong Bananza (Switch 2 release: July 17, 2025).
Although not confirmed, Seth Rogen may reprise his role as DK alongside potential returning voices like Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong.
Thanks to the official copyright filing, the Donkey Kong movie transitions from speculation to reality—part of Nintendo and Universal’s expanding shared cinematic universe. With its established creative teams, merchandising power, and timed gaming releases, Donkey Kong is firmly set to go from arcade legend to Hollywood star.
