Nintendo is embarking on a new venture, aiming to expand its influence beyond the realms of video gaming into the entertainment industry. Following the success of its gaming franchises, the company is now setting its sights on the filmmaking and television landscape, signaling a new era of cinematic expansions from this iconic brand.
The 2023 release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie achieved staggering box office success, amassing over $1.3 billion globally. A sequel to this blockbuster is on the horizon, slated for release in 2026. Adding to this momentum, Sony Pictures announced a cinematic release of The Legend of Zelda film, expected to hit theaters on March 26, 2027. In addition, the Pokémon franchise has produced an extensive array of films and shows over the last three decades, making a complete tally nearly impossible. Other Nintendo properties have also explored this avenue, with notable examples including the animated series Donkey Kong Country, a short film featuring Star Fox: Zero, and a direct-to-video adaptation of Kirby. Of particular interest is the 2006 film Gekijōban Dōbutsu no Mori, known in English as Animal Crossing: The Movie, which, despite its lack of international release, earned approximately $16.2 million in Japan.
At the time of its release, Animal Crossing wasn’t the colossal franchise it is today. The landscape of the gaming and entertainment industries has dramatically shifted since then, especially following the global phenomenon of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which launched amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This title alone has sold over 47 million copies, ranking it among the top five best-selling video games of all time. Given this substantial growth, now presents a prime opportunity for Nintendo to leverage the franchise’s popularity through film and television.
Why An Animated Series for Animal Crossing Makes Sense
Nintendo has established a solid history with animated adaptations of its franchises. From nostalgic classics like The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! and Captain N: The Game Master to contemporary successes like the Netflix series Pokémon Concierge, it is clear that the company can successfully transition its beloved characters and stories into animated formats. However, Animal Crossing lends itself more toward a series than a feature film, given its lack of action-driven content.
Developing a narrative suitable for a full-length film based on the serene life-simulation gameplay of Animal Crossing can prove to be challenging. The 2006 film was not designed to be the financial juggernaut that Nintendo anticipates from its leading franchises today, and as a result, it is unlikely that an Animal Crossing film would reach blockbuster revenue levels, unlike more action-oriented properties such as The Legend of Zelda or Metroid.
A Rich Cast of Characters Awaits
A significant advantage of creating an animated series for Animal Crossing is the diverse and endearing cast of characters that fans have come to love. Iconic figures such as K.K. Slider and Tom Nook are essential, but newer favorites like Molly and Audie from Animal Crossing: New Horizons add depth to the potential lineup.
The creative possibilities are endless. An animated series could feature a mix of familiar faces alongside entirely new characters, which would excite existing fans while appealing to newcomers. The dynamic nature of character introductions in each game installment also allows for inventive storytelling opportunities.
While fans eagerly anticipate another installment of the revered franchise, an animated series could serve as a bridge, keeping interest alive between New Horizons and the sequel to follow. With the last game being released five years ago, the time is ripe for Nintendo to engage its dedicated fanbase with captivating content.