Who Should Create Nintendo’s Future Movie Adaptations?
For years, video game adaptations have been dire. Uwe Boll’s catalog of catastrophes and other abysmal attempts to capitalize on famous franchises have been, at best, laughable. However, it seems that the tide is turning. Hollywood has had a glimpse of the possibilities within the medium and is now willing to invest heavily. Detective Pikachu discovered the right formula and Sonic led the race to the box office but it was Nintendo’s return to the silver screen with The Super Mario Bros. Movie that reached the next level. So with Illumination Entertainment’s take on the mustachioed plumber topping a billion at the cinema, I look at which other studios should tackle Nintendo franchises.
The Legend of Zelda – Studio Ghibli
The Switch has seen Link soar to new heights. Due to Breath of the Wild, Link’s Awakening and the soon-to-be-released, Tears of a Kingdom, more eyes are on the Hylian warrior which could mean that Nintendo will try to capitalize on this with a feature-length adaptation. While there are many companies that could bring the elf to life, I feel that Studio Ghibli would be able to capture the many nuances that make the franchise so iconic. Zelda is about the adventure, although comic relief characters are within, its tone is more serious. Because of this, only a select few creators would be able to tell this tale effectively, and at the top is Studio Ghibli.
Kirby – Aardman
Even though Kirby and the Rainbow Curse was a largely forgettable entry in the franchise, its art direction was superb. The clay models gave the pink blob character and this is the route that a movie adaptation should take. With that in mind, only one company could truly accomplish this: Aardman. The silent protagonist is a difficult area to tackle in film, but Aardman has already been able to successfully achieve this with the Shaun The Sheep Movie. If they can lavish animals with personality without the need for dialogue, imagine what they could do to Kirby in their signature claymation style.
Metroid – Sony ImageWorks, Lord Miller Productions
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are immensely talented. Their recent work on films such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Mitchells vs. the Machines and The Lego Movie shows that they understand how to create moments of magic. Each film has its own style and its this versatility which makes me believe that they could create a special Metroid film. While it may seem like a departure from their previous efforts, the foundation remains the same. All of their films have incredible action sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat and that’s what is required for Samus’ voyage to film.Â
Pikmin – Pixar
No matter what Pixar tackles, they pull it off. They tell wonderful stories with beautiful messages that almost always make you shed a tear. While they could easily adapt any of Nintendo’s big hitters, I think they would excel with Pikmin. Let’s not forget Pixar’s roots, small people in a big world. Toy Story, A Bug’s Life and many others take on this concept and this is the premise for Captain Olimar’s travels. It would be incredible to see how they reimagine the world and add a dollop of character to the range of adorable creatures who feature throughout.
Splatoon – DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks are hit or miss. They’ve created classics like Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda but they also have a plethora of mediocre titles that sport the iconic logo. Despite this, I think that they would be most suitable to get the zany Splatoon crew to the big screen. Firstly, they would nail the aesthetic. DreamWorks have created countless films with the same vibrant color palette which is a cornerstone of Splatoon. Throw in the whacky premise and cute characters and it sounds like a recipe for a DreamWorks title.
Animal Crossing – Disney Animation Studios
Animal Crossing is good wholesome fun. Seeing the world grow before your eyes is an addictive cycle that many would love to see on the big screen. While each world is bespoke, the characters within are pillars of the franchise and this is where the story lies. Seeing the legendary studio tackle the entrepreneurial journey of Isabelle could be fantastic. Similar to Zootopia, it would be interesting to see an industry newcomer’s personal growth as she learns to overcome barriers on her path to success.
Donkey Kong/Luigi’s Mansion – Illumination Entertainment
As The Super Mario Bros. Movie already includes Donkey Kong and Luigi, it makes sense for them to continue to build the world and work on both Luigi’s Mansion and Donkey Kong movies. The casting for the characters is already perfect so all that’s left for them is to flesh out their respective worlds. With a hit already in the bag, I’d love to see their take on these franchises.
That’s my list of creators who should take on Nintendo’s future movie adaptations. Do you agree with my picks? Which would you change or which out of those would you most like to see? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter, and don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for some great video game content.
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