A Super Mario Bros. Animated Film Is Close To Fruition

Mario and Luigi are set to return to the theaters thanks to a deal between Illumination Entertainment and Nintendo that is close to agreement.

According to Wall Street Journal‘s insider sources, Illumination Entertainment, which has worked on films such as “Despicable Me” and “Minions”, has been discussing with Nintendo for more than a year about a potential Super Mario Bros. animated movie. The deal is close to agreement, says people close to the matter.

A person close to the talks say the most complicated matter that has been discussed during the negotiations is Nintendo’s control over the creative process. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, will most likely be the movie’s producer along with Illumination boss Chris Meledandri.

It would take several years before the movie is released to the public, as the movie is still in its early stages of development. Animation is being worked on by Illumination’s Paris Studio. The agreement between Nintendo and Illumination could potentially allow multiple Super Mario Bros. sequels, but currently only one is planned so far.

If the deal is closed, this would mark the first time in two decades Nintendo’s return to cinemas since the first official live action Super Mario Bros. movie in 1993.