2019 looks to be a promising year for video game fans who have wanted to see their favorite franchise hit the big screen. In May, Pokemon fans will finally see Pikachu and friends brought to live action for the first time, and the internet has already been obsessed with the few glimpses of the Sonic the Hedgehog movie coming later this year.

It was confirmed last year that Nintendo approved of a Super Mario Bros movie that will be released by Universal Pictures, and now it seems that the film has been confirmed to have a projected release year of 2022, according to Nintendo.

Nintendo recently released their 2018 year-end report detailing much of the company’s 2018 financial performance as well as their plans for the future. The report is structured to focus on a “Three Pillar” structure for Nintendo, with the first two being their dedicated video game and mobile gaming segments. The end of the report shifts the focus to the third pillar, “IP Expansion Business”, which consists of expanding the Nintendo brands outside of video games. This includes merchandise, the upcoming Super Nintendo World coming to Universal Studios theme parks, and the planned Super Mario Bros movie. On the topic of the film, Nintendo gives this update:

The development of animated film based on “Super Mario Bros.” with Illumination is moving along for an anticipated theatrical release around 2022.”

The use of “anticipated” and “around 2022” is likely used less in case of a delay in production, and more to accommodate for the possible case that Universal might need to move the release schedules of their films at a future time. This quote from Nintendo also references Illumination Entertainment, the animation studio behind the Despicable Me and Pets film franchises that is animating the Mario film.

While the planned release year of 2022 might keep eager fans impatient, it will allow the creative teams involved to craft a proper story and give the film only the highest quality of animation worthy of Shigeru Miyamoto’s creations. Still, let’s hope that when it releases, a good Mario movie isn’t in another castle. Are you guys excited for the Super Mario Bros movie coming in 2022? Let us know in the comments below!

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