As we reported last week, rumors began to swirl that Illumination and Nintendo would re-team for another film; this time, they’d adventure in the world of The Legend of Zelda.
Though fans were thrilled at the news, founder & CEO of Illumination, Chris Meledandri, claims that’s not happening yet. While promoting Illumination’s next film, Migration, and celebrating the success of The Super Marios Bros. Movie at the Annecy International Animation Festival this week, the executive opened up about the rumor.
The Wrap says Meledandri shuts down the rumors, stating: “I don’t know where that came from. I mean, I can understand how people would surmise all sorts of things because, obviously, we’ve had a great experience working together. My relationship with Nintendo now includes being on their board of directors, so I understand how people can surmise these things. But in terms of the specifics, that was just something that I’ve heard lots of rumors. This is just about what’s next between Nintendo and Illumination.”
Migration director Benjamin Renner adds: “I see one rumor every week, and this week’s rumor is, apparently, Zelda.”
The Legend of Zelda fans shall not fret, as they are most likely still neck-deep in the latest game, Tears of the Kingdom. As a testament to how many would want this Zelda film to happen, the new game quickly became the fastest-selling Nintendo video game of all time and is one of the most critically acclaimed of the year.
Illumination will also not worry as they have the upcoming Migration, as well The Super Marios Bros. Movie is still riding the wave as one of the biggest animated films ever and the first film based on a video game to gross $1 billion worldwide.
The Super Marios Bros. Movie is still playing in cinemas and is currently on PVOD.