Nintendo recently announced a major corporate restructuring that has set the internet buzzing with speculation: could a Kirby movie finally be on the horizon? While the press release did not confirm any such project outright, it did reveal a structural shift that strongly suggests Nintendo is preparing for a deeper involvement in films.
From Warpstar to Nintendo Stars
On August 27, 2025, Nintendo revealed that its wholly owned subsidiary Warpstar Inc., which had long managed secondary uses of the Kirby franchise, has been renamed Nintendo Stars Inc. This new company will handle the operation, licensing, and management of Nintendo IP in film-related secondary uses, while continuing its traditional work with the Kirby series.
The official announcement can be read directly on Nintendo’s corporate website.
What “Secondary Use in Films” Actually Means
Nintendo’s release specifically mentioned that the new subsidiary will oversee ancillary use of Nintendo IP in the context of films. This does not just mean producing movies. Instead, it covers a much broader ecosystem, such as:
- Licensing film characters for merchandise
- Developing live events and shows linked to movie releases
- Coordinating with external studios on project approvals
- Managing tie-in campaigns and promotions
This structure suggests Nintendo wants to ensure that any film adaptation of its franchises comes with a well-managed ecosystem of experiences.
The Context: Nintendo’s Film Push
The press release also highlighted that Nintendo is actively developing new film projects. These include:
- An animated Super Mario movie set for release in 2026
- A live-action Legend of Zelda film planned for 2027
By mentioning these projects in the same document that announced the establishment of Nintendo Stars, the company clearly signaled that films are no longer a side project—they are a core pillar of Nintendo’s global strategy.
What About Kirby?
The mention of Kirby in the press release is what sparked the excitement. Historically, Warpstar Inc. existed solely to manage Kirby licensing. With its transformation into Nintendo Stars, Kirby remains explicitly listed as part of the company’s operations.
This continuity is important. Nintendo could have simply folded Warpstar into a broader structure without highlighting Kirby, but instead it emphasized that Kirby secondary use remains under active management. While no movie was announced, this creates the perfect legal and business framework for a future film.
For fans, the logical interpretation is that a Kirby movie is not an “if,” but a “when.”
Why Nintendo Made This Move
Several strategic reasons explain why Nintendo took this step now:
- Efficiency in IP Management
With multiple franchises moving toward film, Nintendo needed a centralized body to handle approvals, contracts, and partnerships. - Control Over Creative Direction
By managing secondary use in-house, Nintendo can protect its characters and worlds from misrepresentation. - Expansion Beyond Games
Nintendo has already ventured into theme parks and merchandise. Films are the next natural step, and they require infrastructure. - Future-Proofing the Kirby Brand
Warpstar was too narrowly defined. Nintendo Stars positions Kirby alongside Mario, Zelda, and other IPs in a global multimedia portfolio.
A Blueprint for the Future
This announcement should not be mistaken for a Kirby movie reveal. Instead, it is the construction of a blueprint for long-term transmedia expansion. Nintendo is telling the world:
- Movies are here to stay.
- Characters like Kirby will play a part.
- Fans can expect films to be tied into events, merchandise, and cultural experiences.
For the industry, this also means Hollywood studios will now negotiate directly with Nintendo Stars when pursuing adaptations. For fans, it means more polished and consistent experiences.
My Perspective
Nintendo is being cautious but deliberate. The company knows that video game movies can be risky, yet the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie proved that audiences are hungry for faithful adaptations. By creating Nintendo Stars, Nintendo isn’t rushing into a Kirby movie—but it is laying the groundwork so that when the time comes, everything is ready.
In many ways, this is even more exciting than an immediate announcement. It shows that Nintendo is committed to building a sustainable film strategy, not just a one-off project. Kirby may not be on the big screen tomorrow, but thanks to this restructuring, his chance to shine has never been closer. 🌟
