Uncover Nintendo's Potential for an Epic Animal Crossing Movie!

Nintendo's success with The Super Mario Bros. Movie has sparked interest in further adapting their games for the big screen. Given the immense popularity of many Nintendo titles, there is a substantial potential audience for any future movie adaptations. While Illumination has denied rumors of a Legend of Zelda movie, it does not rule out the possibility of them exploring other Nintendo properties in the future. Among these, the Animal Crossing games have a strong following and many fans who would love to see them brought to life on the silver screen.

Animal Crossing has been a flagship franchise for Nintendo for a significant period of time. The release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons during the pandemic, when people were confined to their homes, further boosted its popularity and even attracted new fans. Although Nintendo did produce a Japanese Animal Crossing movie in 2006, it remains relatively unknown. Adapting Animal Crossing into a compelling cinematic story would present both exciting opportunities and substantial challenges. Will Nintendo be able to successfully bring this beloved property to life on the big screen?

What Parts of Animal Crossing Would Make A Good Movie?

The colorful and diverse cast of characters in Animal Crossing, ranging from familiar faces like Tom Nook and K.K. Slider to the countless villagers that populate the player's island, would seamlessly fit into an animated film, providing an enjoyable on-screen experience. With five main games and additional titles like Pocket Camp and Happy Home Designer, there is an abundance of characters and elements that could be combined to create a cohesive cinematic adaptation. These characters boast charming and distinctive designs that would captivate viewers of all ages.

Although Animal Crossing games may not have a complex storyline, their fundamental premise revolves around a new villager arriving in town (which is the character the player assumes) and familiarizing themselves with the surroundings while building relationships with other villagers and enhancing the town. This simple yet engaging concept serves as an ideal starting point for a narrative, enabling a gradual introduction of the town and its inhabitants to the audience while allowing ample room for character and story development. For instance, a film adaptation could explore the storyline from New Leaf, where the player unexpectedly becomes the mayor of the town they just moved to, leading to numerous comical situations.

The potential movie adaptation of Animal Crossing has the opportunity to captivate fans with its beloved characters brought to life on screen. With the inclusion of recognizable furniture and locations from the game, viewers can immerse themselves in the world of Animal Crossing. Moreover, the movie can showcase the various activities that players engage in, such as fishing, bug catching, and fossil digging. These elements, which are integral to the game, would undoubtedly delight long-time fans of the franchise, creating an enjoyable on-screen experience.

What About Animal Crossing Would Be Difficult To Adapt?

The challenge of adapting Animal Crossing lies in the silent protagonist, as the audience may struggle to connect with a character who doesn't speak. However, Nintendo successfully addressed this issue in The Super Mario Bros. Movie by giving Mario a voice, which felt natural in the film. This gives hope for a future Animal Crossing adaptation, where enhancing the protagonist's personality would align well with the subject matter.

Furthermore, while each game has a basic plot, the gameplay itself is open-ended, allowing players to create their own town and explore at their own pace. This lack of a defined plot may pose a challenge for an adaptation, as it would require the creation of an overarching storyline. Striking the right tone without straying too far from what makes Animal Crossing unique could be difficult. However, the open-ended nature of the game could also be an advantage, providing writers with ample creative freedom to shape the story. Ultimately, with competent filmmakers who stay true to the original game, the potential drawbacks are minimal, and the chances of overall success are high.