Video game adaptations have a horrible reputation; even the better than usual attempts (Silent Hill, Max Payne) are generally met with extreme fan derision. The title for worst ever video-game adaptation is a toughie, but a serious contender might be 1993's Super Mario Bros, the film that swore Nintendo off allowing Hollywood near their IP. Until now. Speaking to Fotune, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto had this to say:
"As we look more broadly at what is Nintendos role as an entertainment company, were starting to think more and more about how movies can fit in with thatand well potentially be looking at things like movies in the future."
Okay, so it's not so much a confirmation as a statement of intent, but it's still an interesting development. This is probably a necessary consideration for Nintendo to be making, after all, established property is more valuable in Hollywood now than it's ever been before. Leasing, or even developing their own films would almost certainly represent a solid revenue stream, but is it creatively in the company's best interest?Super Mario Bros left Nintendo pretty burned, but maybe it's time to give these characters another go. In a world where existing properties tend to be adapted with a more metatextual approach, there might be some really funny mileage in taking the iconic Nintendo figures and spinning them in a knowing way. I don't think there's any interest in a straight adaptation of the Mario Bros for example, but a Jump Street styled interpretation could be effective with the right creative team behind it. What do you guys think? Is the Nintendo back-catalogue ripe with cinematic potential? Or would Hollywood be better advised to step off? Let us know below.