There's probably not a single person who doesn't know Mario, the most popular video game character ever. Along with his brother Luigi, the two have spent decades headlining numerous terrific games across Nintendo's consoles, helping cement them as the Disney of video gaming. So popular were they, they got their own film adaptation in 1993, Super Mario Bros. Unfortunately, that film was a disaster, suffering from a famously hellish production, and burnt audiences so thoroughly, Nintendo never set foot in Hollywood again. Since then, that film has become synonymous with the video game adaptation curse.
But a lot has changed in 30 years. Not only are video game adaptations making greater strides, but Nintendo felt an itch again. What if they could take a stab at another film, made by people who love and respect the series? Enter Chris Meledandri, whose animation company Illumination - best known for the Despicable Me series - impressed Nintendo so much, they've dusted off the overalls for a new Super Mario Bros. Movie, and likely the first of a new franchise.
