For several years now, hints and rumors have pointed toward the Mario Bros. getting back into the movie business, and now we finally have confirmation. This morning Nintendo officially announced they’re partnering with Illumination Entertainment, the animation studio behind Despicable Me, Minions, and The Secret Life of Pets, amongst others.

　　Nintendo and Illumination are partnering on a movie starring Mario, co-produced by Shigeru Miyamoto and Chris Meledandri! pic.twitter.com/wVRPLIzcGJ

　　— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 1, 2018

　　As the tweet mentions, the Super Mario movie will be produced by Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri and Shigeru Miyamoto himself. The film will be co-funded by Nintendo and Universal Studios and distributed worldwide by Universal. Nintendo and Illumination had the following to say about the project in a press release:

　　“Illumination and Nintendo Co today announced a partnership to develop a movie starring the Mario character. With this project, Nintendo will pursue its goals of effectively leveraging its intellectual properties in mediums outside of video games, and of bringing smiles to people around the world. Illumination will also continue to fulfill its mission of infusing joy and discovery into every property, allowing worldwide audiences of all ages to connect with the beloved characters and story from one of the world's most popular franchises.”

　　Murmurs of an animated Super Mario movie began three years ago, when it was revealed Sony had made an attempt to land the license. Nintendo would later partner with Universal for a series of theme park attractions, stoking rumors that something more might be in the works. Last November, The Wall Street Journal reported Illumination was working on a Mario movie, but, at the time, Nintendo and Universal refused to comment on the story.

　　What might a new Super Mario movie look like? Nintendo has turned the plumber into more of a cipher in recent years, so it will be interesting to see what kind of personality they give him. Also, they’re totally going to turn the toads into the new Minions, aren’t they? Well, whatever they do will probably be better than the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie. Sometimes a low bar is a good thing.

　　What do you think? What do you want to see from a new Mario movie?