Nintendo renames Warpstar to Nintendo Stars to push film IP expansion

In a move designed to deepen its cinematic and cross-media footprint, Nintendo has renamed its Warpstar Inc. subsidiary to Nintendo Stars Inc. and redefined its mission as an entity focused on the ancillary uses of Nintendo’s intellectual property in films and related ventures. The change, announced in a corporate update, cements a strategy to use established film projects and licensing channels to broaden the reach of Nintendo characters and stories worldwide. The development follows the company’s recent success with animated features and signals heightened ambition for upcoming productions, including a sequel to the highly successful Super Mario Bros. Movie slated for 2026 and a live-action Legend of Zelda project planned for 2027. Nintendo also indicated that Kirby-related activities will remain within the scope of Nintendo Stars, underscoring a multi-franchise approach to media expansion.

Warpstar was founded in 2001 as a joint venture between Nintendo and HAL Laboratory to manage the Kirby franchise and to explore its expansion into other media, such as the Kirby Right Back at Ya! anime. Earlier this year, Nintendo acquired HAL Laboratory’s stake, making Nintendo Stars a...