Sony and Universal Battle for Live-Action Metroid Film Rights

Nintendo is shopping a Metroid Prime film adaptation, with Sony Pictures and Universal Studios competing for the rights. Both studios are leaning toward a live-action format.

Universal has been circling the project since late 2025, aiming to fold it into the Mario Cinematic Universe. Sony just wrapped production on a live-action Legend of Zelda film, establishing a working relationship with Nintendo on IP adaptations. Sony's edge is proven experience; Universal's is an existing animated film universe infrastructure.

Brie Larson has publicly campaigned for years to play Samus Aran. She previously voiced Rosalina in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, giving her a Nintendo collaboration on record. Her physicality and action credentials fit the role's demands.

The live-action direction carries risk. Metroid's core appeal—isolated exploration and atmospheric tension—is harder to control for budget and effect in live-action than animation. Nintendo's willingness to greenlight Sony's Zelda shoot signals growing comfort with live adaptations, but the studio choice likely hinges on who presents the safer production plan.