New name, same focus.
Formed in 2001, WARPSTAR Inc. was the studio behind the Kirby: Right Back at Ya! series and has heavily been involved with promoting the Kirby IP ever since. WARPSTAR Inc. became a subsidiary of Nintendo back on April 1, 2025, but following a recent announcement by Nintendo, the studio has now been renamed Nintendo Stars. As Nintendo Stars, the “company has been restructured as a Nintendo subsidiary responsible for the ancillary-use business tied to films that feature Nintendo Intellectual Property (IP).”
For the full announcement and details on what this move entails, we have it all right here:
Strengthening Ancillary Use of FilmsFeaturing Nintendo Intellectual Property
Nintendo Co., Ltd. (HQ: Kyoto, Japan, President and Representative Director: Shuntaro Furukawa; hereinafter “Nintendo”) hereby announces that WARPSTAR, Inc., which became a consolidated subsidiary as of April 1, 2025, has changed its name to Nintendo Stars Inc. The company has been restructured as a Nintendo subsidiary responsible for the ancillary-use business tied to films that feature Nintendo Intellectual Property (IP).
* Ancillary use for films refers to taking Nintendo characters and worlds from films to apply and expand in other forms, including live events and merchandise, through project development, licensing, and other means.
Nintendo has announced two upcoming films for theatrical release: a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros. to be released on April 3, 2026, and a live-action film based on the world of The Legend of Zelda to be released on May 7, 2027.
By implementing and licensing various ancillary uses in films, Nintendo Stars Inc. aims to familiarize people around the world with Nintendo IP and provide new ways to experience it.
In addition, Nintendo Stars Inc. will continue its ancillary-use business of the Kirby franchise, which WARPSTAR, Inc. has been engaged in. By utilizing the know-how cultivated in this business, Nintendo Stars Inc. aims to expand the number of people who have access to Nintendo IP through cooperation with partners around the world, and strengthen the relationship between Nintendo and its customers.
Source: Nintendo PR
