History of Metroid in Timeline

Metroid is an action-adventure game franchise by Nintendo. Players control Samus Aran, a bounty hunter protecting the galaxy from Space Pirates and other evil entities aiming to exploit the parasitic Metroid creatures. The series is known for its exploration-based gameplay, non-linear level design, and focus on atmosphere and isolation.

1989: The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! Aired

In 1989, The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! replaced the cancelled animation block Super Mario Bros. Power Hour, which had considered a Metroid animated series. Mother Brain appeared as a villain in the Captain N: The Game Master TV show.

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1993: Failure of the Super Mario Bros. Film

In 1993, the Super Mario Bros. film's failure made Nintendo protective over the Metroid franchise.

November 2003: Metroid Manga Series Published in Monthly Magazine Z

In November 2003, a Metroid manga series began publication in Kodansha's Monthly Magazine Z in Japan. The series ran for 16 chapters, later compiled into two Tankōbon volumes, chronicling Samus' life up to the original game's events and influencing future games.

2003: Metroid Live-Action Film Rights Optioned

In 2003, two producers optioned the rights to create a live-action Metroid film, but these rights eventually expired.

2006: John Woo Acquires Metroid Film Rights

By 2006, John Woo's studio, Lion Rock Productions, acquired the rights to produce and release a live-action Metroid film, with David Greenwalt as one of the writers. However, the film was never made.

2013: Sakamoto Supports a Metroid Film

In 2013, Sakamoto expressed his support for a Metroid film directed by Ryuji Kitaura, contingent on a good concept and methodology.

2016: Release and Takedown of AM2R

In 2016, AM2R, a fan-made remake of Metroid II, was released. Nintendo issued takedown notices to halt its distribution due to intellectual property concerns. AM2R was also nominated for the Game Awards 2016 but was later removed.

2020: Negotiations for Samus in Fortnite

In 2020, Nintendo and Epic Games discussed adding Samus to Fortnite as a skin, but the collaboration did not materialize. Other characters like Kratos and Master Chief were added to the game around late 2020.

2021: Epic Games v. Apple Case Reveals Samus Plans

In 2021, internal Epic Games documents released during the Epic Games v. Apple case revealed the earlier negotiations to include Samus in Fortnite.

2024: Samus Skin Nintendo Switch Exclusivity Request

In 2024, it was revealed that Nintendo requested Nintendo Switch exclusivity for the Samus skin in Fortnite, which conflicted with Epic's policy of feature parity across platforms, leading to the character's exclusion.