5 Reasons Funky Kong MUST Be In The Donkey Kong Spin-Off Movie (The Latest Update)
The question on every fan's mind right now is simple: Where is Funky Kong? As of December 21, 2025, while the sequel to *The Super Mario Bros. Movie* (often referred to as *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*) is confirmed for 2026, the laid-back, surfboard-toting Kong remains conspicuously absent from any official major cast announcements. His brief, rumored presence in the first film was a massive tease, fueling intense speculation that his true big-screen moment is being saved for the highly anticipated *Donkey Kong* spin-off film.
This article dives deep into the latest updates, the character’s essential role in the *Donkey Kong* universe, and the compelling reasons why Nintendo and Illumination must elevate Funky Kong from a background cameo to a central, scene-stealing star in the expanding cinematic universe. The evidence strongly suggests his time to shine is imminent, particularly in a movie centered on the Kong family's adventures.
Funky Kong: The Ultimate Surfer-Bro Simian Biography
Funky Kong is one of the most beloved and distinct characters in the entire *Donkey Kong* franchise. Unlike the heroic Donkey Kong or the mischievous Diddy Kong, Funky embodies a cool, counter-culture vibe that makes him instantly memorable.
- First Appearance: *Donkey Kong Country* (1994) on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
- Role in Early Games: Initially served as a non-playable character (NPC) who provided essential transportation services. His "Funky's Flights" plane allowed Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong to travel between worlds.
- Personality: Laid-back, effortlessly cool, a surfer-dude persona complete with a bandana, sunglasses, and a surfboard. He is often portrayed as a mechanic and entrepreneur, building and providing vehicles.
- Key Playable Appearances: His popularity skyrocketed as a playable character in spin-off titles, most notably *Mario Kart Wii*, where he was notorious for being one of the fastest characters in the game, and *Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze*, where he was introduced as an "Easy Mode" option due to his ability to double-jump and hover.
- Relationship to Other Kongs: While his exact relation to Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong is not always specified, he is clearly a core member of the Kong family and a reliable ally.
- Topical Entities: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, Cranky Kong, King K. Rool, Kremlings, Super Mario Bros. Movie, Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Mario Kart Wii, Illumination, Nintendo, Seth Rogen.
The Latest Movie Update: Why Funky Kong’s Role is Still a Mystery
The cinematic future of the Mushroom Kingdom and the Jungle Kingdom is rapidly taking shape, yet Funky Kong's official status remains in the realm of rumor and fan speculation. This uncertainty is actually the biggest hint that a major role is being protected for a future announcement.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Sequel (2026)
The sequel, which is rumored to be titled *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*, is currently the primary focus for Illumination and Nintendo. Confirmed returning cast members include Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, and Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong. However, the focus appears to be on expanding the core Mario universe, potentially introducing characters like Rosalina, Luma, and a more prominent role for Yoshi, who was teased in the first film's post-credits scene. While Funky Kong could appear as a background Kong in the Jungle Kingdom, a significant, plot-driving role in the main Mario sequel is unlikely, as the film’s central conflict will likely revolve around Mario, Peach, and Bowser.
The Highly Anticipated Donkey Kong Spin-Off Film
This is where the Funky Kong conversation truly heats up. Following the massive success of the 2023 film, reports of a dedicated *Donkey Kong* spin-off movie have been circulating, bolstered by copyright filings and producer comments. This separate film, which would likely explore the lore of the Jungle Kingdom and the Kong family in depth, is the perfect stage for Funky Kong’s debut. Fan casting and plot discussions consistently place Funky Kong alongside Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, and Tiny Kong as essential members of Donkey Kong's supporting team in a battle against villains like King K. Rool and the Kremlings.
5 Compelling Reasons Funky Kong Needs a Major Role
Funky Kong is more than just a cool visual; he brings essential elements to the cinematic universe that no other Kong can provide. His inclusion in the *Donkey Kong* spin-off is not just fan service—it's a narrative necessity.
1. He Provides Essential Vehicle and Gadgetry
In the video games, Funky Kong's primary function is as the mechanic and transportation expert. He provides barrels, planes, hovercrafts, and other necessary gadgets for the Kongs' adventures. A cinematic quest, such as one to retrieve the stolen Banana Hoard from King K. Rool, would require a dedicated logistics expert. Funky Kong’s workshop would be the perfect set piece for action sequences and comedic relief, establishing him as the "Q" or "Lucius Fox" of the Jungle Kingdom.
2. He Offers a Unique Personality Contrast
The first movie established Donkey Kong (voiced by Seth Rogen) as a powerful but somewhat insecure and arrogant hero. Cranky Kong is the grumpy, wise elder. Funky Kong’s laid-back, surfer-bro attitude and comedic timing would provide a perfect counterpoint to the high-stakes action. His chill demeanor and one-liners could be a source of consistent, natural humor, appealing to both kids and adults who appreciate the 90s nostalgia of his character.
3. He’s a Fan-Favorite with Proven Popularity
Funky Kong’s inclusion in *Mario Kart Wii* and *Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze* as a highly sought-after, powerful character proves his massive appeal. The sheer volume of online discussion, fan art, and even the viral *SNL* sketch featuring Kenan Thompson as Funky Kong discussing his "snub" from the first film demonstrates his cultural relevance. Including him in a major role would instantly generate massive buzz and ensure box office success based on fan excitement alone.
4. He Expands the Topical Authority of the Jungle Kingdom
To build a successful cinematic universe (the "Super Mario Cinematic Universe" or SMCU), the world must feel vast and populated. Funky Kong’s presence, along with Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong, would flesh out the Kong family tree and the Jungle Kingdom’s society. He represents the "cool" side of the island, a tropical mechanic who is ready to help his family, giving the world a deeper, more textured feel beyond just Donkey Kong's fortress.
5. The Potential for a Breakout Voice Performance
The success of the first film was heavily reliant on the voice cast, especially Jack Black's Bowser and Seth Rogen's Donkey Kong. Funky Kong, with his distinctive surfer-slang and chill cadence, is a role tailor-made for a dynamic comedic actor. Casting a major, recognizable voice actor in the role would be a huge marketing draw and could lead to the character becoming the breakout star of the spin-off, similar to how Donkey Kong stole the show in the first *Mario Movie*.
Conclusion: The Funky Future of the SMCU
While an official announcement for Funky Kong’s role in the 2026 Mario sequel is unlikely, all signs point to him being a central figure in the rumored *Donkey Kong* spin-off movie. Nintendo and Illumination are known for their meticulous planning and fan-aware Easter eggs. The decision to hold back on a major Funky Kong announcement suggests they are saving him for a moment where he can truly shine, giving the Jungle Kingdom its own dedicated, high-octane adventure. Fans should keep their eyes on the horizon for the wave of updates—Funky Kong’s time is coming.
Detail Author:
- Name : Louisa Lemke
- Username : lowe.westley
- Email : pabernathy@cormier.net
- Birthdate : 1989-08-24
- Address : 3783 Langworth Fields Willmsside, OK 73951
- Phone : 716-555-5974
- Company : Schmidt-Pouros
- Job : Council
- Bio : Molestias labore sequi fugit magni occaecati. Voluptatem qui atque quo sunt quia. Quibusdam nobis est illum eaque similique quae omnis. Et nesciunt quisquam error.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/dfay
- username : dfay
- bio : Sit totam quidem quia sed incidunt.
- followers : 3389
- following : 1499
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/daisyfay
- username : daisyfay
- bio : Occaecati accusantium soluta nemo. Sed magnam harum harum debitis quo fugit. Dolores quia sed sit ut minima nulla minus.
- followers : 1796
- following : 2906
