Japan's Hochi Shimbun reports Nintendo has partnered with anime director Jouji Shimura to create an animated film based on the Animal Crossing series. Animal Crossing, released for the Nintendo DS in November 2005, has already sold over three million copies worldwide. Shimura, known for his work on Master Keaton and Shin Angyo Onshi, will head this new film that is said to retain the themes that have made the game so successful. There is currently no word on a release date or plans for a North American debut.
In related news, Katsuya Eguchi, Nintendo EAD's Animal Crossing director, was interviewed by Gamekult during the Electronic Entertainment Expo this past week. During the interview Eguchi confirmed a Wii version of Animal Crossing is in development and that details will be released at a later time.