Mario and several of his friends have warp piped their way into Animal Crossing, and the endlessly artistic community has already turned a relatively simple catalog of new Mario furniture items into stunning island designs in a matter of days. If you haven't yet seen it, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is celebrating Mario's 35th anniversary with a slate of new Mario-themed items and costumes added to the game. These include, alongside outfits of Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Wario, a number of decorative items like nothing the game has had before. There are coins that can be "collected" by players, interactable items like Stars and Mushrooms, hovering blocks and giant mushrooms that can have items placed upon them, and most exciting of all -- a Warp Pipe that can transport you instantly to a second Warp Pipe placed elsewhere on your island. So, of course, the Animal Crossing community is already making some amazing creations, including yes, literal actual platforming courses:

AC is a Mario platformer game now#AnimalCrossing #ACNH pic.twitter.com/OpMVI6wYfL

— doom desire (@doom_mori) March 1, 2021

Mario courses like this don't just pop up overnight -- literally -- in Animal Crossing. All the Mario items are available through a separate tab of the Nook Shopping app, but the app limits you to ordering five items a day. Which means if you want to make elaborate courses like this, you need to time travel...a lot. Some players have used custom patterns on the ground to theme their outdoor levels in creative ways, like this area reminiscent of sky levels:

marvel at my mario world. #AnimalCrossing #ACNH #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/QR3ftkWxTB — Danielle Dungeonrunner (@D_Dungeonrunner) March 2, 2021

Or this amazing rendition of Rainbow Road:

レインボーロードを再現してみた#マリオカート8dx #マリオ家具 #どうぶつの森 #AnimalCrossing #ACNH #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/L55JG3qch5 — Beluz/ベルヅ (@Beluz_kintere) March 1, 2021

Or even a Mario Party recreation:

A recreation of the Lucky Space Event from "Mario Party 8" in New Horizons style ^o^ #AnimalCrossing #ACNH #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/kdaC231KIe — (@Mettuar30) March 2, 2021

Players aren't just making amazing outdoor courses -- there are also some really wonderful indoor set-ups being done in people's houses using the floor and wallpaper sets along with the Mario furniture items.

I have all the mario stuff!! #AnimalCrossing #ACNH #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/0rYxMnto8Q — KittyPie (@Ash_KittyPie) March 3, 2021

A few creators have gone beyond just recreating Mario 2D levels, and have used custom design prints to put together recreations of fan-favorite 3D spaces, like Peach's Castle: Some clever players aren't using the Mario items specifically to make Mario stages, but rather are getting clever with items like the Warp Pipes and floating blocks. The Warp Pipes, for instance, make island transit easier in ways that allow for interesting or beautiful designs that weren't possible before, given that they only take up about one "square" of space, while a ramp can take up several. Others noticed that the floating blocks can be used to make tunnels -- again, a feature that wasn't possible with the items and features available in the game previously. There are lots of other beautiful creations incorporating the Mario items, including several gorgeous mushroom forests and this clever use of Warp Pipes that appear to have ended up in the wrong video game entirely:

Made use of the new Mario pipes https://t.co/AAv3ZmLh1P pic.twitter.com/gtp1aVSKZs

— John Edwards (@EuclidianBoxes) March 2, 2021

Meanwhile, a few people are just using the Mario costumes to make "Mario" do goofy things in the Animal Crossing universe:

Mario routine #AnimalCrossing #ACNH #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/caqB7D0krh

— Rikrio (@RikrioTastroff) March 3, 2021

Smash Bros. players: Buff Mario! Buff Mario: #AnimalCrossing #ACNH #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/LeMwYREzIk

— Phøx McMint #BLM (@Phox_McMint) March 4, 2021

Finally, multiple creators have noticed that at least one popular Mario character seems to have been left out of the costuming options for this update: Waluigi. A few folks have tried to give the tennis-playing antagonist an appearance with custom clothing designs, and are using those designs to let their disappointment be known via meme format, like this one: Sorry, Waluigi. Maybe next time? (Please, Nintendo!) [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.

The first images from Space Jam: A New Legacy have been revealed in a report from Entertainment Weekly, showing off LeBron James in action, as well a look at 3D animated Bugs Bunny. The images come as part of a first-look feature, which also reveals a few new details about the film's plot. James plays a "heightened version" of himself, while his in-universe son Dom is played by Cedric Joe. James and Dom are pulled into a video game "Server-verse", where they must contend with Al G Rhythm, an artificial intelligence seeking influence and followers, played by Don Cheadle. To save his son and escape this virtual reality, James will have to team up with the Loony Tunes and play virtual basketball. Space Jam: A New Legacy is targeting a theatrical release this summer, with a simultaneous July 16 streaming release on HBO Max. LeBron James will be joined by Star Trek: Discovery's Sonequa Martin-Green. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/03/27/star-trek-discoverys-sonequa-martin-green-joins-space-jam"] The Space Jam sequel is just one of many films Warner Bros has planned for HBO Max this year, as all 17 planned theatrical releases are planned for concurrent release on the streaming platform. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

WarnerMedia chief Jason Kilar has talked about the potential expansion of the Harry Potter franchise for HBO Max and Warner Bros. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kilar made an appearance at an investors conference on Thursday, where he seemingly cast the proverbial Lumos charm and shed a little bit of light on the subject of Harry Potter projects at HBO Max. He noted there was a lot of "potential" for sequels and spinoffs, though he stayed under the Silencio spell and didn't reveal any firm development plans. "There's this little thing called Harry Potter, which is one of the most beloved franchises," Kilar told the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Conference during a webcast session. "And we're incredibly thankful to be able to partner with J.K. Rowling and so I would argue there's lot [sic] of fun and potential there as well." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/01/26/what-is-hbo-max-doing-with-harry-potter"] The outlet notes that "discussion about possible sequels for Harry Potter" came as Kilar addressed "the creative fortunes going forward for Warner Bros." In particular, Kilar highlighted the success of HBO and HBO Max after subscribers topped nearly 61 million worldwide in 2020. He said the streamer was "so far ahead of pretty much any metric," including engagement, usage-per-day, and subscriber count. This comes shortly after a report emerged about a Harry Potter TV series being in early development at HBO Max. Sources indicated that "broad ideas" for the project had been discussed, but that no deals had been made. HBO Max and Warner Bros. commented on the speculation at the time, telling THR that, "There are no Harry Potter series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform." However, it's possible that HBO Max and Warner Bros. were giving a response based on a very different definition of "in development" — with early discussions reportedly ongoing, the two companies may not have defined the project as formally in development at this early stage, especially with no talent, director, or writers being attached to the potential series yet. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-25-best-harry-potter-characters&captions=true"] Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe previously told IGN that he expects the stories to receive a full movie or TV reboot one day, saying, "It will be interesting to see how long those films stay... it feels like there's a sacredness around them at the moment, but that'll go, the shine will wear off at some point. It'll be interesting if they reboot them and just do the films again or do a series; I'm fascinated to watch." It remains unclear what part Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling will play in future additions to the franchise, particularly those coming from the entertainment companies that hold the rights to create Harry Potter projects, but whatever the case turns out to be, we think the Harry Potter saga needs a fresh start via the medium of television, and HBO Max might just be the answer for that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2's Pyra and Mythra will be available in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate later today, March 4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game director Masahiro Sakurai revealed the news during a deep-dive of these latest fighters to join the roster.

Mr. Sakurai Presents “Pyra/Mythra”. #SmashBrosUltimate https://t.co/GAP469SIvI

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 4, 2021

Pyra and Mythra will arrive alongside the Cloud Sea of Alrest stage and will be available as part of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Pass Vol. 2 for $29.99 USD or separately for $5.99 USD. While Pyra and Mythra are technically one fighter in the selection screen, players are able to alternate between them at will during battle. Pyra is a much more powerful fighter, while Mythra excels in speed. By switching at opportune times, players will be able to take advantage of each of their strengths and keep their opponents guessing. While Pyra and Mythra were chosen over Rex for DLC Fighters, he does make an appearance in both of their Final Smash attacks - Burning Sword for Pyra and Sacred Arrow for Mythra. Pyra's attack is meant for KOs while Mythra's is for damage. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/17/super-smash-bros-ultimate-pyra-and-mythra-dlc-character-announcement-trailer"] The new stage, Cloud Sea of Alrest, is based on one of the most iconic settings in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and is set on the back of Azurda, a massive creature that swims through the Sea of Clouds. As the battle rages on, familiar characters and sights from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will make an appearance. You may also be wondering what Kirby will look like once he absorbs the abilities of Pyra and Mythra. Luckily, Nintendo Versus has you covered. Also arriving today are new paid Mii Fighter costumes, including Arthur's Armor and Helm from Ghosts 'N Goblins and Rathaloas Armor and Helm and the Hunter Armor and Helm from the Monster Hunter Series. Pyra and Mythra arrive after Final Fantasy VII's Sephiroth joined the roster of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. As previously mentioned, that leaves two fighters left to be announced for the Fighters Pass Vol. 2. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/04/super-smash-bros-ultimate-mii-fighter-costumes-9-trailer"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Warning: Spoilers for WandaVision through Episode 8 follow. [poilib element="accentDivider"] WandaVision director Matt Shakman has confirmed that Episode 7 of the MCU sitcom contained a Stan Lee Easter egg in its opening credits. In an interview with ScreenRant, Shakman, who directed all nine episodes of WandaVision's first season, referenced the blink-and-you'll-miss-it Stan Lee Easter egg hidden within the title sequence of Episode 7, "Breaking the Fourth Wall," after an eagle-eyed fan on Twitter pointed out that the comic legend's birthday (12/28/22) appeared on the Wanda license plate, glimpsed at 4:12. "There certainly are some [Easter eggs] that folks have noticed that are important," Shakman teased. "A certain license plate, perhaps, in an opening title recently. We have to honor Stan Lee, of course." [caption id="attachment_2482072" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image credit: Marvel Studios / Disney+[/caption] "We were very careful about the breadcrumbs that we left, because it is a mystery and a puzzle box," he continued. "You want to make sure that all the pieces of evidence add up. And then there are fun little easter eggs on the side - many of which people have found already, if not all of them, and then analyzed. We were trying to build this story, and make sure that we were putting out all the little pieces that would eventually add up to complete the puzzle." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=wandavision-all-the-marvel-and-tv-easter-eggs-in-every-episode&captions=true"] Various Easter eggs and references to Marvel's storied history have been scattered throughout all eight episodes of the MCU sitcom so far, with WandaVision's second post-credits scene in Episode 8, "Previously On," showing SWORD Director Tyler Hayward activating a copy of Vision, one who looks just like our favorite Synthezoid but for one key difference - he's all white. White Vision appeared in the comics as a reconstructed version of the android character, with his white costume dating back to a 1989 storyline called Avengers West Coast: Vision Quest. Across these pages, Hank Pym attempted to put Vision's dismantled body back together but ultimately failed to restore his artificial mind, resulting in Vision being reborn with no memories or latent humanity. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/27/wandavision-episode-8-wtfs-going-on-with-vision-is-he-a-new-villain-mcu-canon-fodder"] It remains to be seen whether White Vision will be going head-to-head with Wanda's Vision in the season finale of the Disney+ series or whether he could, in fact, help to bring O.G. Vision back to life by assisting him through Westview's Hex barrier. All will be revealed in WandaVision's ninth and final episode, which will be arriving on Disney+ on March 5, 2021 with a "satisfying and also surprising" conclusion. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Warning: Spoilers for WandaVision through Episode 8 follow. [poilib element="accentDivider"] WandaVision star Elizabeth Olsen joined Jimmy Fallon for a time-hopping comedy sketch on the latest episode of The Tonight Show. The duo teamed up for Wednesday's episode of the late-night talk show to pay homage to the WandaVision series, with a five-minute sketch (aptly titled "FallonVision") transporting Fallon and Olsen through various eras of television. The show's sets and backdrops, wardrobe choices, and presenting styles all appeared to be inspired by different talk shows throughout TV history.

Stepping into a new reality on @FallonTonight #FallonVision #ElizabethOlsen @wandavision pic.twitter.com/jKxH4YMUNn

— jimmy fallon (@jimmyfallon) March 4, 2021

The mock interview opens in the 1950s-era with a black-and-white segment that sees Fallon welcoming Olsen to the show, as part of the press tour for her fictitious new movie "The Boxcar Gals and the Fellas From Tulum." The show then shifts through several decades, mimicking the sitcom-surfing concept that debuted in the Disney+ show, and ends with a major twist that we should have seen coming all along. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/03/wandavision-director-reveals-secrets-of-scarlet-witchs-origin"] The season finale of WandaVision is slotted into the Disney+ listings for March 5, 2021, one week after Episode 8 of the MCU sitcom, "Previously On," saw Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) take Wanda on a trip down memory lane, forcing her to revisit some of her most traumatic moments. The episode left us with five theories and three lingering questions, which we hope to have some light shed on this week. However, if the answers don't arrive in the next episode, we might discover more in Marvel Studios' brand new documentary series, Assembled, which is set to start streaming exclusively on Disney+ from March. The show will take viewers "behind-the-scenes of the shows and movies of the MCU, following the filmmakers, cast and crew, and Marvel heroes every step of the way." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=wandavision-all-the-marvel-and-tv-easter-eggs-in-every-episode&captions=true"] The first episode will pull back the curtain on WandaVision, offering fans fresh insight into the production's concept and sitcom influences, filmmaking methods, and the "challenges and ultimate rewards" of performing an entire episode in front of a live studio audience, with exclusive commentaries from Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff) and Paul Bettany (Vision), plus other MCU stars. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

The opening of a Super Nintendo World theme park in Orlando, Florida has reportedly been delayed by around two years to 2025. The Orlando Sentinel reports that construction work on Universal's upcoming Epic Universe park – which includes a Super Nintendo World area – has recommenced following pandemic-related shutdowns. However Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings told the Sentinel that Universal had now pushed the park's opening to early 2025. Epic Universe construction halted indefinitely last year due to economic uncertainty, but has now begun again. Little is known about the new park, other than that there will be a Super Nintendo World section included. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/18/super-nintendo-world-direct-presentation"] Comcast CEO Brian Roberts discussed the Nintendo park at a Morgan Stanley financial conference: “We have high, high hopes for what it means. It’s a whole interactive gaming experience. We’ve been investing in parks and hotels, so as we look at the next 10 years, it’s hard not to see an exciting road map ahead for the parks business.” The first Super Nintendo World theme park is due to open in Osaka, Japan this year – although the date is still unknown after Osaka Prefecture announced a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Japanese park gives us a good sense of what may be coming from the North American versions, including a gamified visiting experience, Mario Kart and Yoshi rides, and a surprisingly complex layout. Shigeru Miyamoto himself recently offered a virtual guided tour of the park. Aside from the Orlando park, Super Nintendo World will also become a part of Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Singapore. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar Games parent company Take-Two Interactive, has discussed the company's approach to remasters, saying that it won't settle for "simple ports" of its older games - including the upcoming version of GTA 5 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. As transcribed by VGC, Zelnick made the statement during a Morgan Stanley technology conference, when asked about the importance of remasters for Take-Two going forward. “Remastering has always been a part of the strategy. We’ve done differently than the competition – we don’t just port titles over, we actually take the time to do the very best job we can making the title different for the new release, for the new technology that we’re launching it on," Zelnick said. "We improve the technology, we upgrade the visuals, and we make performance enhancements. And that’s why I think our remastered titles typically do so well.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2011/10/25/breaking-news-gta-5-announced"] Attention then turned to the forthcoming next-generation port of 2013's GTA V, which was revealed back in June of 2020 and will be available for free at launch on PS5. "I’m confident that Rockstar is going to deliver just a great experience, but you can’t do that if you’re just doing a simple port,” Zelnick said. This suggests that Take-Two and Rockstar aren't interested in simply porting their games to modern consoles without, as Zelnick puts it, "making the title different" in some capacity – which could give us an idea of the company's future remaster plans. When GTA V came to Xbox One, PS4 and PC, the GTA Online player cap was boosted, and a first-person mode was implemented, among other features. In other Rockstar Games news, a recent report suggested that a new GTA is in development, with Rockstar reportedly making changes to fix crunch culture. Take-Two Interactive recently reiterated its plans to release 93 games in five years. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

A series of Call of Duty Warzone voice lines have leaked, suggesting the game will introduce new 'Plague', 'Exfiltration' and 'Sandbox' modes – the latter of which might include racing activities. As spotted by PC Gamer, ZestyCODLeaks posted the news on Twitter, with a link to a video containing all of the leaked lines. They point towards a trio of new modes which could be introduced in the future, although no dates have been suggested for when they might arrive. "We can't lose Verdansk, find those damn zombies," reads one of the lines related to a mooted Plague game mode. The narration talks about how "Verdansk is lost" and overrun, and there are multiple mentions of "plague zones," the players should avoid. "Extraction cancelled, nuke inbound for Verdansk," barks the narrator, likely when the mission has failed. The suggestion is that players will have to try and reclaim Verdansk from a zombie horde and then exfiltrate. If they fail, the map will be nuked.

NEW WARZONE QUOTES

*NEW* Warzone Quotes for Season 2+ (Plague, Exfiltration, & Sandbox!) Be sure to @ me if you talk about the video!https://t.co/nObFvXoQ5u (uploaded to DailyMotion to avoid the DMCA) pic.twitter.com/Fusbyrhlms — Zesty (@ZestyCODLeaks) March 3, 2021

There are also voice lines related to a Sandbox mode, with lines talking about "an area of operation" full of activities. The voice lines mention an obstacle course and also talk about helicopters and vehicles completing laps, suggesting a racing minigame will be implemented. One of the more curious voice lines reads "reach the finish without touching the ground," suggesting a 'the floor is lava' style course will be playable. The final mode is referred to as Exfiltration in the leaks, with lines ordering players to secure and then "protect the radio until exfil." The radio has a "signal strength" mechanic, and the lines suggest it is an objective item that other players can carry, as one voice line is "take down the radio carrier." Zombies teasers started popping up in Call of Duty Warzone in early February, with Zombies landing in Verdansk with the launch of Season 2. In other Call of Duty Warzone news, Activision recently said that a 500GB PS4 may no longer be able to fit Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/23/call-of-duty-warzone-review"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

The live-action Pinocchio remake for Disney+ continues to fill out its cast. Cynthia Erivo will play the role of the Blue Fairy for the film, per The Wrap. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also announced as the voice of Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio's wisecracking companion. Other casting news includes Keegan Michael-Key as Honest John, the swindling fox antagonist, and Lorraine Bracco as Sofia the Seagull, a new character that did not appear in Disney's 1940 original animated film. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/11/disneys-pinocchio-live-action-remake-official-teaser"] They join a cast led by Tom Hanks as Gepetto and Luke Evans as The Coachman. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will voice Pinocchio. Director Robert Zemeckis, who worked with Hanks on films like Forrest Gump and Cast Away, is helming the project. Production is set to begin this month and the film will debut on Disney Plus. No release date has been announced yet. Gordon-Levitt is known for his roles in The Dark Knight Rises, Inception and Looper. Last year, he starred in The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Project Power. Erivo starred in Bad Times at the El Royale and Widows. More recently, she was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in 2019's Harriet. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-upcoming-disney-live-action-remake&captions=true"] Pinocchio is just one of several live-action remakes that Disney is planning for both theatrical and streaming releases. Emma Stone stars in Cruella, an origin story for the 101 Dalmations villain, which is set to hit theaters on May 28. Other upcoming projects include a follow-up to The Lion King directed by Barry Jenkins and a Beauty and the Beast prequel series. Disney unveiled many live-action reimaginings during the company's Investor Day last December. [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)