Did Seth Rogen Influence Donkey Kong’s New Look in Donkey Kong Bananza?

Donkey Kong is set to make quite the splash with his upcoming game on the Switch 2, called Donkey Kong Bananza. And I’m not just referring to his ground-smashing moves; it’s a whole new adventure in 3D where DK uses his powerful fists to dig through the earth. But what really sets this game apart is a surprising twist in the Kong universe: he’s now sporting pants. Yes, you read that right. The once tie-clad, otherwise au naturel Donkey Kong has decided to don some trousers—and he’s even added suspenders to the mix.

The decision to update DK’s wardrobe might not be a total shock to those who followed The Super Mario Bros. Movie, where Seth Rogen lent his voice to our favorite ape. In a candid behind-the-scenes chat, Rogen expressed his enthusiasm for the character, saying, “It’s a fun character, it’s a fun world. I would be thrilled to see Donkey Kong go on more adventures. Maybe give him some pants this time.”

It seems like the movie may have had a hand in influencing this new look. It’s a curious shift, given DK’s longstanding preference for the bare essentials. While other Kongs like Funky, Tiny, and Lanky have embraced wearing pants, both Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong have remained unfazed, sticking to their usual attire—or lack thereof. Clearly, it’s not about modesty or shame.

Historically, DK has seldom been seen in anything below the waist. There have been appearances—think Skylanders: SuperChargers—where he’s donned a full outfit, but these are more exceptions than the rule. Even at the Olympics, DK has chosen to go without pockets, ensuring his beloved bananas are always in reach.

From what we’ve gathered so far, it seems the game has moments when DK will either find or lose his newfound apparel. So, it’s not that Nintendo has suddenly decided to cover him up entirely; players can still expect to catch glimpses of his iconic moves, now presented in more vivid detail thanks to the game’s rear-view camera angles, quite a change from the side views in Donkey Kong Country. Interestingly enough, the trailer also features other apes sporting various types of bottom wear, hinting at a possible new trend among primates in the Mario realm.

We’ve reached out to Nintendo for a deeper dive into why DK has chosen to embrace this wardrobe change. We hope to hear back soon and unravel this mystery once and for all.

However, true enlightenment may have to wait until Donkey Kong Bananza officially arrives on July 17 for Nintendo Switch 2. Only then will gamers truly discover the reasons behind DK’s sartorial choice.