Concept and creation In 1981, Nintendo was pursuing a license to make a game based on the 1930s Popeye comic strip. Unfortunately, Nintendo couldn't make this game due to the hardware at the time being too limited. So Nintendo decided to take the opportunity to create original characters that could then be marketed and used in later games. Shigeru Miyamoto came up with many characters and plot concepts, but he eventually settled on a love triangle between gorilla, carpenter, and girlfriend, that mirrored the rivalry between Bluto and Popeye for Olive Oyl. Bluto was replaced by a large enraged ape, which Miyamoto said was "nothing too evil or repulsive", and the pet of the main character. Miyamoto has also named the 1933 film King Kong as influences for the character. In addition to 1930s American media, Miyamoto also stated he drew inspiration from "Beauty and the Beast".
Concept and creation In 1981, Nintendo was pursuing a license to make a game based on the 1930s Popeye comic strip Unfortunately, Nintendo couldn't make this game due to the hardware at the time being too limited. So Nintendo decided to take the opportunity to create original characters that could then be marketed and used in later games. Shigeru Miyamoto came up with many characters and plot concepts, but he eventually settled on a love triangle between gorilla, carpenter, and girlfriend, that mirrored the rivalry between Bluto and Popeye for Olive Oyl. Bluto was replaced by a large enraged ape, which Miyamoto said was "nothing too evil or repulsive", and the pet of the main character. Miyamoto has also named the 1933 film King Kong as influences for the character. In addit.ion to 1930s American media, Miyamoto also stated he drew inspiration from "Beauty and the Beast".