We recently learned that Netflix is developing a live-action Pokémon TV series, but The Illuminerdi is reporting that the streaming service is also working on a movie. Apparently, it will tie into the show, meaning that there are obviously big plans in place to create some sort of interconnected universe.
However, one very interesting note is that these projects will not be a continuation of the story we watched unfold in Detective Pikachu; instead, this TV show and movie will reboot the franchise.
That makes sense in some ways, especially as even the video game Detective Pikachu franchise is somewhat standalone in nature. It's also probably for the best that talking Pokémon don't become the norm, as that would be a huge departure from what this property is all about (longtime fans would arguably be vastly more interested in following the story of a Pokémon trainer).
Joe Henderson (Lucifer) is attached to write and executive produce the TV series, but there's no word on a creative team for this movie spinoff.
Detective Pikachu was a sizeable hit back in 2019, grossing $433.9 million at the worldwide box office. It's a surprise in some ways that the franchise is now heading to the small screen, but there's plenty of success to be found on Netflix, especially as moviegoers continue to embrace streaming.
What do you hope to see from this Pokémon TV series and movie?