FOUR-PART, LIVE-ACTION POKEMON MOVIE SERIES
My head is overflowing with ideas for a Pokemon movie series. If I had my way, and it actually didn't turn out to suck, I would keep it going for several generations. But that is highly implausible as I feel that the majority of people that consider themselves fans of the franchise are really just fans of the first generation. While there is nothing wrong with that, I personally love the franchise as a whole and would love for the whole series to get the live-action treatment.
I would make the series a four-parter.
Pokemon
The first movie would establish Ash's backstory/obtaining Pikachu and the Pokemon world in general. Maybe even get through a few gyms, mostly so he can befriend Brock and Misty, as well as his first few Pokemon friends like Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander. He would also come across characters like Professor Oak and his grandson Gary, Team Rocket's Jesse, James, and Meowth, and cameos by May and Max from the Hoenn (3rd Generation) run who would show up to teach Ash the value of friendship.
Pokemon: Journeys
The second movie would show Ash becoming more comfortable with battling and befriending even more Pokemon like Caterpie (eventually evolving into Metapod and then later Butterfree) and Pidgey (eventually becoming Pidgeotto). He would take on any remaining gyms, bar the eighth. A cameo would show Professor Rowan explaining evolution to Ash. At the end, a cliffhanger would show Team Rocket escaping with Pikachu.
Pokemon: Awakening
The third movie would open with Team Rocket presenting Pikachu to Giovanni. He would then reveal his plans to clone an ancient Pokemon, and we would find out about Mewtwo. This would contain all the elements of Mewtwo awakening, destroying the lab he was created in, and escaping to an island to clone powerful Pokemon. Pikachu escapes captivity and makes his way to Ash, directing him to Team Rocket HQ. After a long battle, Giovanni tells Ash where Mewtwo has gone so he can stop the menace from cloning powerful Pokemon to take on the world. Ash and Pikachu show Mewtwo true compassion and he flees to solitude. Among the Pokemon that were being cloned is a Lapras that Ash befriends and becomes part of the team. Ash makes his way back to the mainland and meets a young man that goes by "N." After talking to N, Ash realizes that the best thing he can do for his Buttefree, who has been having a hard time adjusting to the battling lifestyle, is to set it free.
Pokemon: Elite
The final movie would show Ash taking on the Elite Four. Ash and co. travel to the Indigo Plateau so Ash can finally live his dream of becoming a Pokemon Master. Long, hard battles against the four toughest trainers in the region show that Ash really does know what he's doing on the battlefield. Then, when he opens the final door to challenge the champion, he finds out that it is his original rival, Gary Oak. The two battle and Ash finally emerges victorious. After he claims the title of champion, he returns home to his mother. Waiting there are Professors Oak and Sycamore. Sycamore hints at Mega Evolution but nothing comes of it. The series ends with Ash receiving a train ticket to Johto in the mail.
Those were my overall ideas. I'm sure I left parts out and junk, but I was just spitballing.
Now here's my cast!
The main character of the anime, Ash Ketchum, is cursed with being 10-years-old forever. But that doesn’t stop him from becoming a Pokémon master. Well, he never actually achieves that in the show. But maybe he can in a live-action movie series. In my proposed movies, I’d prefer if Ash was portrayed as being just a little older (for relative reality’s sake), so I went with an up-and-coming actor: Asa Butterfield. While Ender’s Game fell short for me as a whole, the kid played a hell of a role. I’d love to see him in more movies, especially this one. It would be a fun part to play, I’d think.
Delia Ketchum- Rose Byrne (X-Men: First Class)
While we’ll only see Ash’s mother at the beginning of the first film and the end of the last and maybe a few video calls in between, I’d like to see her portrayed by a good actress. Not just some mediocre, wannabe-mom actress. That’s why I chose Rose. She’s fun, she cute, and she’s old enough to play the part of Ash’s mother while still being somewhat younger.
Prof. Samuel Oak- Sam Neill (Jurassic Park)
I used to think George Clooney was perfect for the role of the Pokemon Professor. Then one day, I was talking with my fiancé about that, and she suggested Sam Neill. Between this and an upcoming casting choice, she actually compelled me to make this fancast. Sam Neill is such an amazing choice, I’m surprised I’d never thought of it. He’s wise beyond his years (or at least he can act like he is) and he could actually pull me into the film. I now believe that George Clooney wouldn’t be a great Oak, I would just see Clooney as Oak. Neill would BE Oak.
Gary Oak- Josh Hutcherson (Hunger Games)
This guy is a good actor, and he’s short enough to fit in with the age group of Asa Butterfield. I also think he has sort of a pompous look to him, and the spiky hair doesn’t hurt. I’d love to see this kid with an Eevee on his shoulder early, and a Blastoise as his ace when he battles Ash for the title of Champion in the closing film.
Jesse- Marley Shelton (Planet Terror)
I feel like Marley Shelton would take this role and almost make it the center of the films. I believe she could be that convincing as the unnamed leader of the anti-hero trio. Rather than choosing an actress with pink hair, I would rather throw some pink streaks or something in her natural hair.
James- Matthew McFadyen (Pride And Prejudice)
This was a tough decision for me. James is not an easy character to cast. But after a bit of searching, mostly for actors with smooth voices that aren’t ancient, I stumbled upon McFadyen. As long as he can pull off a dim-witted anti-hero, we’re golden.
Brock- John Cho (Harold & Kumar series)
This is one of two choices that have me scared to see the reactions. But honestly, this is my cast. And I love this pick. He could play that goofy love puppy so well. We’ve all seen it in Harold & Kumar when he’s around Maria. And yeah, he has squinty eyes. Sue me.
Misty- Molly C Quinn (Castle)
I needed a young, cute, spunky redhead. I googled just that, and guess what came up: one of my favorite characters from one of my favorite shows. Castle is a hilarious show (in my opinion), and Molly C Quinn brings a lot to her role. All she needs is a ponytail and a Psyduck.
Lt. Surge- Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyer’s Club)
This is the second casting that has me worried of the reactions. However, we all have seen him really improve as an actor. We also all know how goofy 99% of these characters are, and who could play the imposing American soldier better than our very own southern-accented muscleman Matthew McConaughey? Besides, I honestly see a resemblance to MM and the Surge from the games.
Erika- Alexis Bledel (Sin City)
One of the more serious roles, I always thought Erika was supposed to be the cute one. That’s why I chose Bledel. I melt when I see her. She’s just adorable. A kimono and a Vileplume and we have our fourth gym leader.
Koga- Dave Franco (21 Jump Street)
This one makes me laugh every time because I think Dave Franco looks exactly like Koga with dirty blonde hair. Plus, the character is so dramatically goofy, and Franco could pull that off so well.
Sabrina- Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim)
Onto the scariest character in the Pokemon universe, Sabrina is so serious that it’s intimidating. If anyone’s seen Sky High, you know Winstead has the capability to be downright imposing. Between her looks and her acting skills, Sabrina would be a great role for the young starlet.
Blaine- John Malkovich (Red)
I racked my brain a few times to come up with this, mostly because Blaine has been portrayed multiple different ways. I decided to go with the mustachioed Blaine from the games. Malkovich would take the role to a new level as he does most roles.
Giovanni- Andy Garcia (Ocean’s Eleven)
A great character because of his importance to the storyline as both a gym leader and a villain, Giovanni needs a true mafia presence. No doubt Andy Garcia can do this. Take his character from Ocean’s Eleven: he was always calm yet intimidating. He knew what he wanted and wouldn’t let anyone stand in his way. This is what Giovanni needs. And a Persian.
Mewtwo- Doug Jones (Hellboy)
What’s there to say really? Doug Jones is one of the masters of made-up characters in Hollywood. He doesn’t really need to do much besides float, point at things, and have a threatening voice-over, but still do all of that as a vicious monster.
Lorelei- Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)
I’m curious if anyone will question this. I can’t imagine why they would. Lorelei is a well-endowed, bespectacled redhead. Who better than this beautiful actress we all would love to marry?
Bruno- Jason Momoa (Game Of Thrones)
Nothing too unobvious here, I needed a guy who was tan and muscular with a dark ponytail. If he can sit Indian-style and yell for a bit, I’m okay with this.
Agatha- Cloris Leachman (Malcolm In The Middle)
Just tried to rack my brain for an actress that would look the part and can play the part. Not many come to mind before Cloris Leachman. She’s number one.
Lance- Kevin McKidd (Trainspotting)
I think Lance is supposed to be younger than this but I don't care. We’ve all see Kevin McKidd in a cape.
May- Ryan Newman (Zoom)
Really, I just needed faces for these remaining cameo characters. Just put a red hat on her and give her a few lines. Next.
Max- Jared Gilmore (Once Upon A Time)
Same.
Prof. Rowan- Jeff Bridges (Big Lebowski)
This character might have a bit more depth than some of the other cameos, but still not a major role. Honestly, why waste Jeff Bridges if ya got him? I’d throw him and Sycamore in as colleagues of Oak’s that Ash encounters along the way.
N- Ben Barnes (Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian)
I just wanted a younger actor who I already knew could pull off longer hair. Voila.
Prof. Sycamore- Tom Hiddleston (Thor)
This was the other casting choice my fiancé suggested that prompted me to make this fancast. It’s just so perfect, I can’t pass it up.