* characters aged up in adaptation
Ash Ketchum / Satoshi (サトシ) (age 13*)
Jasper Newell (age 13)
Notable credits:
- We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011)
Although a newcomer to acting, Jasper Newell stunned audiences in his first role as 6-year old Kevin: a child brimming with malice and precocious physicality.
Although Ash is an optimistic and energetic character, Newell is a fresh face. Also he has proven himself to be a young actor that understands nuance and emotional range--a challenge for most actors his age.
Misty / Kasumi (カスミ) (age 15*)
Amandla Stenberg (age 17)
Notable credits:
- As You Are (2016)
- The Hunger Games (2012)
Stenberg is no stranger to roles that require long treks through treacherous lands. Her spritely energy from The Hunger Games should translate well into tomboyish Misty. Stenberg also has shown great dramatic range in the Sundance favorite As You Are (2016).
Brock / Takeshi (タケシ) (age 16-18*)
Ryan Potter (age 20)
Notable credits:
- Big Hero 6 (2014)
- Lab Rats Elite Force (2016)
- Supah Ninjas (2011-2013)
Brock is a character known for his comic relief as well as for his wise advice to Ash.
Potter already has credits in both animation and live action media. He is an ideal candidate for Brock due to his experience in giving comedic deliveries on Big Hero 6, Lab Rats, and other Disney properties. Potter is also an accomplished martial artist, a skill that may come in handy with Brock's characterization as a PokeBreeder who just so happens to be a disciplined PokeTrainer when needed.
James / Kojiro (コジロウ) (age 25-28*)
Justin Chon (age 34)
Notable credits:
- 21 and Over (2013)
- Seoul Searching (2015)
- Revenge of the Green Dragons (2014)
James is as much a comic relief character as he is a criminal antagonist. Justin Chon would be an interesting choice . He has plenty of acting experience due to a career that spans over a decade with parts in the Twilight series as well as The O.C. Chon has shown off his acting chops in comedies such as 21 and Over and Seoul Searching. He also demonstrated his range in the crime drama Revenge of the Green Dragons.
Jessie / Musashi (ムサシ ) (age 25-28*)
Brenda Song (age 28)
Notable credits:
- Scandal (2012-2013)
- The Social Network (2010)
- The Suite Life of Zach and Cody (2005-2008)
Jessie is a character that requires an actress who has comedic sensibilities as well as enough physical presence to intimidate any trainer who crosses her path---that is, until she starts talking! Brenda Song has been acting for 20 years and has many credits in comedies such as The Suite Life of Zach and Cody as well as more adult fare such as The Social Network and Scandal. Lastly she holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Giovanni / Sakaki (サカキ ) (age 40+)
Liev Schreiber (age 48)
Notable credits:
- Spotlight (2015)
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- The Omen (2006)
Giovanni is the driving force behind Team Rocket's doings. In the anime he is usually shrouded in shadows until key points in the arc. His greed eventually leads him to fund the creation of MewTwo. A common fan theory posits that Giovanni may be Ash's father. This could possibly be insinuated in the live action movie, but never be definitely proven.
Professor Oak (age 55*)
Bryan Cranston (age 60)
Notable credits:
- Godzilla (2014)
- How I Met Your Mother (2006-2013)
- Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
It's no surprise that Cranston could pull off being the professor. His most well known and complex role yet is that of "chemistry teacher-turned meth cook" Walter White! In keeping with Professor Oak's comedic nature, Cranston also has comedy credits in shows such as How I Met Your Mother as well as guest spots on Archer and Robot Chicken.
That's it for now!