The first live-action movie based on the highly popular Pokemon series. 2019’s Pokémon: Detective Pikachu features the voice talent of Ryan Reynolds in a mystery-comedy being produced by Legendary, Warner Bros., and Toho. Here we chronicle news related to the movie, sorted with the latest information appearing first.
April 10th update
Limited edition cards will be given out to those who attend screenings of the movie, with a press release regarding this event being available below. Click the image for the full resolution version. Image courtesy of Warner Brothers.
SEE “POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU” OPENING WEEKEND FOR A CHANCE TO CAPTURE EXCLUSIVE NEW POKÉMON TCG: DETECTIVE PIKACHU TRADING CARD
Advance Tickets on Sale Now for May 10th Nationwide Release
Burbank, CA – April 10, 2019 – Moviegoers eager to see “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” on its North American opening weekend beginning with early shows on Thursday, May 9, will be the only fans who can get a special limited edition Detective Pikachu trading card.
Through this first weekend and while supplies last, each guest will receive an exciting two-card pack from the new Pokémon TCG: Detective Pikachu series of collectible trading cards from The Pokémon Company International. One card will be randomly selected from the series currently available at retail locations and featuring select Pokémon in their CGI likeness as seen in the movie. The second is guaranteed to be a limited-edition Detective Pikachu card available to those early-bird fans who are among the very first to catch this first-ever live-action Pokémon adventure on the big screen.
Tickets for the highly anticipated “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” go on sale nationwide today, April 10, at 9:00 AM PDT, although advance purchase does not guarantee the Pikachu card bonus, which is based on theatre attendance and supply.
To view the entire Detective Pikachu card collection and for all things Pokémon, go to www.pokemontcg.com/detectivepikachu/
Also, a special “Casting Sneak Peek” video has made its way online:
Legendary Comics Announces Official Movie
Graphic Novel Adaptation for POKÉMON Detective Pikachu
The companion graphic novel based on the highly anticipated live-action
feature film to hit stores and online in Summer 2019
LOS ANGELES, March 14, 2019 – In anticipation of this summer’s big-screen adventure POKÉMON Detective Pikachu, the first-ever live-action Pokémon movie with a cast led by Ryan Reynolds opening May 10, Legendary Comics announced at Emerald City Comic Con today the official movie graphic novel POKÉMON Detective Pikachu. Written by Brian Buccellato, with art by Nelson Dániel, it is set to debut online and in stores in Summer 2019, following the film’s release. The graphic novel draws inspiration from the upcoming film that is based on the beloved Pokémon brand—one of the world’s most popular, multi-generation entertainment properties and one of the most successful media franchises of all time. Readers are invited to follow along as lead character Tim Goodman, played in the movie by Justice Smith, journeys through Ryme City searching for his missing father. With twists and turns around every corner, nothing is more twist-y than Tim’s unexpected partner: a Pikachu with a penchant for coffee and danger, and the amazing ability to speak human language. In a city where humans and Pokémon live together in harmony, unexpected dangers surround them as they try to solve a mystery. Follow Facebook.com/LegendaryComics for the latest news and updates.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to work with The Pokémon Company International,” said Robert Napton, Senior Vice President of Legendary Comics. “Pokémon is a globally-adored brand, and we absolutely loved expanding the story of POKÉMON Detective Pikachu onto the page with the help of Brian’s words and Nelson’s art.”
“Legendary Comics has done an outstanding job of bringing the world of POKÉMON Detective Pikachu to life in the form of this graphic novel,” said Heather Dalgleish, Director of Publishing at The Pokémon Company International. “We’re excited to be working with the Legendary Comics team on this initiative and can’t wait for readers to dive in to this Pokémon story.”
From Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures, POKÉMON Detective Pikachu will be released in theaters nationwide on May 10, 2019.
February 26th update
A new trailer for the movie has been released. Running for 2 minutes 30 seconds, footage reveals several more Pokemon in the movie’s highly-detailed style, and dives even deeper into the mystery surrounding Tim’s missing father. Toho Kingdom has been given access to a higher quality version of the trailer, the highest quality that can be found online, which can be viewed below.
Also coinciding with the trailer’s release is a new poster. Click the image for the full resolution version. High-quality image courtesy of Warner Brothers.
And lastly, some press notes have been released:
The world of Pokémon comes to life!
The first-ever live-action Pokémon adventure, “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” stars Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu, the iconic face of the global Pokémon phenomenon—one of the world’s most popular, multi-generation entertainment properties and the most successful media franchise
of all time.
Fans everywhere can now experience Pikachu on the big screen as never before, as Detective Pikachu, a Pokémon like no other. The film also showcases a wide array of beloved Pokémon characters, each with its own unique abilities and personality.
The story begins when ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu: a hilariously wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth who is a puzzlement even to himself. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to work together, as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu, they join forces on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery. Chasing clues together through the neon-lit streets of Ryme City—a sprawling, modern metropolis where humans and Pokémon live side by side in a hyper-realistic live-action world—they encounter a diverse cast of Pokémon characters and uncover a shocking plot that could destroy this peaceful co-existence and threaten the whole Pokémon universe.
“POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” also stars Justice Smith (“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”) as Tim, and Kathryn Newton (“Lady Bird,” TV’s “Big Little Lies”) as Lucy, a junior reporter following her first big story; as well as Suki Waterhouse (“Insurgent”), Omar Chaparro (“Overboard”), Chris Geere (TV’s “Modern Family”), with Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe (“Godzilla,” “The Last Samurai”) and Bill Nighy (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1”).
The film was directed by Rob Letterman (“Goosebumps,” “Monsters Vs. Aliens”), from a screenplay by Dan Hernandez & Benji Samit and Rob Letterman and Derek Connolly, story by Dan Hernandez & Benji Samit and Nicole Perlman, based on “The Great Detective Pikachu” video game developed by The Pokémon Company and Creatures Inc. It was produced by Mary Parent and Cale Boyter for Legendary Pictures, and Hidenaga Katakami and Don McGowan for The Pokémon Company. Serving as executive producers were Joe Caracciolo, Jr., Ali Mendes, Tsunekazu Ishihara, Kenji Okubo, Toshio Miyahara, Hiro Matsuoka, and Keiji Ota.
Letterman’s creative filmmaking team includes two-time Oscar nominated director of photography John Mathieson (“The Phantom of the Opera,” “Gladiator”); production designer Nigel Phelps (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Lies”); editors James Thomas (”Muppets Most Wanted”) and Oscar winner Mark Sanger (“Gravity”); and costume designer Suzie Hartman (“RocknRolla”). The music is composed by Henry Jackman (“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”). Visual effects are by Moving Picture Company (“Wonder Woman”) and Framestore (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”).
Launched in 1996 to overwhelming response, the Pokémon brand is a global sensation that now encompasses a robust video gaming fandom with over 300 million units sold worldwide; trading card games available in 11 languages with more than 23.6 billion cards purchased; an
anime television series in its 21st season that is available more than 160 countries; and over 20 animated films; as well as books, manga comics, music, toys, merchandise, and apps, including the wildly popular Pokémon GO, that has been downloaded over 850 million times and is enjoyed
across the globe by fans of all ages.
“POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” opens in theaters on Friday, May 10, 2019.
Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present a Legendary Pictures Production, in association with Toho Co., Ltd, a Rob Letterman Film, “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu.” It will be distributed outside of Japan and China by Warner Bros. Pictures, in Japan by Toho Company, Ltd. and by Legendary East in China.
As an added bonus, Ryan Reynolds uploaded a video, “Becoming Pikachu”, on his YouTube channel.
A new TV spot titled “Understand” has been released. While largely comprised of footage from the first trailer, it does feature some new clips with Pikachu and the human cast. Toho Kingdom has been given access to a higher quality version of the teaser, the highest quality that can be found online. The TV spot runs for 30 seconds.
November 12th update
The first trailer for Pokémon: Detective Pikachu has dropped. As per tradition, Toho Kingdom has been given access to a higher quality version of the trailer, the highest quality that can be found online. It runs for 2 minutes 28 seconds, and features Pokemon both new and old in a completely new style.
To coincide with the trailer’s release, an updated poster has been revealed. Two versions of the poster are available below. Click the images for their full resolution versions.
Finally, the movie’s official press release can be found below.
The world of Pokémon comes to life!
The first-ever live-action Pokémon adventure, “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” stars Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu, the iconic face of the global Pokémon phenomenon—one of the world’s most popular, multi-generation entertainment properties and the most successful media franchise of all time.
Fans everywhere can now experience Pikachu on the big screen as never before, as Detective Pikachu, a Pokémon like no other. The film also showcases a wide array of beloved Pokémon characters, each with its own unique abilities and personality.
The story begins when ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu: a hilariously wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth who is a puzzlement even to himself. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to communicate with one another, Tim and Pikachu join forces on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery. Chasing clues together through the neon-lit streets of Ryme City—a sprawling, modern metropolis where humans and Pokémon live side by side in a hyper-realistic live-action world—they encounter a diverse cast of Pokémon characters and uncover a shocking plot that could destroy this peaceful co-existence and threaten the whole Pokémon universe.
“POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” also stars Justice Smith (“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”) as Tim; Kathryn Newton (“Lady Bird,” TV’s “Big Little Lies”) as Lucy, a junior reporter following her first big story; and Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe (“Godzilla,” “The Last Samurai”) as Lt. Yoshida.
Directed by Rob Letterman (“Goosebumps,” “Monsters Vs. Aliens”), the “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” creative filmmaking team includes two-time Oscar nominated director of photography John Mathieson (“The Phantom of the Opera,” “Gladiator”), production designer Nigel Phelps (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”) and Oscar-winning editor Mark Sanger (“Gravity”). Visual effects are by Moving Picture Company (“Wonder Woman”) and Framestore (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”).
Launched in 1996 to overwhelming response, the Pokémon brand is a global sensation that now encompasses a robust video gaming fandom with over 300 million units sold worldwide; trading card games available in 11 languages with more than 23.6 billion cards purchased; an anime television series in its 20th season that is available in 98 countries; and animated films that have grossed more than $700 million at the box office; as well as books, manga comics, music, toys, merchandise, and apps, including the wildly popular Pokémon GO, that has been downloaded over 650 million times and is enjoyed across the globe by fans of all ages.
“POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” is set for release on Friday, May 10, 2019.
The film will be distributed outside of Japan and China by Warner Bros. Pictures, in Japan by Toho Company, Ltd. and by Legendary East in China.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/detectivepikachumovie | @detectivepikachumovie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detectivepikachumovie/ | @detectivepikachumovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/detpikachumovie | @detpikachumovie
Tenor: https://tenor.com/official/detectivepikachumovie
Official Hashtag: #DetectivePikachu
DetectivePikachuMovie.com
October 3rd update
Courtesy of Warner Brothers, another variation of the Pokémon: Detective Pikachu title is now available with a white background. Click the image below for the full resolution version.
August 26th, 2018 update
Warner Bros. has released the official title treatment for their 2019 live-action movie, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. Click the image below for the full resolution version.
The movie’s social media links and official site have also been updated, and can be found at the following web addresses:
#DetectivePikachuMovie
Facebook: /DetectivePikachuMovie
Twitter: @DetPikachuMovie
Instagram: @DetectivePikachuMovie
detectivepikachumovie.com
Regarding why the movie went with Detective Pikachu as the lead character as opposed to the protagonist of the ongoing Pokemon anime, Ash Ketchum, IGN was able to sit down with the movie’s director, Rob Letterman, to learn just that: “The Pokemon Company, they’ve already made many, many movies of Ash, and they came to Legendary with this idea of using a new character. So when I came onboard, I was pitched this character of Detective Pikachu […] And because there’s already been so much work done with Ash, for the first live-action movie I thought it was a really good idea to try something new with a new character, but bake it into the universe of Pokemon.”
Letterman goes on to say how the movie is being developed closely in conjunction with The Pokemon Company, Game Freak, The Pokemon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara, long-time Pokemon illustrator Ken Sugimori, and others. He also goes on to say that, while he has an affinity for Pokemon from “Generation I” (the first 151 Pokemon), audiences can expect to see a “good spread” of Pokemon from old and new generations to appear in the film.
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu will star Justice Smith as Tim Goodman, a character searching for his missing father while being aided by the titular star; Kathryn Newton as Lucy Stevens, a reporter working alongside her partner Pokemon, Psyduck; and Ryan Reynolds as the voice of Detective Pikachu, whom Letterman praised: “There was something delightful about that big personality and voice that he has in this small package. There’s something really fun about that idea. It sounds like a mismatch, but it’s really organic. It’s really hilarious, they’re hilarious together.” The movie is expected to hit theaters on May 10, 2019.
August 17th, 2018 update
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Legendary is moving their upcoming live-action Pokémon movie, Detective Pikachu, from Universal back to Warner Bros. With the partnership between Universal and Legendary expiring December 31st, some sources claim this move was only the beginning of what would become a renewed deal between Legendary and their former distribution home at Warner Bros.
Earlier in the week, Variety confirmed that while no deal has been signed as of yet, there are “exclusive negotiations” underway between Legendary and Warner Bros., and that an agreement could happen any day. As stated in the report: “Legendary was previously motivated to leave Warner Bros. in part because of bad blood between [Legendary founder Thomas] Tull and former [Warner Bros.] studio chief Jeff Robinov. But both companies have new leadership — Toby Emmerich has taken the reins at Warners and Josh Grode, a former entertainment lawyer, has been in charge at Legendary since early this year. The two men have been hammering out a new deal in recent weeks. The company’s decision to move Detective Pikachu, its Pokemon adaptation, to Warner Bros. from Universal was widely reported to be a signal it was eyeing the exit door. Legendary no longer has any movies set up at Universal.”
Previously, Legendary and Warner Bros. shared a “slate financing partnership” before they parted ways in 2013. Now, the two are said to be negotiating a “straight output” deal, where Legendary’s films will be released by the studio at a fee. This is likely being done as part of a “strategic shift” in Legendary due to the number of films missing targets at the box office and Thomas Tull’s departure in 2017.
Just prior to these reports, both former partners participated together in releasing footage for 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters at San Diego Comic-Con 2018.
