POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU Production Update

Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
#DetectivePikachuMovie

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 private eye 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: KING OF THE MONSTERS, 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.

About Warner Bros. Pictures

Warner Bros. Pictures has been at the forefront of the motion picture industry since its inception and continues to be a leading creative force in the industry.

Warner Bros. Pictures produces and distributes a wide-ranging slate of some 18-22 films each year, employing a business paradigm that mitigates risk while maximizing productivity and capital. Warner Bros. Pictures either fully finances or co-finances the films it produces and maintains worldwide distribution rights. It further monetizes its distribution and marketing operations by distributing films that are totally financed and produced by others. Current multi-faceted co-financing joint ventures include those with Village Roadshow Pictures and RatPac-Dune Entertainment. Warner Bros. Pictures also has a distribution, co-financing deal with Alcon Entertainment.

About Legendary Entertainment

Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with film (Legendary Pictures), television and digital (Legendary Television and Digital Media) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to worldwide audiences. Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world’s most popular intellectual property. In aggregate, Legendary Pictures-associated productions have realized grosses of more than $14 billion worldwide at the box office. To learn more visit legendary.com.

About The Pokémon Company

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996, and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, please visit pokemon.com.

About Toho

Toho Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful content for motion pictures, television and theater. Founded in 1932, it remains a prominent force in bringing brands and original storytelling with versatile talents to audiences worldwide. Its subsidiaries include Toho Cinemas, the highest grossing exhibition company in Japan.

For more information on POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU, please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: