Detective Pikachu and the Birth of the Live-Action Pokémon Series at Netflix: A Breakthrough for a Global Brand
Since its debut in 1996 with the game Pocket Monsters: Red and Green (later renamed Pokémon Red and Blue), the Pokémon franchise has grown exponentially, becoming a cultural phenomenon with millions of fans worldwide. Pokémon has expanded beyond video games to anime, cartoons, theatrical films, manga, trading cards, and many other products. As the highest-grossing media franchise of all time, Pokémon is currently the fourth best-selling video game in the world.
The Success of Detective Pikachu: A Key Point for Pokémon
The first live-action Pokémon film, Detective Pikachu (2019), was a major milestone, marking the success of Pokémon on the big screen. The film, which stars Ryan Reynolds (voice of Pikachu), Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, and Suki Waterhouse, grossed $433 million at the global box office and received mixed reviews from critics. Despite uncertainty over a Detective Pikachu sequel, the Pokémon franchise continues to prove its appeal with new titles like Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well as plans to release more titles in 2022.
Netflix Invests in Live-Action Pokémon Series: Potential and Challenges
Not stopping at Detective Pikachu, Pokémon is preparing to return in a live-action version, this time in the form of a series at Netflix. According to Variety, Netflix is developing a new live-action Pokémon series and the project is still in the early stages. Joe Henderson, producer and screenwriter of Lucifer, will be responsible for writing and producing the series. This new project is said to adopt a similar style to Detective Pikachu, with a combination of the CGI world of Pokémon and live-action elements.
Challenges and Promises of the Live-Action Pokémon Series
Although there is no official information about the plot of the Pokémon series, fans are curious about the direction Netflix will choose. Pokémon is inherently familiar to television audiences, because the Pokémon anime series has become a part of the childhood of many generations. The familiar main character Ash Ketchum, who has gone through many adventures with Pikachu, is a character associated with the memories of many fans. However, it is still unclear whether the new series will continue the story of Ash and his friends, or introduce a completely new cast of characters.
Pokémon on Netflix: A Big Bet for a Global Brand
Netflix has shown its ability to stay ahead of the curve by adding more animated Pokémon shows to its platform, including Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You, Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us, and the CGI remake Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution. Investing in a live-action Pokémon series is a bold move, and Netflix seems to have high hopes for the project. How they combine the digital world of Pokémon with the live-action element will determine the success of the new series, while also opening the door for the Pokémon world to reach a modern audience.
The Future of the Pokémon Brand
With decades of established reputation, Pokémon is well-positioned to enter a new era of live-action properties. The launch of the series on Netflix not only marks a turning point for the brand, but also a testament to the longevity and enduring appeal of Pokémon. Whether it’s with familiar characters like Pikachu and Ash, or with completely new faces, the series promises to bring a unique experience to fans and contribute to strengthening Pokémon’s position in the hearts of global audiences.
