Summary
WithDetective Pikachucoming to Netflix in June 2024, those who didn’t get to see the movie in theaters will be able to enjoy the adventures of Reynolds' sleuthing Pikachu and his companion, Tim Goodman (Justice Smith). This could give the Pokémon movie a boost years after its initial release. However,it’s also likely to remind viewers of a harsh reality aboutDetective Pikachuand the franchise overall. This will make any hype it gets from streaming on Netflix feel bittersweet.
Every Pokémon In Detective Pikachu
Detective Pikachu is packed with Pokémon of all different types, particularly from the first generation, from a “detective Pikachu” to Mewtwo.
Detective Pikachu On Netflix Is A Reminder That Detective Pikachu 2 Still Hasn’t Happened
The Lack Of Sequel Updates Will Disappoint Subscribers
Netflix puttingDetective Pikachuback in the spotlight, five years after its release, may be exciting — butit’s also a sad reminder thatDetective Pikachu2still hasn’t happened. After the monetary success of the first film, a sequel seemed likely. Reynolds showcased a lot of passion for his Pikachu role, and the first film left the door open for a return.Detective Pikachu 2was also confirmedin 2019, though this was before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed and canceled many projects. Still, as recently as 2023, the sequel seemed to be going forward. Unfortunately, little noticeable progress has been made.
Unfortunately, the video game adaptation still consists of one film, and regaining popularity will only draw attention to that fact.
Will There Ever Be Another Detective Pikachu Movie?
It Hasn’t Been Canceled (But Is Looking Less Likely)
Detective Pikachu2is confirmed, so there should be a sequel sometime in the future. However, it doesn’t seem like the project is moving all that quickly — andactor Justice Smith toldScreen Rantin January that he’s still “waiting for that call.” That doesn’t bode well for the movie happening any time soon. And if Legendary waits too long to move onDetective Pikachu 2,it’s hard to say if the original cast will be able to return. It’s also unlikely to have the same hype as the first film, as the excitement has died out after years of waiting.
That said,Detective Pikachuhas not been officially canceled yet. And the fact that Jonathan Krisel and Chris Galletta were announced as the sequel’s new director and writer, respectively, suggests that there are still plans to move forward. Unless that’s changed over the past year or so, fans shouldn’t get too down in the dumps over the sequel’s fate. But the delays suggest they shouldn’t get their hopes up either, which might be harder to accomplish if the film makes a big splash on Netflix.
Pokémon Movies Should Be So Much Bigger Than They Are
The Franchise Is Lacking In This Area
Detective Pikachu’s Netflix debut may be a reminder that the sequel hasn’t happened, butit also highlights how much the Pokémon franchise is lacking when it comes to movies. There have been plenty of animated Pokémon films over the years, but none have ever reached the level ofThe Super Mario Bros. Movie’s success.Pokémon: The First Movieprobably generated the most excitement, but nothing that came after continued that upward trajectory.
The Pokémon games and cards are massive, so it’s disappointing the franchise hasn’t found the same popularity in theaters.
And the fact thatDetective Pikachuis the franchise’s only live-action movie is somewhat surprising. It’s even more shocking after the 2019 success, which should have generated interest in making more live-action Pokémon films. The Pokémon games and cards are massive, so it’s disappointing the franchise hasn’t found the same popularity in theaters.Detective Pikachu 2could change that. However, it needs to actually happen. Hopefully, the first movie’s Netflix debut will create a bigger push for it.
Detective Pikachu
Cast
A loose adaptation of the video game of the same name, Detective Pikachu follows former Pokémon trainer Tim Goodman (Justice Smith) and Detective Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) as they set out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Tim’s father, Harry. Tim’s investigation takes him and Detective Pikachu into the heart of a conspiracy that threatens to shake their native Ryme City - and the entire Pokémon world - to its very foundation.
