Netflix reportedly working on a live-action Pokemon series and we can’t wait

Netflix reportedly working on a live-action Pokemon series and we can't wait

As a lifelong Pokemon enthusiast who has been capturing, training, and trading since the days of the Game Boy Color, I am beyond thrilled to hear that Netflix might be developing a live-action series focusing on Red! Growing up with Ash Ketchum as my TV companion, I always felt that Red’s story was equally compelling, if not more so, due to his silent but strong presence.


Over a span of 28 years, the Pokemon phenomenon has encompassed numerous video games, trading cards, animated shows, comics, and one live-action movie. It seems unfair that the vast possibilities of the Pokemon universe haven’t been fully realized on television or the big screen. Frankly, when will we get a Detective Pikachu sequel?

Back in the day, many of us got excited about seeing Pokemon: The First Movie in theaters. However, lately, the frequency has decreased and films like Pokemon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle have opted for streaming on Netflix instead of hitting the big screen. Fortunately, Netflix might just be the key to keeping the Pokeverse alive.

Live-action Pokemon series could be coming to Netflix

DanielRPK: A Pokémon Live Action Series with RED as a Protagonist is in development at Netflix
by u/IcePopsicleDragon in GamingLeaksAndRumours

Based on information from well-known leak source DanielRPK, there are indications that Netflix might be developing a live-action Pokemon television series. This move would further strengthen Netflix’s collaboration with the Pokemon company and could be reminiscent of their past ventures such as airing Pokemon Concierge alongside fresh episodes from Pokemon Horizons.

The report suggests that the upcoming series won’t star Ash Ketchum or a new character, but rather will center around Red instead. Despite being the silent protagonist in Generation I, Red is frequently overlooked in Pokemon lore due to Ash and Pikachu’s rise as the franchise’s main figures.

As a longtime fan, I can’t help but feel excited about the upcoming live-action series, though I’m still unsure whether it will stick closely to the 1996 original game or branch off in a new direction. Regardless, if this project finally brings Pokemon to life on screen after all these years of anticipation, it would certainly be a triumph for us fans!

Previously, Netflix has profited significantly from their popular Young Adult series such as Stranger Things, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and The Umbrella Academy. Partnering with a powerful Intellectual Property like Pokémon could potentially result in an extraordinary collaboration.

Detective Pikachu earned more than $450 million at the box office, making it the highest-grossing film based on a video game – until The Super Mario Bros. Movie exceeded that amount in 2023. Regrettably, plans for a sequel have not yet taken flight and there are growing concerns it may never materialize.

Despite its past struggles with live-action adaptations, such as Cowboy Bebop and Avatar: The Last Airbender, if Netflix manages to produce Detective Pikachu-like quality, it’s likely to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Considering Pokemon’s immense popularity as a brand, it seems long overdue for someone to capitalize on the success of Detective Pikachu and develop something new. The potential merchandise revenue is substantial, and while it might not surpass the likes of Death Note, it certainly won’t be any worse, right?

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2024-08-13 18:42