Netflix reportedly working on a live-action Pokemon series and we can't wait
Noted leaker DanielRPK claims that a live-action Pokemon series could be in the works at Netflix, adapting 1996's Game Boy game and finally giving us Red as a protagonist.
13th Aug 2024 16:29
Images via The Pokemon Company | Netflix
Netflix reportedly working on a live-action Pokemon series and we can't wait
Noted leaker DanielRPK claims that a live-action Pokemon series could be in the works at Netflix, adapting 1996's Game Boy game and finally giving us Red as a protagonist.
13th Aug 2024 16:29
Images via The Pokemon Company | Netflix
With the Pokemon franchise spanning 28 years of video games, trading cards, anime, manga, and one live-action adaptation, we think it's criminal that the Pokeverse has yet to really reach its true potential on the small and silver screen. Seriously, where's our Detective Pikachu sequel?
Some of us might remember the hype of watching Pokemon: The First Movie in cinemas, but these days, the output has slowed and the likes of Pokemon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle have given up on theatrical releases in favour of Netflix. Thankfully, the streaming giant could be the Pokeverse's saviour.
Live-action Pokemon series could be coming to Netflix
According to noted leaker DanielRPK, Netflix is potentially working on a live-action Pokemon series. This would continue Netflix's relationship with the Pokemon company and follow in the footsteps of it airing Pokemon Concierge alongside new episodes of Pokemon Horizons.
The scoop claims that the series won't feature Ash Ketchum or a new character but, instead, will focus on Red. As the silent protagonist of Gen I, Red is an often forgotten part of Pokemon history thanks to Ash becoming the franchise's poster boy alongside his Pikachu.
It's unclear whether the unnamed series would be a straight-up adaptation of 1996's original game or take us in a different direction, but as we've been clamouring for some sort of live-action Pokemon for longer than we'd care to remember, this would be a major win.
We've already seen Netflix make bank off its Young Adult shows like Stranger Things, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and The Umbrella Academy, while giving it an IP as massive as Pokemon could be a partnership for the ages.
Detective Pikachu made over $450 million at the box office and became the highest-grossing video game movie of all time until The Super Mario Bros. Movie surpassed it in 2023. Sadly, the long-mooted sequel is yet to get off the ground and looks increasingly like it might not happen.
Still, if Netflix can get anywhere near the quality of Detective Pikachu, it's sure to be a hit among fans, both old and new. Of course, Netflix has something of a checkered past when it comes to recent live-action adaptations, with Cowboy Bebop and Avatar: The Last Airbender being a lesson on how not to do things.
With Pokemon being one of the most marketable IPs out there, it's more than about time someone picked up the good work done by Detective Pikachu and did something with it. Just think of the merch sales, and after all, it can't be worse than Death Note...can it?
About The Author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
