Pokémon has been charming players, viewers, and readers for over two decades and with the franchise going from strength to strength with games like Pokémon Let’s Go and Pokémon Sword and Shield it’s the perfect time for a brand new Poké movie. Luckily for fans around the world Netflix is today announcing that it will take on the international rights (outside of Japan and Korea) for the brand new feature film set in the Poké-world, and to celebrate they’ve released a brand new trailer! But if you’re a classic Pokémon fan, then you might have a sense of deja vu watching this super cute teaser.
Coming after the gorgeous and more traditionally animated movies, Pokémon: I Choose You, and Pokémon: The Power of Us, which reintroduced fans to the hero Ash Ketchum and his favorite Pokémon Pikachu, this newest movie from the Pokémon Company is introducing a gorgeous computer animated cartoon influenced approach to the beloved franchise. Though the last two films told new stories within a new timeline, Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution is a computer-animated remake of the classic ’90s Pokémon feature Pokémon: The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (which was released in the US as Pokémon: The First Movie.) Even if you have seen that beloved anime smash you’ll likely still want to check out this super cute reimagining that looks like it has plenty to offer in the realm of cute critters, adventure, and mystery.
The Pokémon Company
In case you aren’t familiar the official press release gives a little more insight into the narrative of the next big Poké movie.
“When researchers discover and exploit a fossil of the Mythical Pokémon Mew, they unleash a creation that goes against the very laws of nature: Mewtwo, a Legendary Pokémon intended for use as a tool of destruction. But as Mewtwo becomes aware of its own dubious origin, it begins to resent its human creators and seeks revenge—and Ash, Pikachu, and their friends find themselves at the center of its rampage! With the future of the Pokémon world at stake, will our heroes be able to overcome Mewtwo’s challenge…and will Mewtwo be able to find a new meaning for its life?”
The Pokémon Company
We can’t wait to see the classic story reimagined (especially as the movie was released in Japan last year to rave reviews) but with the success of the cinematic release and the massive reach of Netflix, it’ll be interesting to see if this sets a new precedent for Pokémon movies. Could the next wave of the films all be CGI remakes of classic stories? Could the days of the gorgeous hand animated versions may just be a thing of the past? Personally we hope that these two forms of animation can live alongside each other and that Poké fans around the world will be able to keep enjoying the lovely magic of Pokémon in all of its animated forms.
Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution will debut on Netflix on Pokémon Day, February 27, 2020.
Header Image: The Pokémon Company