
The 2019 live-action movie Detective Pikachu caused a big reaction from fans, and it remains a somewhat controversial entry in the Pokémon franchise. With so many Pokémon games, shows, and movies already available, Detective Pikachu really got people talking about whether the series could succeed as a live-action film.
I was really excited for Detective Pikachu – it had a huge budget, amazing special effects, and it looked so cool seeing Pokémon in the real world! It definitely looked great and made a lot of money – over $433 million, according to Box Office Mojo. But honestly, I felt like it missed what makes Pokémon special in the first place. It just didn’t quite capture that core feeling that’s kept us all loving Pokémon for years.
Despite past attempts, a live-action Pokémon adaptation is still possible, and many believe a TV series is the key to success. Unlike a movie, a series could capture the emotional depth and character development that make Pokémon special, allowing the franchise to truly grow beyond animation.
The Perfect Pokémon Live-Action Adaptation Is A TV Show
A Series Format Lets Pokémon Breathe And Grow

TV shows excel at something movies often can’t: allowing characters and stories to develop gradually. This is especially important for a series like Pokémon, which centers on the deep connections between trainers and their Pokémon. The core of Pokémon is watching these partnerships strengthen and evolve as they learn and grow through both successes and setbacks.
The feeling of steady growth – like friendships developing, characters getting stronger, and experiencing both joy and sadness – is a core part of what makes Pokémon games and the anime so appealing. However, a movie needs to fit everything into a shorter time, meaning some things have to be cut or changed. This can lead to characters and their relationships feeling like stereotypes or just brief, exciting moments instead of the complex connections fans expect.
Even a live-action TV series allows for complex and detailed stories. For example, a season could focus on a new Pokémon trainer: starting with their first Pokémon, facing challenges in early battles, dealing with the disappointment of losing, strengthening their bond with their team, and eventually working towards a bigger goal like a local competition, a major tournament, or a personal adventure.
Each episode of the show could focus on a different Pokémon, showing how it develops, its unique personality, and its relationship with its trainer. Viewers would see that bond strengthen, experience both triumphs and challenges alongside them, and truly become invested in the Pokémon’s journey. This level of emotional connection takes time to build.
As a huge Pokémon fan, I’ve always dreamed of a live-action show that really feels like Pokémon. What I think would work best is something that follows the familiar structure of the games – and even the anime! I envision trainers constantly on the move, discovering new places, and tackling all sorts of challenges. Seeing them find Pokémon, help them grow stronger, build their teams, and get ready for bigger competitions… that’s where the real magic happens, isn’t it? It’s that feeling of adventure, discovery, and slowly becoming a master that makes Pokémon so special to me.
A TV show, unlike a movie, can really showcase the wide world of Pokémon. While a movie might stick to the most popular or newest creatures, a series has space to include Pokémon from every generation – from the original classics to lesser-known and brand-new species. This allows for more interesting trainer teams and creates a more rewarding experience for both dedicated fans and those just discovering Pokémon.
A live-action TV series could really dig into the heart of what makes Pokémon special – things like friendship, trust, and learning to be responsible. It could show the tougher side of the Pokémon world, too – what happens when a Pokémon gets hurt, or a trainer doesn’t win, or when friends have disagreements. A live-action show could portray the full journey of growing up, with all its challenges, instead of just focusing on the victories.
A live-action series could truly capture the heart of Pokémon by showing characters develop, build relationships, and grow over time – something a two-hour movie just can’t do. This makes television the ideal way to bring a live-action Pokémon story to life and stay true to what fans love about the franchise.
Detective Pikachu Was The Wrong Game For A Pokémon Movie
The Mystery Format Distorted What Pokémon Is Really About

The first live-action Pokémon movie, 2019’s Detective Pikachu, chose a mystery storyline. This felt more like a way to attract attention than a genuine reflection of what fans love about Pokémon. While a detective story set in the Pokémon world sounds exciting, it doesn’t really capture the heart of the franchise.
Detective Pikachu showed flashes of potential, like the exciting underground Pokémon battle and the beginning where Tim tries to catch a Cubone. These scenes really captured the feeling of the Pokémon world. Unfortunately, these moments felt separate from the main story, which focused on solving a crime. This meant many beloved Pokémon elements were either sidelined or simply used as props to help solve the mystery.
At its core, Pokémon is about exploration, friendship, and the thrill of catching and training creatures to help you become the very best. The Detective Pikachu movie moved away from these key elements, prioritizing a mystery plot and turning Pokémon into supporting characters in a story far removed from the usual world of trainers and battles.
The new movie would have been better if it had been based on one of the original Pokémon Red or Pokémon Blue games. Those games focused on what’s most important – the adventure of a trainer and their Pokémon. While adapting a whole game into a movie is tough, starting with the core elements – catching, training, evolving, and battling Pokémon – would have been a strong foundation.
I think Detective Pikachu really changed things. It felt like it showed Hollywood that Pokémon needed to follow familiar movie formulas to get a wider audience. But honestly, I worry that’s at the cost of what makes Pokémon special – that feeling of growing up alongside your Pokémon and the strong emotional connection. It might attract new viewers, but it definitely feels like it’s letting down those of us who have been fans for years.
Making the first live-action Pokémon movie a detective story wasn’t the right choice. It took away from what makes Pokémon special and used a style that doesn’t focus on the important themes of training, development, and personal growth.
Will There Be Another Pokémon Live-Action Adaptation?
Netflix’s New Live-Action Series Could Be Pokémon’s Second Chance

For years, people have been speculating about a new live-action Pokémon show. Recent reports, including one from Variety, suggest Netflix is still planning to move forward with a series, which is good news for fans who weren’t thrilled with the Detective Pikachu movie.
Joe Henderson, who co-ran the show Lucifer, is writing and executive producing the upcoming Netflix Pokémon series. Because of his experience with shows focused on complex characters and ongoing storylines, this suggests the Pokémon adaptation will prioritize in-depth character development and a compelling narrative over simply being visually impressive.
Right now, we don’t have many firm details about the new series. Netflix hasn’t announced who will be in it, what the story will be about, or when it might come out. This level of secrecy suggests they’re carefully developing the adaptation, likely focusing on the strong relationships between trainers and their Pokémon – something the franchise is known for.
A live-action Pokémon series on Netflix could finally deliver on the promise of Detective Pikachu, especially with the right creative team. Unlike a movie, a TV show would allow for more in-depth stories, showing trainers developing their skills and Pokémon teams evolving over time, all with genuine emotional depth. It could also bring back favorite characters, storylines, and gameplay elements from the original games and anime while still feeling grounded and believable.
Fans have been hoping for a great live-action Pokémon series, and this new Netflix show might finally deliver. While the Detective Pikachu movie didn’t quite hit the mark, this series seems to be a more faithful and heartfelt adaptation of the Pokémon world.
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2025-11-29 18:30