The population clamoring for Ryan Reynolds to voice over an electric mouse finally got their wish when the Detective Pikachu trailer released. Reynolds will star alongside Justice Smith as the titular 25th Pokémon working as an investigator.
The plot will revolve around Smith looking for his missing father, and discovering that he can communicate with Reynolds’ yellow-tailed character.
Pokémon from all generations are set to appear, with originals like Bulbasaur and Psyduck gracing the same screen as the likes of relative newcomer Greninja, with a further cadre of the original 151 showing up as well. We see comic interrogation of a Mr. Mime, a Charizard in a battle arena, and Jigglypuff angrily staring into the camera with her famous marker in hand; a nod to the original anime. Future trailers and the film itself should have some heavy hitting and surely legendary Pokémon in store for viewers.
Warner Bros.’ live action depiction of the Pokémon universe is an interesting gamble. The pocket monsters appear like moving stuffed animals, operating in nightclubs and with street vendors. Reaction to the design seems positive, although it will take time to get used to the fuzzy look, contrasting with a futuristic city setting. It’s a stark contrast, and how that will play out remains to be seen.
Overall, fans are excited by this cinematic venture, with the Pokémon empire further working its way into our pop culture ecosystem. The Deadpool and Pikachu jokes write themselves.
“There’s magic that brought us together, and that magic is called hope”, pleads Pikachu Reynolds in the trailer. Let us believe in the magic of hope, and hope that this movie is good.
