The world ofPokémonhas many opportunities for adventures and the tales that can develop from them. We’ve seen many of these adventures in the forms of video gamesand animated films, and television series. Since the release ofDetective Pikachu(2019), audiences have been clamoring for more live-action projects from the franchise that have helped shape generations.
Here, we will look back at some of the biggest stories from different Pokémon franchise mediums and posit why they should be adapted into a live-action film. We’ll be discussing story details from the games and prior animated film projects, as well as describing the audience’s reaction to particular Pokémon being immortalized in CGI.
10Alternate Dimensions
Pokémon has expanded, adapted, dare I say, evolved much over time. With the release of the Sun and Moon video games, Pokémon began leaning further into science fiction with the reveal that Pokémon known as Ultra Beasts were coming from an alternate dimension and wreaking havoc in their wake. Imagine a film where the Aether Foundation works to contain the beasts and send them back home before their homes in the Alola region suffer too much damage. Witnessing the epic strength of Buzzswole or the fantastic speed of Kartana would be similar to the feats seen in superhero films.
9Team Star
When the most recent entries in the main line of games were released, Scarlet and Violet captured the audience’s attention with the reveal that they could tackle any one of the three storylines in any order they wished, instead of the standard linear progression they were accustomed to. One of the most endearing stories of friendship came from the game’s antagonists, Team Star.
As a trainer works to take the members of Team Star down, the audience would discover each boss had a distinct personality and reason for joining Team Star. All five bosses held a deep connection of friendship with one another, turning to each other whenever they felt alone or disconnected from their peers. The most touching moment would come when the five bosses worked together to find their former boss and friend, Cassiopeia. Making sure to thank her for guiding them and showing them a better path, the group came together once more to be there for one another. This touching friendship fits the themes of Pokémon and would be an excellent tale to see captured in a live-action format.
8The Power of One
Ash Ketchum faces many challenges during his journey, but never has he been more of a “chosen one” than inPokémon the Movie 2000(1999). Ash is suddenly thrust into a prophecy, respected by the inhabitants of an island nation, and must set out to retrieve three crystal orbs that are protected by the legendary birds. Despite the machinations of a Pokémon Collector and the warfare between the legendary birds, Ash is able to complete the prophecy with the help of his friends and Lugia, another legendary Pokémon. Seeing these Legendary beasts do battle in live-action could prove reminiscent of kaiju battles such as inGodzilla Vs. Kong(2021).
7Cubone and his Mother’s Spirit
Cubone is often cited as one of the most depressing Pokémon, with the Pokédex giving it the distinction of “the Lonely Pokémon.” One ofthe earliest stories featuredin the Kanto region is when the player finds a Cubone who is looking for its mother.The criminals, Team Rocket, trick the Cubone into coming with them, leading to the player having to take the crime group on. After rescuing Cubone and venturing into the Pokémon Tower in Lavender Town, it is revealed that Cubone’s mother has long passed. Sharing an emotional moment with the spirit of his mother, Cubone would begin to get stronger, with the anime stating that Cubone is capable of evolving when they fully grieve their mother’s death.
Related:Pokémon: Ash Ketchum’s Toughest Battles, Ranked
6The Spell of the Unown
Ash Ketchum is having a normal day with his friends and family when a legendary beast, Entei, kidnaps his mother. But all is not as it seems, as inPokémon 3: The Movie(2000), this Entei is actually the spirit of Molly’s father, looking for a suitable woman to become Molly’s mother. All of this is brought upon by the Unown, Pokémon that come from ancient ruins. Many battles are featured throughout the film, but the most enticing to see done in live-action would be Entei versus Charizard, a Pokémon that initially wasn’t with Ash but had sought Ash out after hearing of the trouble he was in.
5The World Coronation Series
One of the most popular changes made to the animated series, introduced inPokémon Journeys: The Series, is the World Coronation Series. Instead of simply battling eight gym leaders for badges, Ash Ketchum battles a number of people, with the challenge they provide increasing with every victory as he works his way up the ranks. The most exciting aspect of this concept is that after a certain time period has elapsed, the top eight will go to a Master’s Eight tournament. This led to the most epic saga of the anime, and such a concept would be amazing to see in a live-action format.Including Mega Evolutions, Z-Moves, and Gigantamaxing, this could be an epic action flick.
4Lost in Time
One had to wonder how long it would be before Pokémon ventured into the time travel genre. The story of Pokémon Legends: Arceus revolves around a trainer,selected by Arceus, being sent to the past. Finding themselves in the Hisui Region (the Region that would come to be known as the Sinnoh Region), the trainer embarks on a journey to help the people of Jubilife Village, as well as the two rival clans, coexist with Pokémon. This time travel adventure has already been adapted for Ash and company in the animated series, but imagine seeing this world brought to life in a live-action format. The lush nature almost untouched by humanity. The Pokémon roaming freely, unfettered by the potential of being caught. And the old-school technology of the wooden pokeballs. There are many strong reasons to adapt this story for the big screen.
3Mewtwo’s Story
Mewtwo’s story has been told a number of times over different media. It was hinted at in Detective Pikachu. But imagine seeing the same daunting montage that fans had seen for the first time inPokémon: The First Movie(1998). Witnessing the trials Mewtwo is forced to go through after being created in a lab. Then seeing Mewtwo finally lash out with hisrage and psychic might.A look at Mewtwo’s origin as well as his ultimate ideological battle against Mew, as Mewtwo believes Pokémon should rise against their human trainers. While Mew believes in humans and Pokémon coexisting, the two would come to blows, with only Ash and Pikachu’s love for one another showing Mewtwo that his path is one of vengeance, not justice.
Related:Pokémon: Ash Ketchum’s Best Companions, Ranked
2Mystery Dungeon
Many young viewers had often wondered what it must be like to be a Pokémon. That is what the premise of theMystery Dungeongames is, as a human wakes up one day to discover they have been turned into a Pokémon. Delving into random locations with their partners, these adventurers seek answers for how they became a Pokémon. Seeing this concept in a live-action film could make for multiple feel-good moments, seeing new friendships form and watching the legendary battles they encounter as they rescue other Pokémon from danger.
1The Legendary Beasts of Hoenn
Most of the Pokémon games feature a story revolving around the legendary creatures that are introduced. In the Hoenn era games (or Gen III), Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza are presented in the series as forces of nature. Kyogre acts as the beast of the Oceans, Groudon represents the magma beneath the Earth, and Rayquaza acts as the Earth’s guardian, guarding against threats above and below his perch in the skies. Team Aqua and Team Magma are terrorist groups, with each aiming to use Kyogre and Groudon, respectively, to alter the very landscape of the planet. One young trainer braves the natural disasters and the raging battle to seek Rayquaza out and get him to stop the endless battle that has been started.
