About Pokémon Detective Pikachu

Pokémon Detective Pikachu is a 2019 urban fantasy mystery film directed by Rob Letterman. The film is based on the 2016 video game of the same name and is a joint American and Japanese production that marks the first live-action movie in the Pokémon franchise. The story follows a young man who teams up with Detective Pikachu (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) to uncover the mystery behind his father's disappearance following a car accident.

Making / Production

The movie was produced by Legendary Pictures in collaboration with Toho Co., Ltd and Nintendo. The filmmaking team was captivated by the prospect of creating a live-action movie with numerous complex CG characters, and The Pokémon Company was fully supportive of the innovative move. The film uniquely blends elements of mystery, adventure, and comedy wrapped in the fantastical world of Pokémon.

Actors

• Ryan Reynolds as Detective Pikachu: The amnesiac, wise-cracking, caffeine-addicted Pikachu that wears a detective's cap. Reynolds' distinct voice performance brings humor, depth, and heart to the iconic Pikachu.
• Justice Smith as Tim Goodman: A former Pokémon trainer looking for his missing father. Justice Smith portrays the character as a weary, somber young man whose reunion with Pikachu sparks a great adventure.
• Kathryn Newton as Lucy Stevens: A junior reporter who assists Tim in his investigation. Newton's character brings determination and resourcefulness into the plot.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This is the first ever live-action Pokémon film.
• This is also the first Pokemon film to be rated PG by the MPAA.
• Although Pikachu can typically only say its name, Detective Pikachu is unique in his ability to speak English.

Awards

Following its release, Pokémon Detective Pikachu received several nominations including for its visual effects at the 92nd Academy Awards, and for Ryan Reynolds' voice acting at the 23rd Satellite Awards.

Quotes

• "I can talk to Pokémon. And if you want to find your pops, we're gonna need each other."
• "I don't need a Pokémon. What about a world-class detective?"
• "My problem is that I push people away and then hate them for leaving."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Henry Jackman.
• The official soundtrack includes original songs like "Electric" by Kygo and Rita Ora.
• The film's end credits song is a new version of the classic Pokémon Theme Song performed by Ryan Reynolds.