The Pokemon Go mobile game was released in the United States, Australia and New Zealand earlier in July 2016. Since then, millions of people have been constantly catching and battling the adorable virtual pocket monsters, allowing Nintendo to enjoy a growth of $9 billion in the process.
There are rumors that Legendary Pictures and Nintendo are already talking about a potential Pokemon Go movie to bank on the massive popularity of the new game.
Deadline stated that after Nintendo's stock price leaped by 25% after the launch of the Pokemon Go mobile game in the U.S., several Hollywood studios have immediately shown their interest in creating a live-action or feature film based on the Japanese anime series.
There are speculations that Legendary Pictures is getting close to securing a deal with the game company to make a film that will further boost the renewed interest of people in Pokemon, with the aid of Pokemon Go.
Polygon noted that talks about a Pokemon Go movie have been circulating for some time since the launch of the mobile game. In the past few years, fans also believed that a movie was drawing near to rekindle its former glory.
The Pokemon Go game greatly helped in bringing back the popularity of the series and it seems that Legendary Pictures is more inclined than ever to begin the project. There are also reports that Max Landis, writer for Chronicle, will be in charge of writing the script, although everything remains to be confirmed.
If Legendary Pictures, which is under its new China-based owners, Wanda, successfully strikes a deal with Nintendo to make a Pokemon Go movie, the adaptation will join its recent game-to-movie project, "Warcraft," which was a box office hit.
Forbes stated that in making a Pokemon Go movie, Hollywood studios have to be cautious about the difference between awareness and interest. The huge success of the Pokemon Go game may not necessarily translate to an equally successful movie.
A live-action Pokemon Go movie has to be great or crowd-pleasing, to appeal to both fans and individuals who are not so familiar with the anime. It can help to include famous actors and amazing animations of the pocket creatures, and working on a decent budget.
The Pokemon Go mobile game is currently available for download via Google Play and App Store. More updates and details on the Pokemon Go movie are expected soon