There are already plans to create a "Pokemon" live-action movie for Legendary Pictures. The film is said to be inspired by the upcoming game "Detective Pikachu."
Nicole Perlman and Alex Hirsch are reportedly negotiating to be the writers of the new "Pokemon" movie, after it was announced that Legendary Pictures acquired the rights to the "Pokemon" movie franchise, after it was offered for sale early in July 2016, and just after the hit mobile game "Pokemon Go" was launched. "Detective Pikachu" is a joint project by The Pokemon Company and Legendary Pictures, which focuses on a young boy and Pikachu searching for the former's father.
Variety reported that Toho, the long-time movie partner of The Pokemon Company, will be in charge of distributing the "Pokemon" movie in Japan. Universal Pictures will be in charge of distributing the "Pokemon" live-action movie outside of Japan. Both Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures have used the same approach for films in previous years. Toho has worked with Legendary in the remake of the Godzilla franchise.
Before the "Pokemon" movie discussions, Perlman worked as a writer for Marvel, writing a number of popular comic books like "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Thor." She is still working with Marvel as writer of the upcoming "Captain Marvel" film, together with Meg LeFauve. She is also helping in the development of the third "Sherlock Holmes" film, starring Robert Downey, Jr. Perlman is represented by CAA and Management 360. Hirsch previously worked on the Disney cult "Gravity Falls." He is represented by UTA and Jared Levine at Morris Yorn Barnes Levine Entertainment Law Firm.
The creation of the new "Pokemon" movie can capitalize on the current popularity of "Pokemon Go." Since the mobile game launched early in July 2016, Nintendo has enjoyed a 25% rise in stock, as millions of players around the world downloaded the free app.
More "Pokemon Go" updates are set to be launched by Niantic Labs in the following months, so players are still expected to keep playing the game by the time the "Pokemon" movie launches. The official launch date of the "Pokemon" movie has yet to be announced.
