The Pokémon franchise will return to theaters with a new animated feature film, "Pokémon: Wild Card," set to arrive in 2027 and beyond. The movie represents a significant shift for the series, being the first theatrical release in seven years and the first to focus explicitly on the popular Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG).
The announcement, made during Pokémon XP, was accompanied by a trailer that showcased a young boy described as a "Pokémon TCG player" alongside a Mimikyu, with a glimpse of a game in progress. The film is being animated by CloverWorks, known for "Spy x Family," and directed by Katsuhiko Kitada, with character designs by Akemi Hayashi.
"Pokémon: Wild Card" will be the 25th movie in the franchise, following 2020's "Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle." Notably, it will be the first animated movie not to feature longtime protagonist Ash Ketchum, a departure that aligns with the conclusion of the original anime series in 2023. This move suggests a new direction for the franchise's cinematic endeavors, focusing on one of its most lucrative properties.
The exact nature of the Pokémon TCG's existence within the anime's continuity has historically been ambiguous. While some in-universe references and Easter eggs have appeared, such as brief glimpses of cards among Team Rocket's possessions, the TCG has never been explicitly confirmed as a part of the anime's world. "Pokémon: Wild Card" could explore this ambiguity, potentially taking place in a separate continuity or delving into the mechanics of the game itself. The trailer hints at the protagonist using a Psychic deck with a Mimikyu card, suggesting a deep connection between the trainer and their partner that extends to gameplay.
The film arrives at a time when other major franchises, like "Demon Slayer" and "Chainsaw Man," have seen considerable financial success with their animated movies. While Pokémon has a long history of theatrical releases, its previous films largely relied on the anime's popularity. With the TCG's continued growth, "Pokémon: Wild Card" appears poised to capitalize on the game's robust player base with an original story. The release window of "2027 and beyond" indicates that a 2028 theatrical debut might be more realistic depending on production and distribution timelines.