ArePokemonfans on the precipice of receiving the most realistic adaptation to date? Netflix’s new live-action series seems to promise such a thing, even though the streaming service is yet to confirm its existence.
Detective Pikachu, along with a handful of amateur shorts, is the closest we’ve ever come to Pocket Monsters in the real world, and Netflix promises an exciting adaptation that could break the franchise’s child-friendly mould. The streaming platform is known for its original series and keep-you-up-at-night documentaries, so could we be about to receive a darker, more down-to-earth adaptation?
Regardless of its premise and tone, we know that it will be live-action, and we’ve highlighted some Pokemon that would make the series eye-widening.
The Legendary Birds - Zapdos, Moltres, Articuno and Ho-Oh
There is some speculation over whether Netflix will decide to retell the classic anime story, following Ash Ketchum, Brock and Misty, and if so, then Ho-Oh should make an appearance in the opening. This scenario could also set up the return of Pidgey, who forms an alliance with the other birds to attack Ash and his Pikachu.
The trio of Legendary Kanto birds, Zapdos, Moltres and Articuno, would also be pretty impressive to see with real-life designs and textures, surrounded by their elements of lightning, fire and ice.Detective Pikachuonly showed the legendary birds in poster art, and were sorely missed from the live-action roster.
The Pokemon Company
Larger Scaled Pokemon - Onix, Giratina, Dialga
Another addition, which would be rather jaw-dropping, could be Pokemon of a bigger scale. If the anime narrative is adapted, Brock’s Onix would certainly make an appearance, which would be terrifying if replicated to scale. Other Legendary Pokemon, including Giratina and Dialga, would look mystical and petrifying at the same time, if they were to tower over the characters or even have a battle in front of them.
The Eeveelutions
The Eeveelutions, Eevee, Jolteon, Vapereon, Flareon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon and Sylveon, would all look fantastic together within a live-action setting. The colors of each evolution alone would most likely become one of the more eye-catching scenes, combined with their elemental powers. We already saw a few of the Eeveelutions inDetective Pikachu,however Flareon should just have a constant flame mane.
Returning Pokemon - Bulbasaur, Cubone and Psyduck
I think everyPokemonfan can agree that Bulbasaur succeeded as the cutest ‘mon withinDetective Pikachu, accompanied by its tribe of seed creatures in the wild. It is unlikely that Netflix will want to replicate Bulbasaur’s design or even include it at all (which would be a shame). Psyduck was also another favorite from the film, who managed to balance being precious as well as clueless so delicately.
Cubone also made a comical appearance inDetective Pikachu, who was on the attack with his Bone Club. However, imagine if Netflix decided to weave in Cubone’s tragic story that we learned about in Lavender Town - it would be even more heartbreaking in real-life.
Warner Bros.
