Detective Pikachu 2 release updates: Is the sequel still happening? (Everything to know)
By Sandy C.
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu stole our hearts when the movie premiered on May 3, 2019. Both new and old fans have been keeping their fingers crossed for a sequel. It has now been four years since the Pokemon fantasy-drama dropped in theaters, are there any new Detective Pikachu 2 release updates? Here’s everything you need to know.
Directed by Rob Letterman, the movie is based on the wildly popular Pokemon franchise, loosely following the 2016 video game of the same name. The movie centers on Pokemon trainer Tim Goodman (portrayed by Justice Smith) as he searches for his father who has gone missing. On this journey, Tim is joined by Detective Pikachu (voiced by Ryan Reynolds), a detective only Tim is able to hear speak.
The movie also stars Kathryn Newton, Suki Waterhouse, Omar Chaparro, Chris Geere, Rita Ora, and others. Detective Pikachu accumulated a total of $449.7 million worldwide in box office sales. The movie was, reportedly, put together for $150 million, according to Box Office Mojo. This means the movie made a $299 million profit (or around this number). For such a large and popular franchise, I’m sure studios were expecting better results. But the movie did seem to gain more attention after it left the big screen.
Keep checking back as we’ll be updating this post with the latest! In the meantime, here’s what we know so far about the Pokemon: Detective Pikachu sequel. And if you haven’t seen the movie, know that there are no spoilers ahead!
Will there be a Pokemon: Detective Pikachu 2 movie?
After four years of no concrete updates, news on the status of a Detective Pikachu sequel finally surfaced earlier this year. On March 3, 2023, Deadline broke the news that Detective Pikachu 2 is in the works! According to the source, Portlandia co-creator Jonathan Krisel is in negotiations to direct the upcoming live-action sequel. This may be a small update, but it’s the one update that matters, a sequel is on the way, folks!
Is there a Pokemon: Detective Pikachu 2 release date yet?
Now, are we in for a long wait? I mean, it has been four years, right? Unfortunately, the sequel is in the early stages of production. This means that we know it’s in the works, but specifics are still being discussed, such as the story, the cast, writers, and all that fun behind-the-scenes business.
If we had to guess (and we love doing this), we believe the movie will premiere in mid-to-late 2024. I know what you’re thinking, that’s a long time! But we are already on June 2023 (at the time of this writing), I don’t see production having its crew ready any earlier than late 2023, which gives them six or more months to work on the picture.
Will Pokemon: Detective Pikachu 2 premiere in theaters or streaming?
Direct-to-streamer movies are far less common than before, during the rough pandemic days. Nowadays, it’s seems to be more on a case-by-case basis, depending on how popular the cast or story is. When it comes to a Pokemon live action movie, especially a sequel that follows a successful movie, it’s goin to premiere on the big screen.
After enjoying several weeks in theaters, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu 2 should get a streaming release. Where will the movie go? Assuming it follows the same path as the original, the sequel will, eventually, be available to stream on Hulu.
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu 2 movie cast
At the time of this writing, we’re not sure! The movie is in its very early stages, so a cast has not yet been discussed. However, there have been some rumors circulating that the upcoming sequel will follow Detective Pikachu, but solving another case with a different set of characters.
How many Detective Pikachu movies are there?
There is only one movie as of June 23, 2023. The upcoming sequel will be the second movie in the Detective Pikachu franchise. But if you want more Pokemon content, there is plenty out there! We share more details, below.
Why is Pokemon: Detective Pikachu not streaming on Netflix?
If you want to watch this movie online, you won’t find it on the streamer giant Netflix. Pokemon: Detective Pikachu is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which don’t typically end up on Netflix. Instead, most of the time, these movies go to either Max or Hulu after leaving the big screen.
Where can you stream more Pokemon movies and shows online?
Pokemon content is available everywhere. Now, Netflix may not have the Warner Bros. Pictures’ release Detective Pikachu, but they have plenty for you to watch! Netflix has 52 episodes of the original Pokemon animated series. On the platform, you’ll also find Ultimate Journeys, Journeys, Master Journeys, Secrets of the Jungle, and other spinoffs. Over on Hulu, you’ll find many other animated shows, including XY and Kalos Quest. And, of course, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu.
Be sure to bookmark this page as we’ll be updating it with the latest information as it rolls in.
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