Although Pokémon has already hit the screens in its animated form, a live action movie is still something Pokémon fans are waiting for.
The Hollywood Reporter has noted that Legendary Entertainment, who brought us the Godzilla movie in 2014, are emerging as the front runner for rights to the first live action Pocket Monsters movie. It’s competitors Sony and Warner Bros, are also apparently embroiled in this ‘top secret auction’.
This could cause controversy as Pokémon is a Japanese Product, whereas Legendary is owned by a Chinese company, Dalian Wanda Group. Japanese films were banned from release in China, and have only been approved as recent following tensions between Beijing and Tokyo.
Pokémon: The First Movie grossed over $165 million worldwide on its release in 1999, and a live action film could see huge commercial success also. The franchise has also celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, and will release two new games by the name of Sun and Moon later in 2016.
The Pokémon GO app is also due to release at some point this year, and will be the first mobile game in the series.
Nintendo have yet to enjoy success with a live action version of its games, with 1993’s Super Mario Bros receiving negative reception from critics and movie goers alike. Rumors of Legend Of Zelda Netflix series emerged last year, but have yet to be confirmed.
