Could a Pokemon live-action TV series be in the works for HBO?

Brent Koepp
Detective Pikachu Pokemon Go

Fresh off the announcement that Sony is creating a Last of Us TV series, a new rumor suggests that HBO is also eyeing a live-action Pokemon show for their next project.

Pokemon has continued to be one of the most dominating forces in media, as millions of children and adults can’t get enough of the beloved Nintendo franchise.

However a recent rumor suggests that the series might be getting a live-action television adaption. Here is everything we know about the supposed HBO collaboration.

Could HBO be making a Pokemon series?

Pop culture outlet ‘We Got this Covered’ made the report on March 12, stating that the popular TV network was looking at creating a project based on the successful Japanese RPG.

“While specifics remain slim, we have been told that HBO is dedicating considerable resources to this live-action Pokémon series, which will be based on the anime of the same name and star the iconic Ash Ketchum and his partner Pikachu in their quest to become League champions,” they said.

The site also claims that other cast members from the series will be a part of the new adaptation such as Brock and Misty. It seems like the new show would be heavily focused on the original anime.

The 2019 live-action film Detective Pikachu was well received by fans, and was a hit in theaters.

It wouldn’t be too far removed from Nintendo’s decisions in recent years. In 2019, they teamed up with Warner Bros. to release the live action movie Detective Pikachu starring Ryan Reynolds. The film grossed over $433 million and was a smash hit.

The games publisher has also been more open to lending out their IP, such as the Super Mario Bros animated film currently in development with Illumination Studios – the company that made Minions.

HBO seems interested in working with video game properties as well, such as the recently announced The Last of Us series revealed on March 5. The studio is working closely with developer Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann to bring the game to life.

HBO has recently shown interest in video game properties with The Last of Us show.

It should be stated to take the rumor with a big grain of salt. For one, there haven’t been more sources to back this up, and this would be a major move for Nintendo to make.

Regardless, Pokemon fans would no doubt be thrilled at the potential and possibilities of a collaboration with HBO. Given that Detective Pikachu’s live-action style was generally well received, a full TV-show would be amazing.

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