The Pokémon universe, a realm that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, is rumored to be expanding yet again. Recently, a whirlwind of speculation has emerged around a potential live-action Pokémon movie, allegedly starring the charismatic Tom Holland, slated for a 2024 release. But what’s the truth behind these rumors? Let’s dive into the details and separate fact from fiction.
The Birth of a Rumor: Tom Holland and Pokémon
The internet was set ablaze with a fan-made YouTube trailer, suggesting that Tom Holland, known for his dynamic portrayal of Spider-Man, might headline a new live-action Pokémon movie. This tantalizing idea seems to have originated from a 2020 report by Small-Screen, which cited We Got This Covered’s claim that Holland was being eyed for a role in an upcoming Pokémon project.
The character in question? Blue Oak, the iconic grandson of Professor Oak from the original Pokémon games. The proposed spin-off film was rumored to be set in the same cinematic universe as 2019’s “Detective Pikachu,” adding an intriguing twist to the Pokémon film saga.
Debunking the Myths: No Concrete Evidence Yet
However, upon closer inspection, the foundation of these rumors appears shaky. The biggest red flag? The fan-made trailer primarily repurposes footage from “Detective Pikachu” and various Tom Holland films, lacking any new material or official confirmation.
The rumored Pokemon Black & White remake for 2024 will be in black and white as a cost cutting measure, and will be marketed as "classic chic". ALso to avoid possible repeat of the incredible Clone glitches of BDSP, the new BW is said to have no pokemon in it pic.twitter.com/BjfZsNm2cJ
— Blaines (@realblaines) December 25, 2023
The Pokémon Franchise: Thriving and Evolving
While a Tom Holland-led Pokémon movie seems to be more fantasy than reality, the Pokémon franchise is far from stagnant. In March 2023, Deadline announced the development of a live-action “Detective Pikachu” sequel, with Jonathan Krisel of Portlandia fame in talks to direct and Chris Galletta, known for “The Kings of Summer,” penning the script. Although Ryan Reynolds’ involvement wasn’t confirmed, there’s speculation that the “Deadpool” star might return in some capacity.
In addition, Netflix is making strides with “Pokémon Concierge,” an animated show set in a Pokémon-exclusive resort. Post-“Stranger Things” Season 5, the streaming giant is also rumored to be developing a new live-action Pokémon series, potentially positioning it as a flagship program.
Conclusion: Pokémon’s Enduring Legacy
As for Tom Holland’s foray into the Pokémon world, it remains a tantalizing yet unconfirmed possibility. But one thing is certain: the Pokémon franchise continues to innovate and captivate, promising more exciting adventures in the world of Pocket Monsters.
