Pokémon Returns to Theaters in 2027 with 'Wild Card' Animated Feature
The Pokémon Company announced 'Wild Card,' a new animated film set for 2027, during the 2026 World Championships in San Francisco. The movie, directed by Katsuhiko Kitada and produced by CloverWorks, follows a trading card game player and Mimikyu. It marks the first theatrical Pokémon release since 2020.
Key points
- The film 'Pokémon: Wild Card' was unveiled at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco.
- The story centers on a Pokémon Trading Card Game player and the ghost-type Pokémon Mimikyu, who disguises itself as Pikachu.
- Katsuhiko Kitada is directing, with character designs by Akemi Hayashi; production is handled by Story Inc. and animation by CloverWorks.
- The teaser indicates a 2027 release, with the phrase 'coming 2027 and beyond' suggesting further franchise expansions.
- The announcement coincided with the franchise's 30th anniversary and the debut of the stop-motion series 'The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu' on Disney+.
Background
The last theatrical Pokémon movie, 'Secrets of the Jungle,' released in 2020 in Japan and 2021 in the U.S. The 2026 World Championships in San Francisco marked the inaugural PokémonXP event, celebrating the franchise's 30th anniversary. The 2027 World Championships are scheduled for Singapore.
How outlets are covering it
The Hollywood Reporter and Variety emphasized the film's return to theaters after a seven-year gap, highlighting the director's anime credits. Deadline focused on the teaser's hint of a broader 2027 slate. The Pokémon Company press release provided the most comprehensive details, including the stop-motion series and new trading card game releases, framing the movie as part of a larger anniversary celebration.
Why it matters
The announcement signals a major shift in Pokémon's media strategy, prioritizing theatrical releases and high-profile animation partnerships after a period of streaming and game-focused content. It also indicates a renewed focus on the trading card game as a narrative driver.
What to watch
The 2027 Pokémon World Championships will take place in Singapore. The stop-motion series 'The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu' will debut on Disney+ in 2027. New trading card game expansions, including Z Mega Evolutions, are set to release in September 2026.
- ‘Pokémon: Wild Card’ Movie Announced for 2027; Teaser Released The Hollywood Reporter
- ‘Pokémon: Wild Card’ Movie Sets 2027 Release Date, Drops Anime Teaser Starring Trading Card Game Player Variety
- Pokémon Returning To The Big Screen With ‘Wild Card’ Animated Feature Deadline
- Pokémon Celebrates 30 Years with New Announcements at Inaugural PokémonXP and 2026 Pokémon World Championships Pokemon Press
- Pokémon: Wild Card Anime Film Announced for 2027 Anime News Network
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