Is Detective Pikachu Returns a Sequel?
The year 2019 saw the release of Pokémon Detective Pikachu, a live-action film that combined the world of Pokémon with detective work. The movie starred Ryan Reynolds as the voice of the titular character, a clever and witty detective Pikachu, and was set in the world of a human who teams up with the electric mouse to solve a murder mystery. While the movie received mixed reviews from critics, it performed reasonably well at the box office. So, with the release of a second film in the works, the question on everyone’s mind is: Is Detective Pikachu Returns a Sequel?
What Is Detective Pikachu Returns?
Detective Pikachu Returns, also known as Pokémon: Detective Pikachu 2, is a upcoming live-action/animated mystery comedy-drama film directed by Jenny Gering and produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film is set to be released in 2023, although no specific date has been announced.
Direct Answer: No, It’s Not a Sequel
According to various reports and interviews with the cast and crew, Detective Pikachu Returns is not a direct sequel to the first film. In an interview, Ryan Reynolds, who returns as the voice of Pikachu, confirmed that the film is not a sequel to the original, stating: "I think the way we’ve approached it is that we’re making a new movie that has nothing to do with the original movie… I think we’ve taken some liberties and are doing some new things, which I think will surprise people."
So, What Is It Then?
While Detective Pikachu Returns is not a direct sequel, it is still connected to the original film in several ways. The new film is set in a different time period than the first movie, according to Chris Geere, who will be playing the role of a new detective. In an interview, Geere revealed: "It’s set a year or so after the original, and it’s set in a different part of the world."
Returning Characters
Despite not being a direct sequel, the new film will see some familiar faces returning from the first movie. In an interview, franchise producer Nicole Perlman revealed that Detective Pikachu’s "best buddy" will make an appearance in the film, along with some other characters from the original movie.
New Story and Characters
The new film will feature a new mystery to solve, as well as a new detective played by Mila Davis-Kent. Davis-Kent’s character will be a young woman who specializes in psychic investigations, which will allow her to interact with Pokémon in a unique way. In an interview, Davis-Kent described her character: "I’m a real skeptic when it comes to the paranormal, but [my character] has got a great instinct and has a knack for understanding things that can’t be explained by science."
The Investigation
While the exact details of the new case remain under wraps, the new film promises to feature a more complex and puzzling investigation than the first movie. In an interview, Jenny Gering, the director, teased: "We’ve created a story that’s going to take our detectives in some new and unexpected places… The stakes are higher this time, and the stakes are also more personal for our detectives."
Impact on the Franchise
The release of Detective Pikachu Returns raises questions about the future of the franchise, which has been criticized for its inconsistency and lack of direction. With the mixed reception to the first movie, many fans are curious to see how the series will continue to evolve and whether the new film will be able to capture the same magic as the first.
Conclusion
Detective Pikachu Returns is an exciting new installment in the Pokémon franchise that promises to introduce new characters, a fresh mystery to solve, and a more complex investigation than the first movie. While it is not a direct sequel to the original film, it is still connected to the franchise and sets the stage for the franchise’s future.
