Detective Pikachu is now streaming on Netflix, and while this gives subscribers the perfect opportunity to watch the 2019 film, it also drives home a harsh reality about the Pokémon franchise. Detective Pikachu was relatively successful upon its release, with the film grossing nearly $450 million on a budget of $150 million (via Box Office Mojo). Ryan Reynolds also got a lot of attention for voicing the lead character, and the live-action iterations of the Pokémon in the movie turned out to be impressive. All in all, it was a good start for Pokémon’s push into live-action.

With Detective Pikachu coming to Netflix in June 2024, those who didn’t get to see the movie in theaters will be able to enjoy the adventures of Reynolds’ sleuthing Pikachu and his companion, Tim Goodman (Justice Smith). This could give the Pokémon movie a boost years after its initial release. However, it’s also likely to remind viewers of a harsh reality about Detective Pikachu and the franchise overall. This will make any hype it gets from streaming on Netflix feel bittersweet.

Detective Pikachu On Netflix Is A Reminder That Detective Pikachu 2 Still Hasn’t Happened

The Lack Of Sequel Updates Will Disappoint Subscribers

Netflix putting Detective Pikachu back in the spotlight, five years after its release, may be exciting — but it’s also a sad reminder that Detective Pikachu 2 still hasn’t happened. After the monetary success of the first film, a sequel seemed likely. Reynolds showcased a lot of passion for his Pikachu role, and the first film left the door open for a return. Detective Pikachu 2 was also confirmed in 2019, though this was before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed and canceled many projects. Still, as recently as 2023, the sequel seemed to be going forward. Unfortunately, little noticeable progress has been made.

With the original Detective Pikachu movie coming to Netflix, it may find new viewers. And while it’s great that subscribers will discover Detective Pikachu for the first time, it’s disappointing that they’ll have no sequel to watch afterward. They’ll also be disappointed in the lack of updates about Detective Pikachu 2. If turned into a series, the movies could have gotten as big as Sonic the Hedgehog or The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Unfortunately, the video game adaptation still consists of one film, and regaining popularity will only draw attention to that fact.

Will There Ever Be Another Detective Pikachu Movie?

It Hasn’t Been Canceled (But Is Looking Less Likely)

Detective Pikachu 2 is confirmed, so there should be a sequel sometime in the future. However, it doesn’t seem like the project is moving all that quickly — and actor Justice Smith told Screen Rant in January that he’s still “waiting for that call.” That doesn’t bode well for the movie happening any time soon. And if Legendary waits too long to move on Detective Pikachu 2, it’s hard to say if the original cast will be able to return. It’s also unlikely to have the same hype as the first film, as the excitement has died out after years of waiting.

That said, Detective Pikachu has not been officially canceled yet. And the fact that Jonathan Krisel and Chris Galletta were announced as the sequel’s new director and writer, respectively, suggests that there are still plans to move forward. Unless that’s changed over the past year or so, fans shouldn’t get too down in the dumps over the sequel’s fate. But the delays suggest they shouldn’t get their hopes up either, which might be harder to accomplish if the film makes a big splash on Netflix.

Pokémon Movies Should Be So Much Bigger Than They Are

The Franchise Is Lacking In This Area

Detective Pikachu‘s Netflix debut may be a reminder that the sequel hasn’t happened, but it also highlights how much the Pokémon franchise is lacking when it comes to movies. There have been plenty of animated Pokémon films over the years, but none have ever reached the level of The Super Mario Bros. Movie‘s success. Pokémon: The First Movie probably generated the most excitement, but nothing that came after continued that upward trajectory.

And the fact that Detective Pikachu is the franchise’s only live-action movie is somewhat surprising. It’s even more shocking after the 2019 success, which should have generated interest in making more live-action Pokémon films. The Pokémon games and cards are massive, so it’s disappointing the franchise hasn’t found the same popularity in theaters. Detective Pikachu 2 could change that. However, it needs to actually happen. Hopefully, the first movie’s Netflix debut will create a bigger push for it.

Source: Box Office Mojo