Live-action \'Pokemon\' series in early development at Netflix
Washington [US]: A new 'Pokemon' series is said to be currently in early development at Netflix from 'Lucifer' creator Joe Henderson.
According to Variety, as the project is still in its early days, no details are available about the plot. However, sources suggest that Henderson is attached to write and executive produce the project.
Henderson currently serves as co-showrunner and executive producer on the popular Netflix series 'Lucifer', which is preparing to air its sixth and final season at the streamer.
Sources also claim that the project would be a live-action series akin to the 'Detective Pikachu' film starring Ryan Reynolds and Justice Smith that was released in 2019.
This move to develop an original Netflix 'Pokemon' series comes as the streamer has made itself the home to multiple existing Pokemon shows, including 'Pokemon: Indigo League' and 'Pokemon Journeys' among others.
Netflix has also been making a strong push into anime in recent years, having previously announced original series based on 'Far Cry', 'Splinter Cell', and 'Terminator'. Netflix has been moving into more live-action adaptations of anime titles as well, including the upcoming 'Cowboy Bebop' and 'One Piece'.
In addition to his work on 'Lucifer', Henderson is currently developing a series adaptation of the comic book 'Shadecraft' at Netflix, which was announced in March. Henderson penned the comic, working alongside artist Lee Garbett. He is co-writing the pilot of that project with Ryan Reynolds and Justice Smith with both also executive producing.
The 'Pokemon' franchise as a whole has become a worldwide phenomenon since first launching in 1995. The franchise now encompasses multiple television shows, films, video games, the trading card game, books, manga comics, and much more.
On the live-action front, 'Detective Pikachu' proved to be a box office success upon its release. As per Variety, the film grossed over USD 430 million worldwide on a reported budget of USD 150 million.
