In 2019,Pokémon Detective Pikachuwas released in theaters, giving the world its first live-action Pokémon adventure to hit the big screen. The film, based on the 2016game of the same name, was a financial success, and sequel plans were soon the subject of much speculation, but without any action from the studio. Finally, after four years filled withmixed messaging, rumors, and delay,Detective Pikachu 2wasconfirmed in March 2023, with Jonathan Krisel in the director’s seat.
While not much else is known about this upcoming project at the present,Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)was able to gross just underhalf of a billion dollars, becoming one of the most successful video-game movies of all time and setting a high bar for its sequel. Historically, movie and television media based on video games have not seen much profit (although, recently,Sonic the Hedgehog,itssequel,andThe Last of Usseem to have followedDetective Pikachuto the financial promised land). If Warner Bros. Pictures is to repeat their prior level of Pokémon success, its second live-action release must feature a strong focus on plot and acornucopia of Pocket Monsters.
With the modern Pokédex count extending well beyond the original 150 (the song does say “at least” 150), the creative team certainly has a plethora of monsters (1008+) to choose from. While it would be unrealistic to suggest that they include every single Pokémon, it is not outside conventional wisdom to suggest that a follow-up movie would feature double or triple the amount shown in the first film. Therefore, without any updates or announcements regarding the movie’s Pokémon roster, suggestions are required (and fun to make). The following is a list of 15 Pokémon that should make an appearance inDetective Pikachu 2.
Of all the Pokémon to make this list, Pichu stands out as the most obvious choice. This tiny-mouse Pocket Monster originates from generation-two, and is the baby form of Pikachu. Whilenot as well-knownas its evolutionary older brother, this cute, electric Pokémon has made appearances inseveral episodes of the Pokémonanime, animated feature films, and even headlines as a playable character in theSuper Smash Bros.series of video games. Imagine it - Pichu looking absolutely adorable in live-action and surfacing in a flashback sequence or two - assuming Pikachu remains the star of the film (which seems pretty likely). Alternatively, a Pichu taking on a sidekick role to Detective Pikachu would make for a great partnership and fanfare. Specifics and postulating aside, Pichu simply must show itself on the big screen.
14Squirtle (Squad)
The Squirtle Squad is not exactly one Pokémon, rather, a group of Squirtle (from thePokémonanime) that were constantly up to no good, before their leader was won over by Ash Ketchum, transforming all members into good Samaritan firefighters. Quite similarly to how they are portrayed in the TV show, the merry band of blue squirrel-turtles would provide an excellent foil to the film’s protagonist sleuths, creating countless possibilities of high jinks and pranks. Then, as the movie’s heroes struggle to solve the mystery without the turtles' help, the Squad’s character arc comes into play, as they begin to realize the error of their ways. Finally, after being won over and joining the detectives in their quest, the reformed Squirtle Squad assists in closing the case, completing a proper character arc for the gang.
13Cyclizar
Debuting in generation nine, Cyclizar is equal parts lizard and motorcycle. Well, maybe not quite equal, but the Pokémon’s gimmick is quite obvious - Cyclizar is a pseudo-motorbike. Trainers from all across the Paldea Region (the land you can explore in thePokémon ScarletandPokémon Violetvideo games) use this creature to traverse mountainous terrain and speed through highways. As the Pokémon franchise has always featured means of transportation differing from conventional methods, such as surfing on a Gyarados or flying atop a Dragonite, having characters riding their Cyclizar companion seems like an obvious inclusion in an upcoming Pokémon film. Additionally, as Cyclizar is the ancestor and descendant of the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon, respectively, its past and future could serve as an interesting point of investigation for the movie’s heroes.
Lugia is one of the best defensive monsters in all of Pokémon. Armed with telepathy, a wingspan of over 34 feet, and the ability to swim through whirlpools, it is often referred to as the Guardian of the Seas, but it isn’t even a water type. Instead, developers gave this Legendary Bird the flying and psychic types, to establish the volume ofpower that it bears. Furthermore, Lugia is one of a select group to have made two appearances as a Pokémon game mascot, no small feat considering the volume of Pocket Monsters in the world today. It’s a Legendary Pokémon with a rich history and impactful lore, and would be a natural fit as the next-in-line (to Mewtwo) as the powerful psychic-type Pokémon that the bad guys are plotting to control.
The third (and final) generation-two Pokémon to make this list, Elekid’s potential to steal the big screen cannot be overlooked. The baby form of Electabuzz has a memorable design, sparky personality and, best of all, can be plugged into an outlet! How shockingly amazing would it be to see the creators develop a real purpose and use for the Pokémon’s “ears?” Perhaps, if Detective Pikachu were to find himself forcefully thrust into a Pokémon power plant (as an unwilling energy source), it could form a union of sorts, and team up with the egg-shaped Pokémon, to escape.
Related:Pokemon: Ash Ketchum’s Toughest Battles, Ranked
Part Pokémon, part bomb, part fool’s gold, Voltorb is often the subject of scrutiny for its “oversimplified” design. This is blasphemy. The explosive Pokémon is meant to mirror a Poke Ball, serving as both a defensive mechanism and as an aggressive (surprise) source of bewilderment, anger, and pain for trainers who foolishly believe that they are picking up a simple item. Furthermore, Voltorb could act as another Pokémon to be found in the previously mentioned Pokémon Power Plant, or, it could even take center stage as a prop in a dastardly prank by the Squirtle Squad.
9Mega Evolved Pokémon
Once again breaking list rules, Mega Evolution is (obviously) not a Pokémon, rather, a form of evolution that was introduced into the Pokémon franchise in generation six. Unlike the rest of Pokémon evolution, Mega Evolving a monster only results in a temporary change. This means that a Pokémon like Charizard can evolve beyond its normal limit (as Mega Charizard X or Mega Charizard Y), then return to its previous form like nothing happened. SincePokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)revolved around the mystery of powering-up Pokémon, it seems fitting to include Mega Evolution as a potential science experiment gone right (or very wrong).
Kleavor is the ancestral evolution of the fan-favorite mantis Pokémon, Scyther, and was introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, in 2022. While creating a second, memorable Scyther evolution opposite the sleek, modern-day Scizor was a tall order for developers, Kleavor certainly holds its own on a list of Pokémon with the coolest design. Since it can only be found in the past (for now), Kleavor’s appearance inDetective Pikachu 2would be justifiedby means of previously established time travel, or even a dimensional rift. Who knows, maybe the axe-wielding rock-bug will arrive due to a set of experiments that were run in a certain Pokémon Power Plant?
“Spartans, what is your profession?” As several generations of Pocket Monsters have been released since the first Detective Pikachu film, representation from the newer series is all but guaranteed, so why not use these soldiers to represent generation eight? Falinks could simply lurk in the background of the film, or serve as the companions of an in-universe SWAT team. A group of true warriors roaming the Pokémon world, Falinks derives its name from the defensive battle formation (Phalanx) used by the ancient Greeks (in this case, the residents of Sparta). While they do not wield any swords or spears, the Pokémon’s helmet-like bodies take on this role, serving as both its source of offensive strike and defensive shielding.
Speaking of the most recent generations, Lechonk is a part of the newest release, generation-nine. Upon its announcement in the Scarlet and Violet games, this little piggy went to market, as fans across the globe celebrated its design as both adorable and nothing short of miraculous. Utilizing Lechonk as background farm occupants (butnotas bacon) would be a wonderful sight to behold. An interaction with the main cast and characters would simply be icing on the cake.
