After 25 years of catching pocket monsters, Ash Ketchum overcame all odds and finally became the world’s greatest trainer after winning the Pokémon World Coronation Series. But the good news didn’t last long, as Ash and his best friend Pikachu won’t be appearing in the upcoming new movie. Pokemon anime, with new characters instead of the iconic duo. While the change will allow for more storytelling in the long-running animated series, the announcement is sure to upset fans. Fortunately, the Pokémon Company had some good news: Ash will be gone for good, and Pikachu will be replaced by another Pikachu. And the resemblance is uncanny.
New characters, namely Lico and Roy and their Pokémon companions from the last games Scarlet and Violet Quaxly, Sprigatito and Fuecoco replace Ash and Pikachu at the beginning of the series. Silver-haired Pokemon Professor Friede (who wears a flying jacket) helps them along the way with a new Pikachu. While it’s definitely different from the Pikachu we’ve grown to love, Captain Pikachu is tasked with helping the two main characters. Just like the OG Pikachu, Captain Pikachu is shaping up to be the star of the series. A Pokémon Company vice president said in a statement:
“For 27 years, Pikachu has been synonymous Pokemon franchise and we look forward to seeing this beloved Pokemon continue to play a significant role in the animated series and become an icon for the brand.
Given that the pocket monster has been the face of the franchise for decades, it makes sense that the company would keep Pikachu in the upcoming animated series. While Ash’s presence in the upcoming show is unfortunate, given the large number of Pokemon that have yet to be properly introduced, another story will unfold.
Ash Ketchum first appeared in 1997 as a 10-year-old boy from Pallet Town, with Pikachu as his oldest companion. Over the years, fans have joined Ash and his team on their journey and even loved his antagonists, Team Rocket. So, of course, the new characters will have some big shoes to fill, along with new villains. And while we’re still not sure about the new Pikachu’s features, generations Pokemon Fans are surely hoping that Captain Pikachu will still be able to say the most memorable and arguably cutest “Pika-Pika” in a scary tone. Regardless of what type of Pikachu fans they take, the fact that Pikachu is still associated with the new series (whether OG or Captain) is good news for them, providing a nostalgic television experience.
Ash and OG Pikachu’s adventure has officially come to an end. Anyway, relax kid and let the new characters in the Paldea region take their place. new Pokemon The series is scheduled to debut later this year. While it’s still too early to speculate about the new characters, Captain Pikachu gives you a taste of what to expect by checking out the images below.