The Pokemon anime franchise is getting its first new theatrical film in seven years, and for the first time, Satoshi — known to international audiences as Ash Ketchum — will not be the star. The movie, titled “Pokemon: Wild Card,” was announced via the franchise’s official X account and is set for release in 2027.
According to the announcement, “Pokemon: Wild Card” will be the first new Pokemon animated film since 2020’s “Pokemon the Movie: Coco,” and it takes a different approach to the source material by centering its story on the Pokemon Trading Card Game rather than the core video games or anime series. The new protagonist is a Pokemon Card player chasing the title of champion. A key visual released alongside the announcement shows the new lead alongside Mimikyu, the mischievous Ghost/Fairy-type Pokemon known for hiding under a Pikachu-shaped disguise.
The news generated a significant reaction online, drawing more than 190 comments on the report within hours, with many longtime fans expressing disappointment that Satoshi, the character who has anchored Pokemon’s anime and film output for nearly three decades, is sitting this one out.
Who is Satoshi (Ash Ketchum)?
Satoshi debuted in 1997 as the protagonist of the original Pokemon anime series and has served as the face of the franchise’s television and film output ever since, traveling across the Pokemon world with his partner Pikachu. After finally winning a Pokemon League championship in 2023 following the series’ storyline conclusion, subsequent projects have gradually shifted focus toward new characters, with “Pokemon: Wild Card” marking the first time a mainline animated film has dropped him from the lead role entirely.
No further plot details, cast, or staff have been announced for “Pokemon: Wild Card” ahead of its 2027 release.
Author’s Comment
Honey, I’ve watched franchises retire their mascots before, and it never goes smoothly. Satoshi has been the face of Pokemon since before some of you reading this were born, and now he’s getting benched for a card-game protagonist — which, let’s be real, is Nintendo following the money straight into the Pokemon TCG boom that’s been eating eBay alive for years. The fandom’s grief is real, but so is the business logic. I’ll say this: swapping out a 28-year-old icon is a bold move for a franchise that usually plays it safe, and I respect the nerve even as I brace for the comment sections to riot. Change your protagonist, Pokemon, just don’t you dare touch Pikachu.
