New Pokémon Animated Film Revealed at World Championships, Set for 2027
The Pokémon Company unveiled its next theatrical animated feature, 'Pokémon: Wild Card,' during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco. Directed by Katsuhiko Kitada with character designs by Akemi Hayashi, the film centers on a trading-card game player striving to become a champion. It is slated for release in 2027 or later, marking the franchise's first new movie in seven years.
The announcement marks the franchise’s first theatrical feature since 2020’s *Secrets of the Jungle*, ending a seven-year gap. The teaser shows a protagonist in a yellow hoodie resembling Mimikyu, a Pokémon known for its disguise. Production credits include director Katsuhiko Kitada, character designer Akemi Hayashi, with Story Inc. producing and CloverWorks handling animation. The film’s release window of “2027 and beyond” suggests potential sequels or spin-offs. Separately, a Disney+ series, *The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu*, is also slated for 2027, expanding the franchise’s multimedia presence.
This film could re-energize the Pokémon franchise’s theatrical presence, appealing to longtime fans who grew up with the games and trading cards, while also attracting a new generation. Its focus on the card game may boost interest in competitive play and merchandise. However, the long gap since the last movie may test audience patience, and the 2027 release could face stiff competition in an increasingly crowded animation market.