The Pokémon franchise is officially returning to the big screen with a brand-new animated movie. Pokémon: Wild Card has been announced for a worldwide theatrical release in 2027, marking the first new Pokémon feature film in around seven years.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco, where The Pokémon Company also revealed the first teaser for the upcoming movie.
Pokémon TCG Takes Center Stage
Unlike previous Pokémon movies that typically focused on Pokémon trainers and their adventures, Pokémon: Wild Card will put the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) at the heart of its story.
The film follows a Pokémon TCG player who is determined to compete, overcome challenges, and ultimately become a champion. The teaser introduces the protagonist alongside Mimikyu, suggesting that the Ghost/Fairy-type Pokémon will have an important role in the story.
The newly revealed protagonist is named Mikiya. In the teaser, he can be seen wearing a yellow hood inspired by Mimikyu while playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
CloverWorks Is Producing the Film
Pokémon: Wild Card will feature a new creative team and a different animation studio from many of the franchise's previous theatrical films.
CloverWorks is handling animation production, with Katsuhiko Kitada serving as director and Akemi Hayashi working as character designer. STORY inc. is responsible for planning and production.
CloverWorks is known for anime projects such as SPY x FAMILY and Bocchi the Rock!, making its involvement one of the most interesting aspects of the new Pokémon film.
First Teaser Revealed
The short teaser provides a glimpse of Mikiya, Mimikyu, and the Pokémon TCG-focused setting. While the video is brief, it gives fans their first look at the film's visual style and hints at a story centered on the competitive side of the Pokémon card game.
The Pokémon Company has not yet revealed the movie's full plot, additional cast, or an exact theatrical release date.
First Pokémon Movie in Seven Years
Pokémon: Wild Card will be the first new feature-length Pokémon anime movie since Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, which was released in Japan in 2020.
The new film therefore represents a major return to theaters for the franchise, arriving as Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.
The movie is currently confirmed for a 2027 worldwide release, although the exact date and regional release schedules have not yet been announced.
A New Direction for Pokémon Movies
With the Pokémon Trading Card Game serving as the foundation of the story, Pokémon: Wild Card looks set to offer something different from the traditional Pokémon movie formula.
The connection to the real-world Pokémon TCG competitive scene is particularly fitting, as the film was announced during the Pokémon World Championships. Fans can expect more information about the story, characters, and release plans in the coming months.
Pokémon: Wild Card is scheduled to premiere worldwide in theaters in 2027.
Are you excited for a Pokémon movie centered on the Trading Card Game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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