IP monetization accelerates Legendary Pictures wins the rights to adapt "Pokemon" movie and starts shooting next year

According to Variety, the authoritative American entertainment magazine, Legendary Pictures has won the right to adapt the popular mobile game Pokemon GO released by Nintendo of Japan, and will collaborate with Pokémon to produce the first live-action movie "Detective Pikachu"

According to reports from the authoritative American entertainment magazine Variety, Legendary Entertainment has won the right to adapt the popular mobile game PokemonGO released by Nintendo of Japan, and will cooperate with Pokémon to film the first live-action movie "Detective Pikachu".

Legendary Pictures said specific details still need to be kept secret, but the film will start shooting in 2017. In the Pokemon world,"Detective Pikachu" will be a new character. It is said that the agreement was signed two weeks after Pokemon GO was released and sparked global hype. This augmented reality game allows players to capture, fight and train virtual monsters.

"Pokemon" was released in Japan in 1996. It sold a total of 279 million video games worldwide and shipped 2.15 million game cards to 74 countries and regions around the world. Its animated series has been produced for 19 consecutive seasons. The recently released Pokemon GO has been popular among gamers and once again awakened popular culture awareness.

Universal Pictures, which will be responsible for the distribution of the live-action film "Detective Pikachu" outside of Japan, has been working with Legendary Pictures on this model for many years. Toho Pictures, Pokémon's long-time film collaborator, will be responsible for distribution in Japan. This collaboration is similar to Legendary Pictures filming of Godzilla.

As early as April, there were rumors that Legendary Pictures was interested in purchasing Pokemon GO's movie adaptation rights. Legendary Pictures was acquired by China entertainment giant Wanda in January for US$3.5 billion. Adapting Pokemon GO live-action films is the third important agreement reached less than a month since it was acquired.

On June 23, Legendary Pictures acquired the rights to the hit movie "Bad Blood" starring Jennifer Lawrence.

In addition, the company announced this week that a confidential project will be led by Nate Parker, director of production for "The Birth of a Nation."

Editor: Nancy