When fans of POKEMON imagine their dream live-action movie, they most likely imagine a massive world filled with adventure and battles featuring all their favorite creatures, flying around, scurrying about and what have you. What doesn’t come to mind is franchise mascot Pikachu with the voice of a jaded police officer teaming up with a human to solve mysteries. But the latter is exactly what we’re getting, and now a new report has thrown out some names who the studio is considering voicing the yellow mouse with red cheeks.
The Hashtag Show recently came out with some info they heard about DETECTIVE PIKACHU, saying that Legendary Entertainment is wanting one of several major Hollywood actors to do motion capture and voice work for the character and those people are Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson. Though like most Pokemon, Pikachu is only able to say his name in the popular TV show. But in this movie, the lead character will be able to understand exactly what Pikachu is saying. On top of that, Pikachu will probably muse over cups of coffee and talk about aimless nature of life itself while pouring over crime scene photos.
To be clear, none of the actors have been approached by the studio (yet), but this list of names is apparently a wish list as to who Legendary is hoping to nab. It would make sense, as all four have been a great few years, and would be a major get for the movie. The film is being directed by Rob Letterman (GOOSEBUMPS) and is set to begin filming in January 2018.
If Legendary is going for a play on the buddy cop angle and wants Pikachu to have an unexpectedly gruff voice that is only a few paces behind “I’m getting too old for this shit,” then I think they should reach out to Jackman. Reynolds would sure be funny, Wahlberg would have attitude, and Johnson would be damn charming, but can you just imagine Pikachu having the voice of Wolverine? The level of seriousness and intensity Jackman would bring would make such a funny juxtaposition with the cute and cuddly Pikachu. This movie can't take itself seriously, so nailing the right type of humor is key. Plus Jackman is a very physical actor, and working with motion capture would harness those skills. But, mostly, I want Pikachu to call people, "Bub."
DETECTIVE PIKACHU should begin filming in January 2018.