Pokémon: Wild Card brings the franchise back to cinemas in 2027 with a new anime film focused on a TCG player and his partner Mimikyu.
The Pokémon franchise is officially returning to cinemas with Pokémon: Wild Card, a new feature-length anime film scheduled for worldwide release in 2027. The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco, where fans were shown a first-look teaser and promotional visual.
The film marks a major theatrical comeback for Pokémon, arriving during the franchise’s 30th anniversary year and ahead of the next mainline game generation, Winds and Waves, set for 2027.
What Is the Story of Pokémon: Wild Card?
The film centers on a Pokémon Trading Card Game player and his partner Mimikyu, a Ghost and Fairy-type Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Mimikyu disguises itself as Pikachu beneath a yellow rag, hiding its true form while seeking companionship.
The teaser shows the protagonist wearing a yellow hoodie styled after Mimikyu, hinting at a close bond between trainer and Pokémon. The film appears to explore themes of identity, competition and emotional connection through the lens of the TCG.
Who Is Creating the Film?
Katsuhiko Kitada, Director
Kitada’s past work includes major anime titles such as:
- The First Slam Dunk
- Attack on Titan
- Naruto: Shippuden
Akemi Hayashi, Character Designer
Hayashi’s credits include:
- Banana Fish
- Lazarus
With CloverWorks producing, Pokémon: Wild Card brings together a team known for high-quality animation and strong character-driven storytelling.
How Does Pokémon: Wild Card Fit Into the Franchise’s Movie History?
Pokémon: Wild Card is the first feature film since 2020’s Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, which premiered theatrically in Japan before releasing globally on Netflix in 2021.
The last Pokémon movie to receive a worldwide theatrical release was 2018’s Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us, distributed outside Japan through Fathom Events.
Wild Card marks a return to global cinema distribution, signaling renewed investment in theatrical Pokémon projects.
Why Is This Announcement Significant?
Several factors make Pokémon: Wild Card a major milestone:
- 30th anniversary celebration
- Return to worldwide theatrical releases
- Focus on the Pokémon TCG, one of the franchise’s fastest-growing sectors
- Tie-in timing with Generation 10, Winds and Waves
- Fresh creative team from CloverWorks
The film positions Pokémon for a high-profile multimedia year in 2027.
What Details Are Still Unknown?
The Pokémon Company has not yet revealed:
- The exact release date
- Full plot details
- Additional characters
- International distribution partners
More information is expected as the film approaches its 2027 launch window.