The latest full-lengthPokémonfeature film is set for a limited theatrical release this November.Pokémon : The Power of Uscenters around Ash and Pikachu, as they set out to save a small seaside town from disaster. Even if that all sounds a tad familiar, today’s teaser trailer is worth checking out, if only for the gorgeous new animation style.
Aside from the aesthetic evolution,Pokémon: The Power of Usdoes little to distinguish itself from the rest of Ash and Pikachu’s prolific filmography. That being said, the story is independent of the games, shows, and other movies. Instead of continuing in canon, the teaser shows the iconic duo arriving in a new town, where inhabitants worship the legendary PokémonLugia.
The shift in animation style can be attributed to Wit Studios, best known for their work onAttack on Titan. New to thePokémonfranchise, Wit Studios not only refreshed the animation style in a decidedly more modern style, but they also gave Ash perhaps his most dramatic character model redesign yet.
WhilePokémon: The Power of Uspresents a new story, exclusive setting, and a significant aesthetic overhaul, the upcoming film calls back to days passed in a number of ways. Most notably, as in 1999’sPokémon: The Movie 2000, Lugia will play a central role in the story. Further, at the end of the teaser, Lugia’s Japanese theme song can be heard. And finally, the titleThe Power of Usis a clear call-back toPokémon 2000’s feature length story arc,The Power of One.
Unsurprisingly, the teaser doesn’t introduce any new Pokémon, although plenty of existing favorites are shown. Eevee is introduced as its captor says to Ash, “Our meeting wasn’t just a coincidence,” which could be perceived as a reference to Eevee and Pikachu being the starters in the upcoming Nintendo Switch release,Pokemon: Let’s Go.
Pokémon: The Power of Uswill play in theaters November 24, 26, 28, and December 1.
