As lifelong Pokémon fans, Detective Pikachu was a delightful surprise for us all. The movie brought the world of Pokémon into live-action with great style and had plenty of fun with its uncanny valley CGI creatures as well. So we're very excited to dive back into that world with the Detective Pikachu 2 release date, with Ryan Reynolds almost certainly returning to voice the adorable electric rodent.
Pokémon fans were thrilled to finally get a major blockbuster outing for these characters. We've enjoyed the best Pokémon movies in animation over the years, but there was something undeniably special about a major studio making one of the best kids movies of the year in this world. They're about to make another, so we're counting down the days to one of the most exciting new movies on the way.
Detective Pikachu 2 release date speculation
Summer 2025 is our bet for the Detective Pikachu 2 release date, given that Ryan Reynolds is hard at work on Deadpool 3 for now.
The movie could come later than that too, and don't rule out a 2026 release date. After all, there's a lot of post-production and visual effects work to be done before we can see this sequel.
Detective Pikachu 2 was confirmed in January 2019, but things have been quiet for a while. We did get one update that indicates it's still moving forward, with the news in 2023 that Portlandia co-creator Jonathan Krisel is reportedly in talks to direct Detective Pikachu 2.
With the 2023 Writers Strike now at an end, we hope that Chris Galletta – writer of one of the best teen movies in years, The Kings of Summer – can get to work on the script. We're impatient for more Pokémon fun!
Detective Pikachu 2 cast speculation
We'd put money on Ryan Reynolds returning as the voice of Pikachu. It's likely that Justice Smith and Kathryn Newton will come back too.
Details are a little iffy at this stage, even Justice Smith doesn't know if Detective Pikachu 2 will be bringing him back: "I don't know if there is going to be a reunion. I've heard rumors that they might be doing a second one, but I don't know if I'm a part of it." Last time around, Smith led one of the best detective movies for kids as Tim, with Ant-Man cast member Kathryn Newton as a fellow investigator and love interest named Lucy.
At the end of the first movie, Harry was transferred back to his human form from Pikachu, but we imagine that he'll be recombined with his Pokémon pal again in the new movie. Reynolds' voice just works for the character so well.
The possible Detective Pikachu 2 cast list includes:
- Ryan Reynolds as Detective Pikachu/Harry
- Justice Smith as Tim
- Kathryn Newton as Lucy
What will Detective Pikachu 2 be about?
The story of Detective Pikachu 2 will probably follow Tim and Harry solving some crimes, together with Lucy and Pikachu.
It wouldn't be a very good detective movie without a mystery to solve, and it wouldn't be a very good Pikachu movie without Pikachu.
There are so many amazing Pokémon characters out there, as well as new worlds to explore. With such a huge wealth of material to pull from, whether that's the anime or the games, the possibilities are endless for the Detective Pikachu 2 plot.
We'd be surprised if Harry and Pikachu didn't end up merged again at some stage and we're also expecting Team Rocket to play a major role this time around. Let's face it; we all want to see Jessie and James in live-action. Aubrey Plaza and Zac Efron, please.
Is there a Detective Pikachu 2 trailer?
There isn't a trailer for Detective Pikachu 2 available, because production's still so early in development.
You can remind yourself of the original's charm using the video above though. Or, if you'd like something else from the franchise, you can check out a full episode from one of the modern shows on YouTube below.
Where can I watch Detective Pikachu 2?
We anticipate that Detective Pikachu 2 will be a theatrical release, just like the first movie.
That means cinemas first and foremost, followed by one of the best streaming services. The likelihood is Max, since that's owned by Warner Bros. Watch this space and, in the meantime, find out what's new on Max this month.
The first Detective Pikachu movie is currently streaming on DirecTV, TNT, and TruTV in the USA, and you can also buy or rent the film on major digital platforms like Amazon and Apple.
For more tiny critters, find out Bill Nighy's choice of favorite Pokemon and the cute reason Ash ended up with Pikachu in the anime. We've also explained why the Pokémon movies are better than you think.
Alternatively, find out more about the best movies for Pokémon fans as we round-up the best video game movies ever made and look ahead to the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 release date.