After 29 Years, Pokemon Is Making A Major New Addition To Canon

Published Sep 5, 2026, 7:15 PM EDT Ben is a Senior Writer on the New TV team at Screen Rant. He graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a First Class B.A. Degree in English Literature and History. Born and raised in Ireland, Ben has always had a love for storytelling in all forms of media and operates multiple projects under the name Benjamin Blogs. Ben is a comic book writer and podcast host, in addition to his work as an entertainment journalist. He has worked as both a writer and editor for Screen Rant, Collider, and other media outlets across various departments, including features, news, reviews, and interviews. Pokémon is about to make history with a new movie coming to theaters in 2027, and it completely redefines the franchise. The Pokémon brand is the highest-grossing media franchise in the world, with the brand releasing popular video games, films, tv shows, and card games, among other things. And despite the broad success of other franchises like the MCU, Star Wars, and even similar brands like Hello Kitty, Pokémon has dominated several markets in a way that others don't even come close to. So, when a new release comes from The Pokémon Company International, people pay attention, and fans can be sure to get behind the project, resulting in the brand growing even more. However, there is no denying some aspects of the brand are more profitable and popular than others. For instance, the enormous growth and revitalization in popularity of the Pokémon Trading Card Game has clearly created enormous excitement online, with some single cards being valued in the tens, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. With that in mind, it makes sense that Pokémon's next big project combines the TCG with another popular outlet, delivering on the incredible synergy that only a company like The Pokémon Company International can. Which is where Pokémon: Wild Card comes into the equation. Pokémon: Wild Card Makes The Pokémon Trading Card Game Anime Canon In 1997, the first anime cartoon of Pokémon began airing on TV in Japan, and the popularity of the series led to it getting a US and international release just one year later in 1998. However, the show was actually built as an extension and expansion to the video game that started it all, Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green, which again debuted in Japan in 1996. From there, the company grew aggressively, releasing the first Pokémon TCG cards in 1997, and all three of these products did not take long before they made their way west. The popularity exploded, and audiences jumped on board with the various aspects of the suddenly ubiquitous brand that was on physical toys, in digital video game spaces, and taking over screens. But while each part of this dynasty focused on the creative little creatures that were at the heart of these stories, other parts of these worlds appeared not to cross over. Pokémon: Wild Card is set to change that with a brand-new feature film that focuses on a Pokémon TCG player, who, alongside his partner Pokémon, Mimikyu, will lead the story of this upcoming release. Pokémon: Wild Card Is Capitalizing On The Trading Card Game's Renewed Popularity Evidently, the corporation behind the mega engine that is Pokémon is recognizing just how popular the TCG has become. In 2020, the TCG gained renewed popularity, in large part thanks to influencers online, who drew enormous attention during the global lockdown by opening packs of Pokémon cards, and creating a lot of hype and excitement around the brand. In the wake of this reawakening, the TCG has continued to be an incredibly popular pass time, with cards selling out in minutes after being loaded on to shelves in physical stores, and often even quicker in online spaces. Of course, with The Pokémon Company being a for-profit business, it makes sense to engage with the fanbase where they are, and build on this hype for themselves. And in releasing games like the virtual Pokémon TCG app on smartphones, and releasing a new film that leaves Ash Ketchum in the past, and incorporates the viral card game into the world of these stories itself, it is certain to push the success and popularity of the business even further. As long as they do it right. All things considered, while little details about Pokémon: Wild Card are currently available, it's no mystery why this movie is being made, and it makes perfect sense for the world's biggest franchise to play into what audiences are engaging with. Director Katsuhiko Kitada Franchise(s) Pokemon