Pokémon is officially returning to the big screen with Pokémon: Wild Card, a new animated movie centered on the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The film was announced during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco and is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release in 2027.
The announcement marks the franchise’s first new animated feature since Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, which debuted in Japan in 2020. The upcoming project also represents a major shift in focus, moving away from the traditional Pokémon trainer storyline to explore the competitive card game.
Pokémon: Wild Card Focuses on a TCG Player and Mimikyu
The first teaser introduces a Pokémon Trading Card Game player who is pursuing the goal of becoming a champion. Mimikyu appears alongside the protagonist, with the character seemingly playing an important role in the upcoming story.
According to The Pokémon Company President and CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara, the main character is a TCG player who is
“battling and striving to be a champion.”
The teaser also features the player wearing a yellow hoodie inspired by Mimikyu’s distinctive appearance. The Ghost/Fairy-type Pokémon first appeared in Pokémon Sun and Moon and is known for disguising itself as Pikachu.
Behind the movie is a notable anime production team. Katsuhiko Kitada is directing, while Akemi Hayashi is responsible for character designs. CloverWorks, known for SPY x FAMILY and Bocchi the Rock!, is handling animation, with STORY inc. overseeing planning and production.
The Pokémon Company has not announced an exact theatrical release date or revealed the complete cast and story details yet. More information about Pokémon: Wild Card is expected ahead of its 2027 release.
