Exploring the Anime Reboot of Pokémon Before Ash’s Surprising Departure

The Pokémon anime took a bold step in 2022 by officially retiring Ash Ketchum, the beloved protagonist who had been the face of the franchise for nearly 25 years. This momentous change set the stage for a fresh narrative arc in a new series titled Pokémon Horizons, which introduces a host of new characters and stories. Interestingly, attempts to reboot the franchise in the past had mixed results, with one significant effort failing to resonate with audiences.

Throughout its journey, the Pokémon anime has continuously evolved, regularly introducing new Pokémon and companions to accompany Ash on his adventures across various regions. The most notable transformation occurred during the Black and White series, which saw Ash part ways with long-time friend Brock after more than a decade together. This era also included a significant reset for Ash and Pikachu. However, a major reboot was attempted in 2017 with the introduction of the film Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!, which aimed to restart the narrative from a different perspective.

Major Reboot Created an Alternate Continuity

Special Film Initiated an Alternate Continuity Trilogy

Ash saying goodbye to Butterfree in the movie.

Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! was made to commemorate the anime’s 20th anniversary in Japan, allowing fans to rekindle their connection with Ash Ketchum. While it revisits iconic moments from the original series—such as Ash’s first meeting with Pikachu and Butterfree’s farewell—the film features a significant departure from the established continuity. Many fans were surprised to see the absence of long-standing characters like Brock and Misty, who were replaced by new companions Verity and Sorrel.

The narrative focuses on the bond between Ash and Pikachu, emphasizing their relationship more than ever. This new continuity was signified by Ash receiving a Rainbow Wing from Ho-Oh, symbolizing his destiny for greatness. Additionally, the film introduces the new Alola Pokémon Marshadow, which tails Ash throughout his journey, creating moments of mischief. The plot climaxes with a confrontation between Ash and Ho-Oh, but the outcome of their battle is left unresolved.

This reboot was not a standalone venture; it laid the groundwork for two subsequent films—The Power of Us and Secrets of the Jungle, which also take place in this alternate storyline. Following Ash’s retirement from the main anime, he was also phased out of the movies, concluding with a special episode titled “The Distant Blue Sky,”designed to serve as a capstone to this new narrative thread.

The Impact of Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!

The Reboot Film Faced Criticism and Failed to Make an Impact

As the first Pokémon film to hit U.S. theaters in several years, I Choose You! received largely unfavorable reviews from critics, many of whom viewed it as lacking originality and being overly simplistic. Fans also expressed disappointment over the omission of Brock and Misty, critical figures in Ash’s journey, raising questions about how the film intended to celebrate 20 years of the anime without these beloved characters. The new characters, Verity and Sorrel, didn’t resonate with viewers, often seen as lacking depth and personal motivation.

A notable point of contention was the film’s climax, where Ash, near death, hears Pikachu speak in human language, declaring its refusal to enter a Poké Ball. This decision led to mixed reactions, with many audiences finding it awkward or humorous, undermining the emotional weight of the scene. The transition from Pikachu’s familiar voice to a clear English line caused confusion, particularly jarring given that Ikue Ohtani, the voice actor for Pikachu, had voiced all other dialogues up to that moment.

Ultimately, aimed at long-time fans, the film failed to resonate with most viewers. The subsequent release, The Power of Us, received a better critical reception, scoring 71% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the 33% of its predecessor, while Secrets of the Jungle came in at a slightly lower 60%. Despite achieving moderate success at the Japanese box office, these films struggled to gain traction internationally, contributing to the cessation of the alternate continuity alongside the main series.

In summary, Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! represented an ambitious yet flawed attempt to recapture the magic of the franchise. Its blend of nostalgic elements with a bid for innovation might explain the lack of success among both critics and fans alike.

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