Pokémon unveils first new film in seven years, plus Disney+ deal

Pokémon announced Pokémon: Wild Card during the closing ceremonies of the 2026 World Championships in San Francisco, marking the franchise’s first new movie in seven years. The film centers on a Pokémon Trading Card Game player and features Mimikyu, with a teaser hinting at that focus. Katsuhiko Kitada directs, Akemi Hayashi handles character design, Story Inc. produces, and CloverWorks animates, with a 2027 release now indicated and potential follow-on content. The announcement accompanies a broader expansion of Pokémon content, including a Disney+ distribution deal and new series such as Sirfetch’d & Pichu in development for streaming, plus others tied to the Pokémon Tales initiative. The news comes as Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary with multiple new games, animations, and partnerships expanding the brand beyond traditional releases. Additional coverage notes that the teaser premiered at the World Championships and that more projects are in the works.