A recent Pokémon leak has revealed exciting news for fans of the iconic franchise, suggesting that a brand-new anime spin-off series is on the horizon. The leak, which comes alongside information about upcoming video games and live-action projects, highlights that a fresh addition to the Pokémon anime universe is in development, offering something quite different from the main series.
A Shift from Ash Ketchum
The departure of Ash Ketchum, the long-time protagonist of the Pokémon anime, surprised many fans. After decades of adventures with his trusty Pikachu, Ash finally achieved his dream of becoming the world champion. Following this milestone, the creative team decided it was time for a change, passing the torch to new characters, Liko and Roy, in Pokémon Horizons. Unlike Ash’s journey to be the best trainer, Horizons follows Liko and Roy as they unravel a mystery involving mystical artifacts, while evading the villainous Explorers and forming alliances with the Rising Volt Tacklers.
A New Pokémon Series in the Works
While Pokémon Horizons continues to captivate audiences, recent leaks suggest another anime spin-off series is in production. Titled “Pokémon Reload”—although this may be a placeholder name—the upcoming series promises to explore a new facet of the Pokémon world. Past spin-offs like Pokémon Concierge and Pokémon: Twilight Wings have taken creative liberties, with Concierge even adopting stop-motion animation. This new series, according to the leaks, will be developed by Studio Colorido, the same studio behind Twilight Wings.
Reportedly, Pokémon Reload will consist of 12 episodes, each around 21 minutes long, and will be available on major streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Originally planned for a 2023 release, the spin-off faced delays, and the exact release date remains unknown.
As for the main series, Pokémon Horizons shows no signs of reverting to Ash Ketchum or introducing new protagonists anytime soon. Leaks indicate that a possible time skip may be in the works, aging Liko and Roy and placing them in fresh, thrilling scenarios. This suggests that Ash’s replacements are set to remain central to the series for the foreseeable future.
However, the potential return of Ash and Pikachu has not been ruled out entirely. Creators have hinted that they may bring back the beloved duo in some capacity, though how or when this might happen is unclear. Intriguingly, Pokémon Horizons has yet to acknowledge Ash’s legacy, leaving fans speculating about where the story fits in the broader timeline and what Ash’s future holds. When viewers last saw him, he was still on a journey to truly master the world of Pokémon.
With the new spin-off on the way and Pokémon Horizons continuing its unique narrative, the Pokémon anime universe is set for an exciting evolution, promising fresh adventures for both long-time fans and new audiences alike.
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