Netflix Working On Live-Action Pokemon Series, Report Says

Netflix is developing a new Pokemon TV show, Variety reported.

Joe Henderson, who is co-showrunner on the hit Netflix show “Lucifer” is set to write and executive produce, according to the report. “Lucifer” is about to go into its sixth and final season later in 2021.

The project is still in its infancy. No details are known about the story, the report stated. The show might be a live-action series much like the feature film “Detective Pikachu” from 2019, which starred Ryan Reynolds and Justice Smith.

Henderson is also working on an adaptation of the comic book he penned, “Shadecraft,” for Netflix, according to the report. In addition, Henderson has also done work on shows like the Stephen King adaptation “11.22.63” at Hulu, along with “Graceland” and “White Collar” at USA Network.

There’s been a move by Netflix to host multiple existing Pokemon shows, such as “Pokemon: Indigo League” and “Pokemon Journeys” along with others, the report stated.

Netflix has also been getting more into anime in recent years, with original series based on properties like “Far Cry,” “Splinter Cell” and “Terminator.” There have also been several live-action adaptations of anime properties in recent years, including “Death Note,” according to the report.

PYMNTS previously reported on Netflix’s speculated push into gaming, which came about when the streaming company hired Mike Verdu, who is an Oculus, Electronic Arts and Zynga executive. His role was listed as vice president of games development, and Netflix didn’t comment further.

Chief Operating and Product Officer Greg Peters had said earlier that there was likely to be some development in the gaming area.

“We’re trying to figure out what are all these different ways … we can deepen that fandom, and certainly games are a really interesting component of that,” he said. “There’s no doubt that games are going to be an important form of entertainment and an important modality to deepen that fan experience.”