‘Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle’ Gets Netflix Release Date and Trailer Debuting the Mythical Pokémon Zarude
Pokémon is a massive media franchise. It has become highly popular around the world since its creation in 1996. The manga series, video games, and anime series offer varying looks into the Pokémon universe. The games are currently in generation VIII with Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Pokemon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle is the newest movie to come from the franchise.
The 23rd movie in the franchise
Secrets of the Jungle marks the 23rd movie. However, the movies have been considered to be a part of a reboot continuity since the 20th film. As a result, the stories being told don’t have any impact on the anime series or on each other. They are self-contained and can be enjoyed independently of one another.
Secrets of the Jungle hit Japanese theaters on December 25, 2020. However, The Pokémon Company has been silent regarding the U.S. release date. Now, the newest Pokémon movie has a more accessible platform and a release date set.
‘Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle’ hitting Netflix
The Pokémon Company confirmed that Secrets of the Jungle is hitting Netflix on Oct. 8. The movie will be available on the streaming platform around the world, except for in Japan, China, and Korea.
The plot takes place in the Forest of Okoya. It’s a land for Pokémon to thrive away from humans who may seek to disrupt its purpose. However, Koko is a young human boy who has lived among them. Zarude is a Mythical Pokémon who has raised Koko. He’s always firmly believed that he’s a Pokémon himself. Ash and his pal, Pikachu, happen to cross paths with Koko. The young boy is forced to confront his identity.
Emily Arons, Senior Vice President of Licensing at The Pokémon Company, provided a comment in the Netflix press release. “During Pokémon’s 25th anniversary year, we wanted fans to have the opportunity to experience the newest animated Pokémon movie simultaneously as a global community,” she said. “Pokémon animation is a much beloved pillar of the franchise and Netflix is the perfect partner to once again help us deliver a worldwide moment for fans as we celebrate 25 years of action and adventure with Ash and his Pikachu.”
‘Pokémon Sword’ or ‘Pokémon Shield’ collectibles
The original Pokémon theatrical movies offered fans the opportunity to get special collectible cards. For example, Pokémon: The First Movie dispensed special trading cards at certain theaters for Electabuzz, Pikachu, Mewtwo, and Dragonite. Secrets of the Jungle won’t be widely available in theaters, so The Pokémon Company is giving another opportunity to get special collectibles.
Pokémon fans are able to take this opportunity to get in-game goodies. Sign up for the Pokémon Trainer Club newsletter before Sept. 25 to get a special code, which can be used in Sword and Shield. Dada Zarude and Shiny Celebi are both up for grabs. Zarude will be level 70, and Shiny Celebi will be level 60. These will only be available for a limited time to promote Secrets of the Jungle.
There will also be activations in Pokémon GO, although those details haven’t been announced quite yet.
