Production begins next year

Murmurs of a live-action Pokémon movie are coming to fruition. The Pokémon Company and Legendary Entertainment have reached a deal for a new film franchise, reports Deadline, with a movie based around Detective Pikachu of all things beginning production next year.

It goes without saying, but: Danny DeVito as Pikachu? I think the world could use that right now.

There have been what feels like hundreds of animated Pokémon movies over the years (I distinctly remember stressing on the way to a theater that my friends and I wouldn't get good seats for Pokémon: The First Movie), but live-action? And Detective Pikachu? This is uncharted territory.

With the rampant success of GO, you just know The Pokémon Company made serious bank on this.

Legendary Catches 'Pokemon' Live Action Movie Rights Deal [Deadline]