Netflix Is Rumored To Be Developing a Live-Action Pokémon Series That Stars Red, Not Ash Ketchum

According to new reports, Netflix is developing a live-action Pokemon series based on the stories of Red (the first Pokémon Trainer) and apparently not Ash Ketchum. Find how this translates to the Pokémon world.

Introduction

The neverending roller coaster of excitement and rumors in the Pokémon fanbase is back, this time with news that Netflix may be working on a live-action series. While the Pokemon series has always traditionally followed franchise protagonist Ash Ketchum around as he wanders through various worlds, this new version of Times is apparently going to be all about Red –

Pokémon’s first-ever video game trainer. This move is the subject of a rousing debate amongst fans about what this means for their cherished Pokémon world.

Rumor Mill: Red In the Drivers Seat

The rumor, posted on the GamingLeaksandRumours subreddit by user IcePopsicleDragon, claims that Netflix’s live-action Pokémon series — which was first confirmed to be in development with the streaming service back in 2021 — is still alive and well. The big catch:

this time, the series won’t be based on Ash Ketchum — who has been synonymous with the Pokémon anime for nearly 25 years. Rather, the series is set to follow Pokémon video game protagonist Red.

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Ash vs. Red: Why So Confused?

Certainly, some fans might be a bit confused by the Ash vs Red divide. I mean, after-all These are 2 iconic charterers with baseball caps… and the common purpose of wanting to “catch ’em all. Ash Ketchum (created as the main character for Pokémon anime, which started in 1997) was not Red in the original games called *Pokémon Red and Blue*.

After all, while Ash is Red-inspired his character has clearly diverged since then. Likewise, Ashley’s rival Gary Oak was based on Red’s opponent Blue.

The Pokémon anime obviously took a few creative liberties as it grew with time, and began to take far fewer cues from the video games. The divide has caused really big gaps between Ash and Red that The Pokémon Company. never clarify just to leave space for fans interpretation/critique over spectra with I think keeps the rivalry from getting too carried away.

While Ash has been journeying through countless leagues of friends, Red’s travels are mostly solitary; traveling regions to challenge gym leaders and eventually become a Pokémon Champion.

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Pokémon Castform on Netflix

If the whispers are accurate, Platform and The Pokémon Company want a reset for this live-action show beginning from the very source of been-there-done-that elements found in their widespread Pokemon franchise. So by keeping the spotlight on Red, the show could give fans a storyline that follows closer to what’s in Pokémon games exploring how Red would become Pokémon Master true to game.

It sounds like this could potentially mean that series veterans such as Misty and Brock may end up taking their usual role of gym leaders rather than how they were portrayed in the anime, traveling companions.

There is also potential, in the live-action format, for a darker and perhaps more grounded take on the Pokémon universe that those who have been fans since 1995 will appreciate while still being accessible to new audiences.

The Adaptation Struggle: Balancing Fidelity with Innovation

With a recognizable franchise like Pokémon, it is always a balancing act. On the one hand, people want things to be done as faithfully-to-the-original-games-and-stories-as-possible — on the other side of that coin?

Changes DO inevitably need to happen for an adaptation to a new medium. When working on a live-action show, even more so the pacing of the series as well character development and visual effects need to be taken into account.

While Netflix adaptations have not been up to par historically, pulling off One Piece tells me that they can stick the landing if it counts (and those are my thoughts too). Or the Pokémon franchise, which is something else entirely – a much more established fanbase that’s been around for over 20 years.

While it remains to be seen if Netflix will get its live-action Pokémon adaptation right, a focus on Red rather than Ash suggests they are at least trying not to recreate another long-running anime.

Conclusion

Though the report of a Netflix live-action Pokémon series about Red is unverified at this point, that does not mean Poke-fans have stopped talking. If done right, this departure from Ash Ketchum to Red feels like it could be a much-needed exploration of storytelling in the world of Pokémon that leans more toward what was exhibited in the original games.

Fans will need to stay tuned to see if, indeed, Red becomes a live-adaptation reality, but even the idea of witnessing his tale unfold on screen is enough reason for all us gaming enthusiasts.

FAQs

What separates Ash Ketchum from Red?

Ash Ketchum is the main character of Pokémon TV show, and also a charecter named red was an original trainer from pokemon video games While Ash was based on Red, they have now grown apart quite a bit in terms of characters and stories.

Did Netflix Just Announce a Live-Action Pokemon Series?

Then we have the long-rumored live-action Pokemon show on Netflix, with word of it focusing not around Ash Ketchum but rather Red from what was essentially our first Pokémon game.

Well, why would Netflix pick Red to star in the live-action series over Ash?

Netflix could be looking at making a (related) addition to Pokémon, but the kicker this time might be an entirely more game-accurate variant that gives new story direction while being appreciated in games fans only.

Misty and Brock To Appear In Live-Action Pokemon Series?

Our sources suggested that, should the show stick closer to Pokemon canon than before, Misty and Brock would not be traveling companions anymore but rather Gym Leaders.

What They Are Saying: Live-Action Pokémon Series Rumor

Fans have had very mixed reactions, some are excited for the prospect of a more game-accurate storyline and others who wonder how its going to differ from what is already established in the anime.

What else do we know about the Pokémon live-action TV show?

Now, neither Netflix nor Pokémon Company has announced anything official yet so fans will have to wait for now.