What was the first live-action Pokémon film released in theaters?

Detective Pikachu was the first live-action Pokémon film released in theaters.

Directed by Rob Letterman, the film is based on the 2016 Nintendo 3DS game Detective Pikachu rather than directly adapting one of the mainline role-playing games. It follows Tim Goodman as he investigates his father’s disappearance with the help of a talking Pikachu.

Warner Bros. distributed the film internationally, while Legendary Pictures produced it with Pokémon-related partners. Ryan Reynolds provided the voice and performance capture for Detective Pikachu, and Justice Smith played Tim Goodman.

The film premiered in Tokyo on April 25, 2019, before its wider theatrical release in May. It is distinct from the many earlier animated Pokémon films, including the 1998 Pokémon: The First Movie.