Big Little Lies actress Kathryn Newton in talks for Detective Pikachu
Legendary Entertainment and The Pokémon Company are releasing the first-ever Pokémon live-action film based on Detective Pikachu, and Big Little Lies actress Kathryn Newton is in negotiations for the lead role opposite The Get Down‘s Justice Smith, according to THR. Rob Letterman is set to direct Detective Pikachu from a script by Nicole Perlman and Alex Hirsch. Newton will play the role of Lucy, a journalist who accompanies Smith’s character on an adventure.
RELATED: Pokémon Film Detective Pikachu Casts The Get Down’s Justice Smith in Lead Role
First introduced in Japan in 1996, Pokémon has delighted fans of all ages around the world for two decades. With more than 279 million video games sold worldwide, 21.5 billion TCG cards shipped to 74 countries, and an animated series spanning 19 seasons, Pokémon is one of the most successful entertainment brands in the world.
Universal Pictures will handle distribution of the live-action film outside Japan as it has done with Legendary’s other films for years. The Pokémon Company’s long-time movie collaborator, Toho, will handle distribution of the film franchise in Japan, as it had similarly done in its partnership with Legendary on the iconic monster reboot for Godzilla.
Kathryn Newton is known for her work the HBO series Big Little Lies, where she played the role of Abigail Carlson. She’s appeared in the TV series Supernatural as Claire Novak and will reprise the role in the upcoming spinoff Wayward Sisters. She also appeared in Lady Bird and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, which are getting awards season buzz.
Justice Smith is known for his work in the short-lived Netflix musical series The Get Down, as well as An Exploration in Blue and Paper Towns. He’ll next be seen in the upcoming sequel Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
What do you guys think of Kathryn Newton as a lead in the Pokémon live-action film? Are you excited for Detective Pikachu? Let us know in the comments.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
