Netflix ‘developing new live-action Pokémon series with Lucifer showrunner’

The anime series first arrived back in 1997 (Picture: The Pokemon Company)

Pokémon is reportedly set to get a new lease of life at Netflix, with the streaming giant developing a new live-action series.

As Variety reports, the platform will work with Lucifer co-showrunner Joe Henderson on the project. 

The as-yet-unnamed show will allegedly have a similar feel to Detective Pikachu – the 2019 live-action film starring Ryan Reynolds and Justice Smith, which grossed more than £311m ($450) worldwide. 

Henderson is thought to be writing and executive producing the series. He is also working with Netflix on the previously announced comic book adaptation Shadecraft.

He is also known for his previous work on Hulu’s 11.22.63, as well as White Collar and Graceland.

Casting information and a release date for the new series has yet to be confirmed.

The live-action reboot is the latest anime adaptation coming to Netflix (Picture: Netflix)

The new Pokémon project is the latest take on a hit anime coming to Netflix, with Cowboy Bebop also getting the live-action treatment later this year. 

The streaming service also released a live-action version of acclaimed manga series Death Note in 2017.

The Pokémon anime series, itself based on the Nintendo video game series, was first broadcast in Japan in 1997.

Just like in the video game series, the anime follows young trainer Ash Ketchum as he heads out into the world with his Pokémon Pikachu to become a Pokémon Master and take on the best trainers in the Pokémon League.

More: Netflix

The video game series remains hugely popular, with the interactive Pokémon Go recently celebrating its 5th anniversary and experiencing its most successful start to a year ever.

Pokémon also recently stepped into new territory with a free-to-play MOBA inspired by League Of Legends – with surprisingly fun, if janky, results.

There have been 23 Pokémon films to date, with Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back arriving in 1999 and the most recent, Secrets of the Jungle, coming in 2020.

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