Netflix announced today that the next animated movie in the Pokémon franchise will premiere on Netflix around the world with the exception of Japan, China, and Korea on 8 October 2021.
First revealed in November 2020, Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle marks the 23rd animated Pokémon movie in the franchise.
The streamer dropped the official trailer that features the adventures of Koko who grows up in the jungle with a solitary Zarude.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Deep within the Forest of Okoya, the Mythical Pokémon Zarude live in a troop and maintain a strict rule that forbids outsiders from entering their territory. Elsewhere in the jungle lives Koko, a human boy raised by a lone Zarude who left the troop. Koko has grown up never doubting that he is a Zarude. But one day, a chance meeting with Ash and Pikachu leaves Koko with his first human friend. Is he truly a Pokémon? Or is he, in fact, a human? When danger threatens the jungle, the bonds between Pokémon and human—and the love between parent and child—will be put to the test.
The film features Always Safe and No Matter What, two original songs written and recorded by music artist, Cyn, for the movie. Cyn is also one of the many notable artists participating in the P25 Music program celebrating 25 years of Pokémon for which she wrote and recorded another new song Wonderful.
The Pokémon Company International senior vice president of licensing Emily Arons said, “During Pokémon’s 25th anniversary year, we wanted fans to have the opportunity to experience the newest animated Pokémon movie simultaneously as a global community. Pokémon animation is a much beloved pillar of the franchise and Netflix is the perfect partner to once again help us deliver a worldwide moment for fans as we celebrate 25 years of action and adventure with Ash and his Pikachu.”
Pokemon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle will premiere on Netflix on 8 October.