Pokémon: Wild Card Brings the Trading Card Game to the Big Screen

TLDR: Pokémon is taking its Trading Card Game into new territory with Pokémon: Wild Card, the franchise’s first movie centred on the Pokémon TCG.

The Pokémon Company unveiled the first trailer at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, marking a return to animated feature films after a seven-year hiatus.

Also, if you want to check out the latest upcoming movies from your favourite anime and games, check out TGV Cinemas’ coming soon list here!

Welcome to the World of Pokémon: Wild Card

The first teaser introduces a Pokémon TCG player alongside Mimikyu in a striking cyberpunk-inspired world. The story appears to revolve around players putting their cards, skills, and ambitions to the test as they pursue their goals.

While many details surrounding the plot remain under wraps, the teaser suggests that Pokémon cards and TCG battles will play a central role rather than simply appearing as references to the popular tabletop game.

Pokémon: Wild Card will be directed by Katsuhiko Kitada, whose previous credits include work on Attack on Titan, Naruto: Shippuden, and I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.

Akemi Hayashi will serve as character designer, bringing experience from projects including Lazarus, Violet Evergarden, and the Rebuild of Evangelion film series. CloverWorks and Story Inc. are producing the project.

A New Direction for Pokémon Movies

The movie represents a major departure from previous Pokémon theatrical releases. It will be the first film built around the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the first animated Pokémon movie not to centre on Ash Ketchum, who served as the anime’s main protagonist for decades.

By focusing on TCG players instead, Pokémon: Wild Card could introduce a different side of the Pokémon universe while bringing the strategy and culture surrounding the hugely popular card game to a wider audience.

The announcement has already sparked speculation among fans about whether exclusive promotional Pokémon cards could accompany the movie’s release. No promotional cards have been officially confirmed, but a TCG-focused film naturally opens the door to potential movie-exclusive collectibles and tie-ins.

When Will Pokémon: Wild Card Be Released?

Pokémon: Wild Card is currently expected to arrive in 2027, with more details about its story, characters, and release plans likely to be revealed closer to launch.