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Could a Live-Action 'Digimon' Film Happen If 'Detective Pikachu' Is a Success?

'Detective Pikachu' is set to hit theatres later this year, with many hyped to see the live-action counterparts of their favourite Pocket Monsters. If it is a success could a live-action 'Digimon' film be next and how would it be compared to 'Detective Pikachu?'

By Craig ArnottPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
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Let's get digital!

When word hit the internet that a live-action Pokémon movie was in the works, many were Sceptile. My bad, I meant skeptical. The mass fan base could not imagine how their beloved Pokémon would look outside of Nintendo graphics or anime format. However, when the first trailer for the movie landed fans quickly fell in love with the look of the mons and have since created a true Electabuzz over the film.

With so much anticipation and excitement to see Ryan Reynolds bring the mascot of the franchise to life in Detective Pikachu, it is highly likely the film with Skiploom to a box office success. This could trigger other production companies to seek out their own cute monsters to bring to audiences in live-action format, with the most obvious being Digimon. The simple reason being, there are already dozens of Digimon narrative ready to be digitized into a film or two.

'Digimon' have been making new stories with every incarnation.

Some of the primary protagonists from the shows and games.

The main reason people were concerned over a live-action Pokémon film was due to the main theme behind the majority of the games and shows. A Pokémon trainer sets out on an adventure to capture Pokémon, earn gym badges and become the Pokémon Master. This is a long process and would be impossible in a 90-120 minute long film. Thankfully, the writers used one of the few Pokémon games with an easily adapted narrative to work in a film. If a production company were to look at Digimon for a real-world adventure, they would have many more options to consider.

Many of the Digimon shows have held short story arcs which progress the characters and their digital partners before heading into the next story arc of the season. These linking narratives could offer an option for a film series, perhaps a trilogy. They also present many twists and turns depending on the stories chosen, as Digimon has reinvented their plots and themes with each show or game. This just gives so many options alone, but if they wanted to have a shorter plot for a single movie to test the digi-portal, the 'Cyber Sleuth' games offer a better option.

The first set of characters from 'Cyber Sleuth.'

Time to solve the mystery.

With two Cyber Sleuth games out, they were not written as a starting game and direct sequel. Instead, the second game was written to have a timeline running parallel to each other. This created two protagonists unaware their actions were impacting on each other. This alone allows you to see how they would be able to create a single film and if successful move onto a sequel that shares the same universe as the first, which could then lead to a third film to bring both casts of characters together. The games were also a mystery for the players to solve and to discover what threatened both the digital world and the real world, giving a story that can easily be done in a film's length. The games were also extremely well received by players, proving the plot was engaging. Needless to say, they have plenty of option for the story, but the next to be considered is the characters.

They have both humans and mons to consider, but there are lots to choose from.

The original Digidestined and their partner Digimon.

Like Pokémon, the movie would work far better with the humans and Digimon both working together. Well, the humans with Digimon have been played around with many time, presenting multiple ages and genders to become Digidestined in a film. Their reason for having a Digimon would also vary depending on the plot of a film, as some are chosen by fate, some by a special bond, some by genetics and even on the odd occasion the humans becoming the Digimon themselves. But one thing that would need to happen is a variation in the humans' ages and genders as the shows have always varied this aspect. However, the bigger question would be who their partner Digimon would be, as they are the entire purpose behind the shows and games.

One Digimon that would be pretty much guaranteed for a live-action adaptation is Agumon. Arguably the Pikachu of the Digimon franchise, Agumon has already appeared in many of the shows and games as the primary Digimon within that title. However, unlike Pokémon, the Digimon do not always follow the same evolution path and Agumon has received many paths for what it can Digivolve into. Ideally, a film should hold at least three characters each with their own Digimon and there are literally thousands of options for partners for them. The most common mix is a Reptile Digimon, Beast Digimon and the third either a Bird, Insect or Planet Digimon. This mixture of three would give plenty of variation for viewers to enjoy.

The adventures can easily continue...

Digimon Tri was the third adventure for the Digidestined.

Some shows of Digimon have been better received than others, with the original Digidestined already returning three times, and a fourth adventure currently in development. This fourth project will result in the original heroes now being adults, meaning fans have watched these heroes grow from the children they were when they started out. If a film can create a strong enough team, a long film series is not that unexpected. The Digimon Tri series of movies consisted of six films all linking together for one large story, also proving a long film series could work if done correctly.

It seems if any other pocket monster themed movie were to follow Detective Pikachu, Digimon appears to be the next best contenders. With the vast differences in the plots and mechanics of both franchises, it offers enough differences to keep it from being called a rip-off of Pokémon.

What do you think? Would you like to see a live-action Digimon movie?

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About the Creator

Craig Arnott

A guy who was raised on comic books, sci-fi and the love of superheroes, thanks for that dad. I am also studying Film Production and Cinematography giving new insight into the craft.

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CraigArnott1984

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