Live Action 'Pokémon' Movie to Begin Production Next Year

As a stampede-causing, battery-draining mobile gaming phenomenon unmatched by any competitor in United States history, Pokémon GO has catapulted the 20-year-old Pokémon franchise to unforeseen heights. 

Variety reports that Legendary and The Pokémon Co. are partnering to bring a live action Pokémon film to the screen, and are beginning production in 2017 on a project rumored to be based on Detective Pikachu, a character recently introduced to the franchise.