The sequel toDetective Pikachu,Legendary Pictures' 2019 smash-hit based on the iconicPokémonfranchise, has filled a key role.Deadlinehas reported thatPortlandiaco-creatorJonathan Kriselhas been tapped to direct the second installment, ticking a major box as production on the project begins to ramp up.
According to Deadline, Krisel will helm the film based on a screenplay fromChris Galletta,known for penning the 2019 indie filmThe Kings of Summer.While details on the sequel remain slim, the firstDetective PikachustarredRyan Reynoldsas the voice of the titular Pokémon Pikachu, who gets wrapped up in a mystery in which he must work to try and solve the supposed death of a prominent police detective, but ends up uncovering a conspiracy that could change the Pokémon world forever. The film, which wasdirected byRob Letterman,also starredJustice SmithandKathryn Newton.While no casting for the sequel has been announced, sources told Deadline that Reynolds will likely have some role to play in the film.
The firstDetective Pikachuwas released by Warner Bros. as part of their previous deal with Legendary. The filmbecame a massive success, generating over $430 million at the box office on a $150 million budget, and remains the second-highest grossing video game adaptation of all time. So it should come as no surprise that studio executives were keen to get a second installment off the ground, as production on the sequel wasreportedly under developmenteven before the first film hit theaters. At the time, it was reported that a screenplay was being penned by22 Jump StreetwriterOren Uziel,though it seems that Galletta has now taken over on that front. Uziel was hired when Legendary was still in its pact with Warner Bros., though the studio has since signed a new multi-year distribution deal with Sony, so it is unclear if any aspects of Uziel’s script will be used.
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Krisel is best known for co-creating and directingPortlandiaalongsideCarrie BrownsteinandFred Armisen.The series, which also co-starred Armisen and Brownstein, was set in Portland, Oregon, and depicted the everyday happenings of the city’s famous hipster lifestyle. The show ran for eight seasons and has maintained a cult following. In addition toPortlandia,Krisel additionally co-created FX’s comedy seriesBasketsalong with starZach GalifinakisandLouis C.K.Krisel has also beentapped to direct the highly anticipatedSesame Streetfeature film adaptation. Though progress on that front has been slow-moving,Anne Hathaway,who is attached to star in the film,recently told Colliderthat she is hopeful that the project will still come to fruition.
No release window for the follow-up toDetective Pikachuhas been announced. The trailer for the first film can be seen below:
