The Success of Detective Pikachu and Reynolds' Franchise Journey
Ryan Reynolds, known for his comedic prowess and improvisation, lent his voice to the iconic character Pikachu in the 2019 live-action/CGI-hybrid movie, Detective Pikachu. The film was a box office hit, raking in over $450 million worldwide and receiving acclaim from critics and audiences. It seemed inevitable that discussions about a sequel would surface.
Detective Pikachu on a Taxi Cab in Pokemon Detective Pikachu
Reynolds' involvement in Hollywood franchises has been a focal point of his career, with successful ventures like the Deadpool movies and potential new ones with Free Guy. His knack for franchise success has led to increased focus on other projects, leaving Detective Pikachu 2 seemingly forgotten.
Harry Goodman with a train ticket on his hand in Detective Pikachu
Detective Pikachu 2: A Missed Priority for Reynolds
Despite the success of Detective Pikachu, Reynolds' attention has been diverted to other franchise endeavors. His collaboration with Marvel Studios for Deadpool 3 and the development of sequels like Free Guy 2 and Red Notice 2 have taken precedence over Detective Pikachu 2. This shift in focus has left the promising sequel in limbo, with no clear indication of Reynolds' involvement.
While Reynolds is known for being hands-on with his franchises, his lack of involvement in the development of Detective Pikachu 2 suggests that the project is not currently aligning with his priorities. Universal's commitment to the sequel stands, but Reynolds' role remains uncertain.
The Complicated Role of Ryan Reynolds in Detective Pikachu 2
The delay in Detective Pikachu 2 could be attributed to the complexity of Reynolds' role in the potential sequel. His character's revelation in the first movie presents a challenge for the sequel's narrative, requiring a compelling reason for his significant involvement and potential return as the voice of Pikachu. The unresolved nature of Reynolds' role may be a key factor contributing to the delay in the development of Detective Pikachu 2.