Live-action Pokemon (2026) storms screens with Tom Holland as a rookie trainer, Dwayne Johnson as a grizzled gym leader, Zendaya as a cunning rival, and Anya Taylor-Joy as a Pokémon scholar, directed by Jon Favreau. Does it catch the franchise’s lightning, or faint in the tall grass? As a critic who’s tossed more Pokéballs than a Kanto champ, I’ll say this: Pokemon is a vibrant, creature-crammed adventure that sparkles with kid-friendly wonder, but its by-the-numbers quest keeps it from evolving into a legendary catch.

Holland’s trainer hunts a mythical Pokémon to save his region, mentored by Johnson’s battle-hardened leader and sparring with Zendaya’s sly rival. Favreau’s CGI menagerie – Pikachu’s sparks, a Charizard’s fiery roar – is a visual love letter, with a stadium showdown that’s pure arena magic. Henry Jackman’s upbeat score hums with game nostalgia, and the Kanto-inspired world, from misty forests to neon gyms, pops in 3D. Holland’s wide-eyed charm carries the journey, Johnson’s booming presence anchors, Zendaya’s sharp wit crackles, and Taylor-Joy’s quiet intellect adds depth.