The Pokémon Company International and Netflix announced that the next animated movie in the Pokémon franchise will premiere on Netflix around the world with the exception of Japan, China, and Korea on October 8, 2021. First revealed in November 2020, Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle marks the 23rd animated Pokémon movie in the franchise.
“During Pokémon’s 25th anniversary year, we wanted fans to have the opportunity to experience the newest animated Pokémon movie simultaneously as a global community. Pokémon animation is a much beloved pillar of the franchise and Netflix is the perfect partner to once again help us deliver a worldwide moment for fans as we celebrate 25 years of action and adventure with Ash and his Pikachu.” Emily Arons, Senior Vice President of Licensing at The Pokémon Company International commented.
Arons said that to further celebrate the announcement, beginning today, Trainers will be able to receive the alternate form of Zarude that is featured in the movie, as well as Shiny Celebi, in their Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield video games by signing up for Pokémon Trainer Club email notifications by September 25, 2021. Arons added that trainers who register in this way will receive a Pokémon Trainer Club email containing a distribution code for both on October 7, 2021. Fans can also look forward to activations in Pokémon GO celebrating the global launch of ‘Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle’ with details being announced soon. In the meantime, fans can visit the official movie website and join the conversation online with #Pokemon25.

Deep within the Forest of Okoya, the Mythical Pokémon Zarude live in a troop and maintain a strict rule that forbids outsiders from entering their territory. Elsewhere in the jungle lives Koko, a human boy raised by a lone Zarude who left the troop. Koko has grown up never doubting that he is a Zarude. But one day, a chance meeting with Ash and Pikachu leaves Koko with his first human friend. Is he truly a Pokémon? Or is he, in fact, a human? When danger threatens the jungle, the bonds between Pokémon and human—and the love between parent and child—will be put to the test.