Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is getting a sequel, but word is still out on whether star Justice Smith will be returning or not. Legendary Pictures announced a sequel before the first movie premiered, and it was received well enough to be worth pushing forward, especially as there are still so many Pokémon left to explore in the live-action universe. But as movement picks back up on the second film, doubt still remains as to whether Smith or even Ryan Reynolds (who voiced Pikachu) will be a part of it.
While promoting his new film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Smith candidly replied to a question about returning to a Detective Pikachu sequel alongside Reynolds. While he expressed enthusiasm for more live-action stories from the Pokémon, he shared that his own participation still hangs in the balance. Here's what he had to say:
I've heard that, yes. I want more of it too! That's a really good question. I don't know if there is going to be a reunion. I've heard rumors that they might be doing a second one, but I don't know if I'm a part of it.
Detective Pikachu 2 Will Be Best Served By Bringing Back Justice Smith
The first Detective Pikachu film was a financial success as well as a critical hit, and a large part of that was due to the central relationship at its center. As enjoyable as it was for longtime fans of the games to see their favorite Pokémon brought to life, it risked becoming another soulless adaptation if not for the growing friendship between Detective Pikachu and Smith's Tim Goodman. The twist at the end also serves to completely redefine that relationship, which the sequel could take the opportunity to explore more in-depth.
Given that it's already been 4 years since Detective Pikachu first hit theaters, it's only natural that audiences will want to see some continuity in the franchise. Portlandia's Jonathan Krisel was just announced as the new director for Detective Pikachu 2, and he will be working off a screenplay from Chris Galletta. With new creatives working on the sequel, the return of Smith and Reynolds would help ensure that the universe feels connected — even if the story is new.