Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution, the CGI remake of the first Pokémon movie, is finally airing outside Japan as a Netflix exclusive. The original Pokémon film released in 1998, and is remembered quite fondly for introducing Mewtwo and Mew into the anime continuity.

Pokémon has always been popular, but in the last few years the franchise has soared to even greater heights. Last year saw the release of Detective Pikachu, the first Hollywood film based on the franchise. Pokémon Sword & Shield, any controversy aside, has sold extremely well. Three years after launch, Pokémon GO is still going strong. There are not too many Nintendo games confirmed for this year so far, but one is the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon remake. Simply put, Pokémon is everywhere, and won't be leaving the public consciousness anytime soon. 2019 also saw the release of Mewtwo Strikes Back -  Evolution in Japanese movie theaters. Although one may have questioned the need for a CGI remake, it had been over 20 years since the original film.

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Today, The Pokémon Company announced Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution is coming to Netflix on February 27, dubbed Pokémon Day. Many probably assumed the film would air on television like the previous two movies, I Choose You! and The Power of Us. Instead, the press release states the film is coming to Netflix worldwide, with the exception of Japan and Korea. Check out the trailer below.

Like the original movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution follows Ash Ketchum, Brock and Misty as they get caught up in Mewtwo's revenge against humankind. The trailer shows part of the famous climax featuring the cloned Pokémon created by Mewtwo, and the iconic punch Ash attempts to land on the powerful creature.

Many are probably still questioning why a CGI remake was made. It's important to remember it has been a long time since the original movie; new fans have come thanks to the modern games, Nintendo Switch, and other factors. Although some will maintain that hand-drawn animation is superior to CGI, there is no denying the animation is high quality in the remake. The Pokémon themselves look excellent. For those not interested in the remake, a new Pokémon film is being released in Japan this year. Its international release has not been confirmed yet, but hopefully it won't be too long after its theatrical run.

Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution is coming to Netflix outside Japan and Korea on February 27.

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Source: The Pokémon Company