The Marvel Cinematic Universe has expanded far into the outreaches of space, mystic realms, and is tapping into the multiverse. Nothing seems out of bounds for the superhero franchise, meaning the possibility of introducing Pokémon into the mix doesn’t sound farfetched by any means.
In fact, certain characters like Thor, Ant-Man, Hulk, and others would be very well suited if paired with Pokémon. Similarly, there are locations like the mystic Ta Lo and alien civilizations like Asgard that can plausibly house Pokémon. Some of these creatures suit the MCU better than others and it’s interesting to speculate which Pokémon would do well in the MCU based on their characteristics.
Mewtwo
Mewtwo is a Pokémon that even non-fans know about, being a calculating and dominating figure who doesn’t bow down to any master. Mewtwo would have been perfect as a villain similar to Thanos or Ultron, in that he would want to command a Pokémon uprising against humans.
Mewtwo’s telekinetic and telepathic powers would make him an Avengers-level threat that only the likes of Scarlet Witch and Doctor Strange could fully challenge. Moreover, Mewtwo’s role could be divided into multiple stories to make him an overarching antagonist that rallies Pokémon to his side until the all-out battle.
Unown
Unown continue to be mysterious characters whom Pokémon pretty much wasted by introducing as powerful creatures that ended up not doing much. Unown carry otherworldly energy that can alter reality itself, which is an aspect that would work perfectly in the multiversal stories the MCU is currently engaging in.
Unown can plausibly be creatures that Doctor Strange would include in his research of the multiverse, with the potential to show up across different realities. They could also be used in storylines where villains look to harness the Unown’s power to shatter the multiverse and force the heroes to band together.
Machamp
There are certain Pokémon that would match MCU’s Avengers well due to similar abilities, with Machamp seeming along the lines of The Hulk. Machamp’s presence in the MCU would come across as relatively normal because The Hulk has already made in-universe characters be aware of titanic creatures.
Machamp could work in stories based on outer world places involving Thor or the Guardians of the Galaxy, as many powerful creatures have shown up in planets like Sakaar, Knowhere, Asgard, among others. Machamp’s strength and fighting ability would make it a valuable Pokémon for heroes to train.
Charizard
MCU movies that dare to dive into fantasy elements have featured dragon-type beings, such as The Great Protector from Ta Lo, and the Fire Dragon in Muspelheim. Charizard is a Pokémon that would make sense to be included in such settings where the inclusion of a dragon Pokémon is normal.
Ideally, Charizard can work very well in Ta Lo, seeing as the village exists in its own dimension where the inhabitants train to perfect their fighting abilities. Ash’s Charizard had similarly settled in a place inhabited by its species to work on itself, so Charizard in MCU’s Ta Lo seems like a natural inclusion.
Steelix
The Asgardians have battled creatures of legend and certain others that even surprise them. Steelix is a ground-type Pokémon with a metal coat exterior, which makes it extremely difficult to beat. However, a Pokémon such as Steelix would most definitely garner the interest of Thor.
A battle between Thor using the Mjolnir and Steelix would be a sight to see, while Steelix could be used to introduce new places that the Pokémon is native to. It could even be included in a clash against the Leviathan creatures that Thanos commanded due to their similar powers and appearances.
Golduck
Although technically a water-type Pokémon, Golduck has psychic abilities that come from the precious jewel on its forehead. It’s a creature that would make a great sidekick for a powerful superhero like Doctor Strange, who could use Golduck as a partner to fight his enemies with.
Golduck’s forehead jewel can come into play much like the Infinity Stones did, in that it could be revealed as an artifact of great power that villains want to procure. The MCU has so far been lacking in establishing creatures in the mystic aspect of things, making Golduck a Pokémon who would be an invaluable addition.
Beedrill
Beedrill is considered to be one of the best dual-type poison Pokémon, with characters warned not to approach Beedrill nests because they tend to attack in swarms. The Ant-Man movies would make the best use of this Pokémon and Scott Lang would love to have a Beedrill as a pet.
The first Ant-Man had featured Antony as Scott’s preferred animal sidekick, which would be a position that Beedrill can take up. If these Pokémon were to be included in the MCU, then there’s little doubt that a scene would have had Ant-Man command an entire swarm to attack his enemies with.
Gyarados
Gyarados can be seen as the equivalent of the Dweller-in-Darkness, what with its ability to decimate entire cities. Alternatively, Gyarados could be presented as a Pokémon that the protagonists have trained to use as their trump card against villains.
Gyarados would have fit perfectly if pitted against Thanos’ Leviathans, which would have been a great contest to see. It’s a Pokémon whose presence in places like Ta Lo and Asgard would feel natural, seeing as the characters there are used to being around incredibly powerful beings.
Bulbasaur
Certain creatures have been introduced in the MCU simply because of the cuteness factor that they bring, such as Morris in Shang-Chi. Bulbasaur would serve the same purpose, as it’s considered among the most popular Pokémon due to how lovable it is.
Bulbasaur species can be shown to be native to places like Ta Lo, where their plant-based abilities are used by the people. Much like Goose in Captain Marvel, Bulbasaur’s cuteness would most likely be a facade that eventually reveals the dangerous abilities it possesses when the time to fight arrives.
Pikachu
Pikachu is a Pokémon that fits in whatever capacity the story wants it to be in. It’s best as the companion of the main protagonist as Ash’s Pikachu, but other Pikachu have turned up as mischievous creatures that have caused some problems.
The MCU could include Pikachu as Thor’s pet, given that both of them have the same electric-based powers. Thor’s personality is also that of a nurturer who appreciates spunky behavior, so he would be very attached to this Pokémon. Alternatively, Pikachu can show up in just about any setting on the basis that it is native to that location.