Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles - What We Know So Far
The ever-expanding world of "Pokémon" is on course for a banner year. Back in January, fans were treated to "Pokémon Legends: Arceus," a new sort of "Pokémon" game that featured real-time catching mechanics in the ancient region of Hisui. Later this year, in November, "Pokémon Scarlet" and "Pokémon Violet" will become the next entries into the core game series, where potential trainers will be treated to an adventure through Paldea, a new region inspired by Spain. Also, there's a sentient motorcycle Pokémon shaped like a lizard, so happiness is essentially assured.
While that's more than enough to be getting along with, there's even MORE news — We're getting a new animated "Pokémon" mini-series on Netflix, entitled "Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles." If that sounds familiar, or perhaps tangentially related to other 2022 "Pokémon" media, it should. Here's what we know so far.
What's the release date for Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles?
Here's the thing — there are technically three separate release dates for this project, but only one of them matters now. Originally, "Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles" dropped in January so that Japanese audiences could enjoy all their Arceus content at once. Just in case we're not all working with the same information, Arceus is the canonical, capital "G" God of the Pokémon universe. Like, the literal creator deity. With that harrowing trivia out of the way, the second release date was in August for anyone who attended the Pokémon World Championship event.
Again, that's a bygone moment, so the only release date left is the date when it officially drops on Netflix for English-speaking audiences to stream whenever they please, and that's September 23. In just under a month, anyone, anywhere, can enjoy the four-part mini-series.
Who's in the cast of Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles?
"Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles" is packed with familiar characters from across the many generations — or seasons, depending on which "Pokémon" media is the preferred core experience. At the center of the story is Ash Ketchum (Sarah Natochenny), the forever a child trainer on his quest to become a Pokémon master. At Ash's side is Goh (Zeno Robinson), his travel companion from "Pokémon Master Journeys" that some have speculated will ultimately take over the mantle of Pokémon protagonist. But there's more! Brock (Bill Rogers), the Pewter City gym leader and one of Ash's longest-lasting friends, will be along for the ride, too.
At most, Ash usually travels with two friends, but "Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles" throws the magic number three out the window by bringing Dawn (Emily Bauer) into the mix. Another one of Ash's most well-beloved friends, Dawn, heralds from "Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl." Other characters who will be featured are Cynthia (Emily Jenness), the Hoenn Champion, and (obviously) Pikachu (Ikue Ôtani). It does not seem, however, that the infamous Team Rocket trio — Jesse (Michele Knotz), James (Eric Stuart/James Carter Cathcart), and Meowth (Madeleine Blaustein) — will be a part of the story.
What's Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles about?
As mentioned earlier, "Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles" is an animated tie-in to "Pokémon Legends: Arceus." The game's story follows Rei or Akari — depending on which trainer is chosen by the player — as they're thrust into the past by a meddling Arceus. At this point, the selected trainer must help tame the wild region of Hisui, which later becomes Sinnoh, aka the region from "Pokémon Diamond" and "Pokémon Pearl." As the trailer suggests, "Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles" will see Ash and his friends travel to Sinnoh to explore the history of the region. There are a number of nods to the game, as well as a faithful recreation of a historical village that would one day become Jubilife City.
Along with Arceus, the trailer promises a wellspring of other legendary Pokémon, including Uxie, Mesprite, Azelf, and Heatran. Dialga and Palkia look to be appearing, as well, considering how deeply connected they are to both Hisui and Sinnoh. In brief, Uxie, Mesprite, and Azelf are a trio of legendary Pokémon who represent human emotion, knowledge, and willpower, respectively. Dialga and Palkia are the gods of time and space, respectively. Heatran, on the other hand, is just a big lava monster, so that's cool.