‘Pokemon The Movie: I Choose You!’ To Get Limited Fathom Event Release Worldwide

It was announced Monday that Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You!, an origin story focusing on Ash and Pikachu’s first encounter, will be shown worldwide for two-days during a limited theatrical release through Fathom Events.

I Choose You! is the twentieth movie in the Pokemon franchise and is already being shown in Japan, where the franchise originated.

The partnership between Fathom Events and the Pokemon Company International will bring the film to select theaters worldwide on Sunday, November 5, and Monday, November 6. Specifics on the locations and times have yet to be made available.

While the majority of the characters in the film will be familiar to fans of the franchise, I Choose You! does appear to operate independently of previous story lines. For instance, Ash’s Pokemon trainer friends, Brock and Misty, will be replaced by two new friends, Verity and Sorrel.

“As an origin story, Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You! is the perfect way for a new generation of Pokemon fans to experience the beginning of Ash and Pikachu’s friendship, and it offers longtime fans an exciting new look into the start of their epic adventures,” Colin Palmer, the Vice President of marketing at The Pokemon Company International told Variety.

“We are excited to work with Fathom Events, whose expertise in unique theatrical event activations will offer families and fans the opportunity to come together and experience the excitement of Pokemon animation on the big screen.”

The limited release comes at an opportune time for the Pokemon franchise. “Pokemon Ultra Sun” and “Pokemon Ultra Moon” will be released for Nintendo 3DS on November 17, only weeks after the move premiers worldwide.

Fathom Events lists the new movie’s run time at an hour and thirty-five minutes. The film is directed by long-time Pokemon director Kunihiko Yuyama.