Two Pokémon heavyweights have been written out of the latest film, to make way for new characters.
Pokémon the Movie 20: I Choose You! premiered at Japan Expo last week; but eagle-eyed fans who watched it noticed two very noticeable absences; the rest of Ash’s original squad, Brock and Misty.
Twitter user Alex Aniel saw the movie, and noted that the duo only appear in a none-speaking role in the films credits.
Just saw Pokémon I Choose You. See image for appearances/cameos (spoilers). pic.twitter.com/jYHizUqBsX
— Alex Aniel (@cvxfreak) July 6, 2017
Additionally, the film’s official website lists two new characters, Souji and Makoto, instead of the iconic duo. Although it does show another original character will be returning alongside Ash, in the form of Nurse Joy.
Pokémon the Movie 20: I Choose You! is a retelling of the first 80 or so episodes of the original television series in which Brock and Misty were mainstays, and people are pissed that they’ve been cut.
Me: *wakes up. reads headline:* "New Pokemon movie rewrites history. Ditches Brock and Misty." *nopes back to bed*
— Meadz (@meadzstreamz) July 10, 2017
Re: Brock and Misty not being in the movie remake of the first episodes of the first Pokemon season; what…? Also why? pic.twitter.com/gkqbanAIJX
— ? Victori-aaaaahHH!!! ? (@victorialeeder) July 10, 2017
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https://twitter.com/CalvilloTX98/status/884664747534295040
https://twitter.com/willamadeus/status/884656294925389825
They’re really, really pissed:
If Brock and Misty are scrapped WE WILL RIOT #Pokemon pic.twitter.com/ZPKeCzC2WF
— Sam Wise ?️? (@SamWiseSW) July 11, 2017
OH HELL NO POKÉMON YOU DO NOT CUT OUT MISTY AND BROCK LIKE THAT! FUCK THIS.
— Noelle@AuRaGirls?✨ (@alphinaudswife) July 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/neosanctuaryy/status/884665405826113537
https://twitter.com/aston_wave/status/884682896568668160
Some are pontificating over whether they’ll actually just be holding down the fort at their gyms (which in the original series they both sacked off to go on adventures with Ash):
But what if Brock and Misty are actually ~gym leaders~
— ジュリア (@joo_ia) July 11, 2017
And some think they should be getting rid of a different character:
https://twitter.com/galaxiaultima/status/884708788762181632
Whilst some just don’t seem to care:
Brock and Misty being retconned out of the new #Pokémon movie? Fine by me. I always thought it should strive to resemble the game more.
— Danielzilla Stranding (@Danielzilla) July 11, 2017
And some just asked the all important question on all of our lips, how can retcon our own “friends”:
If Pokemon can retcon Ash's old pals Brock and Misty out of the picture, can I retcon some of my old friends away?
— Matt Mariaux (@kindasupermario) July 10, 2017
Pokémon the Movie 20: I Choose You! is out in Japan on July 15. As of yet there’s no release date set for the UK.