The live-action adaptation of "Great Detective Pikachu" may be closing in on an actor to play the iconic Pokémon.
A movie like "Detective Pikachu" might call for the services of a comedic actor and casting an actor known for making high-octane action films might find himself at the bottom of the list. But reports have it Legendary Entertainment is searching for and might be tapping action star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Last year, the movie company made known their plans to shoot a live-action adaptation of a "Pokémon" movie. Specifically, it will be adapted from the Japanese video game "Great Detective Pikachu."
One of the most memorable Pokémon characters, Pikachu has worn several hats over the years but to don the great detective Sherlock Holmes' deerstalker hat and solving complex mysteries will be a new job for him.
While it's not hard to imagine the Pokémon as a crime-fighting detective with a human sidekick, it's a little unexpected for Legendary to adapt a spin-off video game instead of its other anime versions or even lifting it from the core "Pokémon" series.
If and when the movie outfit chooses Johnson, it's not going to be too different for the actor. He's had a slew of fun and comedic movies where he starred or lent his voice to with his most recent one playing the demigod Maui in the hit Disney animated film "Moana."
Legendary has yet to make an announcement about the details for their casting choice, but they are reportedly looking at other A-list Hollywood stars. Aside from Johnson, the movie studio is allegedly courting Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and Mark Wahlberg for the title role.
As of press time, none of the mentioned actors have met with Legendary but the list gives an insight of what they are looking for their film. It might be apparent that "Detective Pikachu" will replace the Pokémon's adorable voice in the animated series with that of a big action star.
There is currently no release date for the "Detective Pikachu" film.
