Ken Watanabe Joins Cast of Detective Pikachu Movie

THR reports that Academy Award nominated actor, Ken Watanabe (Godzilla, The Last Samurai), has been signed to join the cast of the Detective Pikachu movie for Legendary Entertainment. The film is based on the Pokemon video game franchise.

Watanabe joins the cast opposite Ryan Reynolds, who will voice the titular role. The film will also star Justice Smith and Kathryn newton. Rob Letterman is directing the project, which is scheduled to start shooting later this month in London, England.

The story will follow a mystery behind the kidnapping of the father of Smith’s character, forcing him to team up with Pikachu to find the parent. Watanabe will reportedly portray a character named Detective Yoshida.

Mary Parent and Cale Boyter are producing the project for Legendary. Joe Caracciolo Jr. and Pokemon’s Tsunekazu Ishihara are executive producing the film. Legendary’s Alexandra Mendes is attached as co-producer.