Detective Pikachu 2’s development has been shrouded in mystery, and Justice Smith recently delivered a disappointing update on the anticipated sequel. The 2019 live-action adaptation of the Detective Pikachu video game featured Ryan Reynolds as the iconic Pikachu and Justice Smith as the determined Pokémon trainer, Tim Goodman. The storyline follows Goodman’s desperate quest, with Pikachu’s assistance, to unravel the enigma behind his father’s disappearance. Although a sequel was greenlit prior to the initial movie’s release, fans are still eagerly awaiting its arrival.

Surprisingly, the cast, including Justice Smith, remains in the dark about the sequel’s developmental timeline. In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Smith revealed that the studio has not yet reached out to him, leaving him reliant on media updates rather than direct communication from the director or his agent. This lack of contact raises questions about the status and progress of Detective Pikachu 2. Here’s what Smith had to say about the situation:

“I have not heard of any movement. I mean, I know what was released online, but no one has called me. So I’m just waiting for that call.”

Nearly five years have passed since the initial release of Detective Pikachu in May 2019. Despite the widespread anticipation for Detective Pikachu 2, the once-promising sequel seems to have faded into uncertainty. While there are still intentions to bring the movie to fruition, the lack of substantial updates has shifted it from a near-certainty to a less probable development. It’s intriguing that Legendary Pictures and Toho, considering the original’s success, have not expedited the development of the sequel, leaving fans eager for more information on the future of the beloved franchise.

Despite its impressive financial success with a $150 million budget resulting in a $450 million box office revenue, the original Detective Pikachu not only secured its place as a surefire hit but also expanded the Pokémon franchise into new territory. Serving as a bridge to introduce Pokémon to a wider audience, the movie garnered attention beyond the existing fanbase. Surprisingly, The Pokémon Company, with such a lucrative opportunity, has not rushed to capitalize on this success by swiftly developing a sequel for the big screen, opting to stick with games and television content.

Nevertheless, Detective Pikachu 2 is still in the works, albeit facing delays primarily due to a significant shift in the early crew lineup in 2023. Originally helmed by screenwriter Oren Uziel and director Rob Letterman, the project underwent a transformation, with Chris Galletta taking over as the screenwriter and Jonathan Krisel stepping into the director’s role. This shake-up in personnel accounts for the delays, exacerbated further by the setbacks caused by the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. While Detective Pikachu 2 remains in development, the completion of the movie is still years away.