When Detective Pikachu premiered on the big screen, one conversation dominated the online gaming community and beyond: could anyone but Danny DeVito have voiced the beloved electric sleuth?
The 2019 live-action adaptation, created in partnership with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, ultimately featured Ryan Reynolds in the titular role.
However, new details from the film's production reveal just how seriously the creative team considered fan fervor over casting DeVito.
From its announcement, Detective Pikachu—the first Pokémon movie produced for a global, live-action audience—sparked a unique pop culture moment.
Social media filled with memes, petitions, and parodies, campaigning for the casting of DeVito, famously known for his roles in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and numerous Hollywood comedies.
For months, the community's playful demand fuelled speculation, becoming an in-joke among both fans and the production team.
Visual Effects Producer Greg Baxter recently shed light on these early decisions.
During the initial phases of development, Baxter's VFX team experimented by syncing Detective Pikachu's character model to audio samples from a variety of well-known actors.
Among them was Danny DeVito.
"The results were genuinely amusing," Baxter shared in a candid behind-the-scenes discussion, emphasizing the team's appreciation for both the fans' requests and DeVito’s distinctive style.
While Baxter did not confirm the exact reasons why DeVito was not ultimately chosen, he acknowledged the widespread interest, adding, "I truly love Danny, and maybe one day we'll get to show those hilarious early tests."
Cale Boyter, one of the film's General Producers, offered further insight.
"I can't divulge everything, but when shaping the story and considering all aspects of the character, we examined many factors, including elements unseen by the public," Boyter explained.
Despite the internal deliberations, he reassured fans: "The spirit of Danny DeVito certainly lives on in our Pikachu."
Detective Pikachu, developed in collaboration with Nintendo and released globally in May 2019, went on to achieve significant commercial success, grossing over $433 million worldwide.
The film became available digitally for fans on eShop platforms and continues to be a landmark in the convergence of Nintendo properties with mainstream cinema.
Ryan Reynolds, meanwhile, received critical praise for his comedic performance, helping introduce the Pokémon universe to a wider audience while maintaining the quirky charm fans expect from both the franchise and its potential voice actors.
These revelations highlight how Nintendo and its partners have learned to engage with their active fan base, especially when it comes to iconic properties like Pokémon.
The conversations surrounding Danny DeVito’s possible involvement in Detective Pikachu exemplify the community-driven excitement that now often shapes the creative process in major game and movie adaptations.
The 2019 live-action adaptation, created in partnership with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, ultimately featured Ryan Reynolds in the titular role.
However, new details from the film's production reveal just how seriously the creative team considered fan fervor over casting DeVito.
From its announcement, Detective Pikachu—the first Pokémon movie produced for a global, live-action audience—sparked a unique pop culture moment.
Social media filled with memes, petitions, and parodies, campaigning for the casting of DeVito, famously known for his roles in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and numerous Hollywood comedies.
For months, the community's playful demand fuelled speculation, becoming an in-joke among both fans and the production team.
Visual Effects Producer Greg Baxter recently shed light on these early decisions.
During the initial phases of development, Baxter's VFX team experimented by syncing Detective Pikachu's character model to audio samples from a variety of well-known actors.
Among them was Danny DeVito.
"The results were genuinely amusing," Baxter shared in a candid behind-the-scenes discussion, emphasizing the team's appreciation for both the fans' requests and DeVito’s distinctive style.
While Baxter did not confirm the exact reasons why DeVito was not ultimately chosen, he acknowledged the widespread interest, adding, "I truly love Danny, and maybe one day we'll get to show those hilarious early tests."
Cale Boyter, one of the film's General Producers, offered further insight.
"I can't divulge everything, but when shaping the story and considering all aspects of the character, we examined many factors, including elements unseen by the public," Boyter explained.
Despite the internal deliberations, he reassured fans: "The spirit of Danny DeVito certainly lives on in our Pikachu."
Detective Pikachu, developed in collaboration with Nintendo and released globally in May 2019, went on to achieve significant commercial success, grossing over $433 million worldwide.
The film became available digitally for fans on eShop platforms and continues to be a landmark in the convergence of Nintendo properties with mainstream cinema.
Ryan Reynolds, meanwhile, received critical praise for his comedic performance, helping introduce the Pokémon universe to a wider audience while maintaining the quirky charm fans expect from both the franchise and its potential voice actors.
These revelations highlight how Nintendo and its partners have learned to engage with their active fan base, especially when it comes to iconic properties like Pokémon.
The conversations surrounding Danny DeVito’s possible involvement in Detective Pikachu exemplify the community-driven excitement that now often shapes the creative process in major game and movie adaptations.