A bidding war is underway for rights to make a live action Pokemon feature, according to Hollywood Reporter.  Warner Bros., which made three animated features, was thought to have the inside track, with Sony also interested, but Legendary Entertainment has emerged as a leading bidder, according to the report. 

Legendary has experience with making big Hollywood productions based on Japanese intellectual property; it released Godzilla in 2014 in conjunction with Toho Co., with a sequel on the way (see “’Godzilla 2’ Release Date Set”). 

Unknown is whether The Pokemon Company would make a movie with a Chinese-owned company; Legendary was acquired by Wanda earlier this year (see “Things to Come Dept.:  Wanda Buys Legendary”).

Pokemon kicked off its big 20th anniversary year with a Super Bowl ad (see “Pokemon Company Shares Super Bowl Ad”).