Pikachu could be coming to a Universal theme park near you.
Universal Studios Japan said Thursday that it had inked a new and expanded deal with The Pokémon Company to “offer more innovative, immersive, and world-class Pokémon experiences.” Details about the inaugural project are being kept under wraps for now, though after its debut in Japan Universal Destinations & Experiences “will deliver unique Pokémon experiences across the company’s global footprint.”
The NBCUniversal division has become a major source of investment for the company, with experiential entertainment top of mind for executives. Last year it opened its most ambitious theme park yet in Orlando, Epic Universe, as well as a dedicated Horror experience in Las Vegas. This year it will open a smaller-scale family-focused theme park in Texas, with another horror location being developed in Chicago.
And the company has long leveraged intellectual property from its own studios (like the recently-announces Fast & Furious roller coaster coming to Orlando) as well as from other companies (like its popular Harry Potter and Nintendo-themed lands) to power up its ambitions in the experiential space.
In the case of Pokémon, the companies have been working together since 2021 to bring parades and shows to life at Universal Studios Japan, but the new agreement appears to be much more expansive, suggesting that rides, attractions or even lands could be on the table.
“Collaborating with imaginative and inventive storytellers fuels our ability to create and deliver mind blowing attractions and experiences that shatter guest expectations,” says Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “The Pokémon Company is one of the most beloved interactive franchises in the world, and through our ongoing partnership, we will continue bringing its vibrant world to life in new and innovative ways for years to come.”
“Since announcing our long-term alliance in 2021, we have collaborated with Universal Studios Japan to produce authentic Pokémon experiences such as the NO LIMIT! Parade and Halloween shows,” said Tsunekazu Ishihara, president of The Pokémon Company. “As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we are thrilled to launch this new project at such a significant milestone. Our mission is to enrich both the real and virtual worlds through Pokémon, and with this project, we aim to create theme park entertainment that surprises and delights fans around the globe.”
“We are proud to launch this journey from Japan, delivering extraordinary moments filled with surprise and excitement that will far exceed our guests’ expectations,” added Tak Murayama, executive VP & GM of Universal Studios Japan. We believe this global project will transcend traditional entertainment and contribute meaningfully to society, embodying the very spirit of ‘NO LIMIT!’”
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