Ash Ketchum, Pikachu pass the torch to new 'Pokémon' protagonists after 25 years
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After 25 years in the spotlight, Pikachu and trainer Ash Ketchum will no longer be the protagonists of the “Pokémon” TV series.
On Friday, the Pokémon Company shared a teaser trailer to announce a new TV series and signal the end of Ash and Pikachu’s time as the franchise's main characters.
"Ash and Pikachu have had many encounters, many battles, and many exciting and memorable times,” the trailer declares. “Every adventure is another step on the long path to becoming a Pokémon Master, a dream that never ends.”
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— モアタ (@moa151) December 16, 2022
The trailer announces that Ash and Pikachu’s final chapter will unfold in the remaining 11 episodes of “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series.” The episodes will be broadcast in Japan on Jan. 13, 2023.
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From the looks of the recently uploaded video, the 11 episodes will feature reunions with Ash’s friends — including Misty and Pokémon such as Butterfree — and represent a look back at his journey that has spanned over two decades.
Ash and Misty reunite once again, just like the first time they met! #Anipoke pic.twitter.com/wYauDzPm3P
— Anipoke Fandom (@AnipokeFandom) December 16, 2022
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Ash Ketchum, finally reunited with his long-lost friend Butterfree after exactly 1200 episodes and over 25 years. pic.twitter.com/hNU9V0ta9p
— WholesomeMemes (@WholesomeMeme) December 19, 2022
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Taking Ash’s place are boy and girl duo Roy and Liko. These new characters are shown with the three starter Pokémon of the Paldea region – Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly – based on the ‘Pokémon: Scarlet and Violet’ games.
Some fans are speculating that Liko could be Ash’s daughter because her green hair clip appears similar to the logo on Ash's iconic original hat. However, the Pokémon Company have yet to confirm this.
Ash Ketchum's time as the face of the Pokémon anime is coming to a close and soon we'll be meeting dual protagonists named Liko and Roy. https://t.co/1Xq35CeVK9
— IGN (@IGN) December 19, 2022
NEW PROTAGONIST LIKO’S HAIR CLIP LOOKS VERY SIMILAR TO ASH’S LOGO FROM HIS ORIGINAL HAT! IS THIS ASH’S DAUGHTER? 😩😩😩😩😩 WE GONNA HAVE A TIME SKIP?!?! pic.twitter.com/6u0JpR5XgR
— jenne (@jennerationx_) December 17, 2022
Ash Ketchum’s current voice actor for the English dub, Sarah Natochenny, tweeted her own farewell for the character, calling it “an extraordinary privilege” to have played the character for 17 years.
It’s been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years. No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come. I'll keep him present for all of us in every way I can. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UZxPO4xD6E
— Sarah Natochenny (@sarahnatochenny) December 16, 2022
In November, Ash achieved his dream and became the No. 1 ranked Pokémon trainer in the world following his victory at the Masters 8 tournament, defeating regional champions like Cynthia, Steven and Leon.