Disney catches Pokémon streaming fever

Disney+ has announced a global distribution deal with The Pokémon Company International, including a new stop-motion series Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu coming to audiences worldwide in 2027. Created by the acclaimed animation studio Aardman, the series will debut on Disney XD and stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2027. The agreement also includes the beloved classic animated series Pokémon the Series: The Beginning, which began airing on Disney XD earlier this month and is now streaming on Disney+ in the U.S. and select international markets.

In Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu,Sirfetch’d and Pichu embark on an epic journey through the Galar Region. Together, they set out on a gallant quest to help and protect Pokémon across the region. Their missions rarely go as planned, but their noble deeds forge their friendship as they step bravely into the unknown where peril, alliances, rivalries, extraordinary Pokémon, and endless laughs await them.

Pokémon the Series: The Beginning follows Ash and Pikachu as they embark on adventures throughout the Pokémon world and marks the first title to launch under the new global distribution agreement. The series airs on Disney XD and is now streaming on Disney+.

“Pokémon has that rare ability to mean something to longtime fans while continuing to feel completely relevant to young audiences today,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family. “This new series ‘Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu’ brings Aardman’s signature stop-motion artistry with a bold, playful new perspective to this beloved world, giving audiences a fresh way to experience the characters they know and love. Along with ‘Pokémon the Series: The Beginning,’ these series are powerful additions to Disney XD and Disney+.”

“These stories, full of adventure and heroism, all told from the perspective of Pokémon is made even more exciting through the lens of the incredible filmmakers at Aardman,” said Phil Rynda. “Audiences will be delighted getting to know the Sirfetch’d & Pichu, and wonderful cast of Pokémon, featured in this series. Aardman has brought Galar to life in a way that makes you feel like you can smell the air, touch the tree bark, and want to adventure alongside our series heroes.”

Joining the panel at Pokémon XP today were Pokémon’s director of original animation, Phil Rynda, alongside members of the series’ creative team at Aardman: director Tom Parkinson; Creative Director – IP Development Nat McKay; and Model Making Creative Lead James Young. The panel showcased how the team combined character, comedy, storytelling, and craftsmanship to create the new, hilarious stop-motion adventure, before giving fans a glimpse at the misadventures ahead and debuting the series’ official teaser trailer.

Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichuwas produced by The Pokémon Company International and brought to life by a creative team at Aardman animation including director Tom Parkinson; Creative Director – IP Development Nat McKay; and Model Making Creative Lead James Young. The series was acquired by Disney Kids & Family in a global distribution deal and will debut in 2027.