Ash Ketchum's return to Pokemon is possible

Although "Pokémon Horizons: The Series" marks the first time a new "Pokémon" anime series isn't headlined by Ash Ketchum, the Pokémon Master isn't completely gone from the franchise yet. In an interview with Variety, Andy Gose, director of media production at The Pokémon Company International, and Taito Okiura, vice president of marketing, discussed the Western release of "Pokémon Horizons: The Series" and the future of the Pokémon anime franchise. The new anime features Liko and Roy as the two new child leads.

When talking about how the previous series closed the book on Ash's nearly 25-year story becoming a Pokémon Master, international executives admitted that it might not be his final appearance in the anime. "We've said goodbye," Gose said. "Ash is still in the world. I guess anything is possible. In the world of Pokémon, there are so many possibilities." Okiura added by saying that Ash and Pikachu hope to continue their new adventure of making more Pokemon friends, but that this adventure is best left to the imagination of fans. "At the moment, we'd love to focus on Liko and Roy's new story," Okiura said. "Horizons invites a fresh start."

Despite criticism over Ash's eternal 10-year status and his controversial losing streak as a Pokémon trainer, Ash's handover of the baton to Liko and Roy was still seen by many within the Pokémon community as a surprising and emotional moment for the franchise. Despite the new focus on Liko and Roy, many fans continue to express their desire to see Ash Ketchum return to the Pokémon anime screen, keeping hope alive that their beloved favorite character may make one more appearance in the near future.

Source: Variety