Yes, it's still hard to fathom, that the very first official attempt at a live-action version of Pokémon franchise is an adaptation of the 3DS series, Detective Pikachu, where the legendary Pokémon is a Sherlock Holmes-inspired crime solver who speaks (that is he utters words other than just pika-pika).
Planning is steadily moving forward, and recently it was revealed, that the male lead is actor Justice Smith, who's previously known for his role in The Get Down.
Now though, Hollywood Reporter can confirm, that Big Little Lies' Kathryn Newton is in final talks to portray the female lead.
Apparently, her character is named Lucy, and she goes on a quest with Pikachu, and has a Psyduck has her companion.
Production is slated to begin in January.