Pokémon's HUGE Leak: The Lost Anime That Could've Changed Everything!
A Game Freak Data Leak Reveals Pokémon's "Project Reload"
Hold onto your Poké Balls, trainers! A massive data leak from Game Freak (that happened over the weekend of October 13, 2024) has revealed a treasure trove of unreleased Pokémon projects—including a completely new anime series, codenamed "Project Reload"! This leak was initially reported by @CentroLeaks on X (formerly Twitter), This crazy leak included beta Pokémon, dev tools— and much, much more! It might just change how we think about Pokémon anime.
This leak revealed something truly amazing. It is crazy. It includes info on other stuff: a lost Pokémon movie meant to replace Ash before Pokémon Horizons, a shocking discovery that’s incredibly relevant even now.
Project Reload: A Bold New Direction for Pokémon Anime
According to @CentroLeaks, Project Reload was slated for a 2023 release – existing alongside Pokémon Horizons (codenamed "Verne"). It was planned as a 12-episode series. And get this: a theatrical premiere in Japan. It would stream afterward; in three-episode batches. This really isn’t like those other spin-off mini-series– this wasn’t some tiny short like Paldean Winds or Twilight Wings. Each episode would run 21 minutes (not some short 10 minute burst); it showcases some very key aspects to create and implement those additional changes; this truly emphasizes a creative leap that the creative teams involved intended. And to really understand that context; it really meant Project Reload would be more similar to something like Pokémon Origins– creating those shorter series focused entirely around one plotline with its own distinct story; a very new concept, very different than how these plots normally progressed and really does require deeper exploration.
If that aired with Horizons in 2023? It would have been the first time since Pokémon Chronicles (way back in 2005!) that two completely independent, full-length Pokémon anime shows existed simultaneously! It is crazy. These types of details aren't immediately notable to the average audience member, but is highly relevant once fully considering this element in context to understand the production ambitions and strategic choices involved.
The Mystery of Project Reload: Will We Ever See It?
Unfortunately, info on Project Reload is pretty scarce. Nobody knows where it currently sits. What we do know however is quite promising! Its animation style; it sounds similar to Twilight Wings (produced by Studio Colorido with Twin Engine), these studio production efforts aren't unknown and showcase some of the finest anime being created at this moment. So the entire series' quality is confirmed. That’s extremely significant.
It was pitched as an “all-ages” show; quite unlike the usually more child-oriented approach normally used. And here’s the kicker: it appears this wasn’t the only thing; This reveals other ambitious plans; This also mentions other efforts such as a lost Pokémon movie. Those plans suggest a major desire; an attempt to widen Pokémon's appeal to older fans and trying to avoid just being considered a “kid's show”. Unfortunately, neither ever materialized. And the reason isn’t just about the leak itself; That leak shows the Ash exit caused significant tension and issues; and may have helped define this show's eventual failure.
Studio Colorido and Twin Engine: A Powerful Collaboration
This potential show’s involvement with those high profile studios speaks volumes about Game Freak’s ambitious goal. Both Studio Colorido (behind anime for Bleach spinoff, Burn the Witch, and working with Netflix—My Oni Girl (2024) being their recent movie) and Twin Engine (behind hit series Vinland Saga and Hell’s Paradise) are seriously heavy hitters. Their existence would really add to that credibility and this choice alone really makes that potential series far more important, and valuable to viewers everywhere. So we are not just speculating.
Conclusion: Project Reload Remains a tantalizing What-If… For Now!
The concept of a 12-episode, high-quality Pokémon anime; each story focused and carefully designed around a particular aspect and with incredible art, creating this complete narrative centered on one event or moment? Amazing. Seriously amazing. A series everyone would eagerly watch; however, those initial hopes still remain; it may show itself one day. For now, it's just a tantalizing peek into what could have been! We’ll only know after another big revelation.
