With Ryan Reynolds having made such a splash as the voice of Detective Pikachu for Legendary's POKEMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU, it's been easy for some to forget that, at one point in the early stages of the film's development, DUMBO and DEATH TO SMOOCHY actor Danny DeVito was courted for the role of the sarcastic sleuth version of the Pokemon brand's most iconic character.
Today, artist RJ Palmer is here to remind fans of DeVito's early influence on the character that designs for a DeVito-style Detective Pikachu do in fact exist. The official yet unused design depicts a heftier version of the Electric, Mouse Type Pokemon, complete with DeVito's signature scowl. In the photos posted below, you can see Detective Pikachu pointing this way and that, almost as if he's in the process of barking orders at his inexperienced trainer and partner, Justice Smith's Tim Goodman.
Obviously, DeVito never ended up becoming the voice of the film's lead detective, but it wasn't for lack of fans trying to make it happen. In fact, when the film was first announced, and word of DeVito's possible involvement leaked, trainers the world over advocated for the TWINS actor to land the part. However, despite their passion, the powers that be decided to go in a different, more Canadian direction, and ultimately invited Reynolds on to the project.
Here's the official plot synopsis for POKEMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU, which is still playing in select theaters around the globe:
Ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son, Tim, to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry's former Pokémon partner, wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth Detective Pikachu. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to work together, as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu, they join forces to unravel the tangled mystery.
Directed by SHARK TALE and GULLIVER'S TRAVELS helmer Rob Letterman, POKEMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU stars Justice Smith (PAPER TOENS, JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM), Kathryn Newton (BIG LITTLE LIES, BLOCKERS), and Ryan Reynolds and the voice of Detective Pikachu.
Upon its release, the film arrived to rave reviews. In fact, our own Paul Shirey gave the film an 8 out of 10 in his glowingly positive review.
So, what do you think of the original Danny DeVito Detective Pikachu design? Let us know in the comments section below.