In a move that caught many by surprise, The Walt Disney Company has struck a global distribution agreement with The Pokémon Company International, bringing both new and classic Pokémon programming to Disney+ and Disney XD. The deal was announced at PokémonXP in San Francisco.

Disney+ has long leaned on its own powerhouse library — Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney Animation — to fuel its streaming growth. This partnership, however, reaches well outside the Mouse House to bring one of the world's biggest entertainment franchises into the fold.

A Brand-New Stop-Motion Series Is on the Way

The centerpiece of the deal is an all-new production: Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu, a stop-motion series set to debut on Disney XD and Disney+ in 2027. The show follows Sirfetch'd and Pichu through the Galar Region as the well-meaning duo tries to help fellow Pokémon — with results that aren't always smooth. Along the way, they'll encounter new allies, rivals, and plenty of danger.

The series was brought to life with help from Aardman Animation, the beloved British studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run. Tom Parkinson directs, with Nat McKay serving as Creative Director – IP Development and James Young as Model Making Creative Lead.

Classic Pokémon Is Already Streaming

The agreement goes beyond the new series. Pokémon the Series: The Beginning — which follows Ash Ketchum and Pikachu's earliest adventures — is also part of the deal. The classic series began airing on Disney XD earlier in August and is now available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S. and select international markets.

For Disney, landing Pokémon content is a meaningful win. The franchise has spent three decades growing far beyond its video game origins, expanding into television, movies, trading cards, merchandise, mobile games, and live entertainment.

One Important Thing This Deal Does Not Include

It's worth noting what this partnership is — and isn't. Disney's agreement with The Pokémon Company International covers the distribution of Pokémon programming. There is currently no indication that it extends to Disney's theme parks or grants Disney any rights to develop Pokémon attractions.

That's a space where a different entertainment giant already has significant plans. Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company have collaborated for years, with Pokémon appearing in seasonal entertainment, parades, and shows at the Osaka park. In January 2026, Universal Studios Japan announced a new project promising more immersive Pokémon experiences — and those plans are not limited to Japan. Universal confirmed the project will debut at Universal Studios Japan before Pokémon experiences roll out across Universal Destinations & Experiences' global footprint, potentially putting Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Beijing Resort, and other Universal destinations in the conversation, though none have been individually confirmed. Universal and The Pokémon Company first announced a long-term alliance back in 2021.

So while Pokémon arriving on Disney+ is a genuinely exciting crossover, it doesn't mean Pikachu is heading to Magic Kingdom or Disneyland anytime soon.

What do you think of Disney's new Pokémon partnership? Let us know in the comments!