Warner Bros trolls Pokemon fans with deceptive Detective Pikachu movie ‘leak’
Warner Bros recently teased potential Pokemon pirates of the Detective Pikachu movie with a deceptive upload to YouTube purporting to be a leak of the film. Instead, it turned out to be a clever promo.
With the movie coming to cinemas this week, the studio pulled a bait and switch, replacing the ‘movie’ with a full hour and forty two minutes of its furry mascot performing what the internet would describe as a ‘rick-roll’.
The video is tagged R.Reynolds implying that the actor who plays the titular characters is responsible for the upload. Reynolds of Deadpool and Aviator Gin fame has shown that he is more than willing to throw his comedic weight behind the marketing machine.
On Twitter he pointed out the leak to Warner Bros.
Um.... Attn @DetPikachuMovie @warnerbros https://t.co/UF7qYtKOYV
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) May 7, 2019
‘Pokemon Detective Pikachu: Full Picture’ has accumulated more than 3 million views in less than a day. Additionally, the movie’s Twitter account has rebranded as ‘Detective Leakachu’.
It marks the first time the Pokemon franchise has been adapted to the big screen in live action.
The movie hits theatres 10 May.