THE first live-action Pokemon movie is being filmed at three of Scotland’s most idyllic beauty spots.
The big-budget production, based on the hugely popular gaming franchise, will star Ryan Reynolds, Bill Nighy, Justice Smith and British singer Rita Ora.
Filming took place in and around the Devil’s Pulpit at Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire, as well as at the River Affric at Cannich and Glen Nevis last week as scenes were shot for Pokemon: Detective Pikachu.
A helicopter and a drone were used to capture some of our spectacular scenery.
Scottish workers on set were sworn to secrecy about the project – and a spokesman for Stirling Council said details were “confidential”.
“Everyone working on this locally has been told to keep very quiet,” a source close to the production said.
“Everything is being kept tightly under wraps but it is the Pokemon movie that is being filmed here all right.
“When the movie is released it is sure to show Scotland’s natural charms in a great light to millions of people.”
Legendary Entertainment, the company behind the new Pokemon flick, also made blockbuster Jurassic World and the hit film version of Warcraft.
Veteran actor Bill Nighy, 68, was spotted filming scenes for Detective Pikachu in London early last month before the production headed north for two weeks.
The Devil’s Pulpit, off the A809, near Killearn, is fast becoming a favoured location for TV and film productions.
The name comes from a local legend which tells of Satan preaching to monks to turn them away from God at the secluded 100ft gorge also known as Finnich Glen.
Last year fans of the TV hit Outlander caused traffic chaos in the area as they flocked to see sites that feature in their favourite show.
Scenes from Outlander were also filmed at nearby Deanston Distillery and historic Doune Castle.
Other movies shot at the Devil’s Pulpit include historical Roman drama The Eagle and upcoming Guy Richie fantasy film King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword.
“The place has a magical atmosphere and a mystical look about it that film-makers seem to love,” the insider added.
Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds has signed up for the lead role in Detective Pikachu, as a self-styled investigator who takes on the job of finding a kidnapped parent.
Justice Smith, shortly to be seen in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and Kathryn Newton, from Big Little Lies, will also appear. It was recently announced that pop singer Rita Ora will have a mystery role, too.
Pokemon was first released as a video game in 1996 and led to an animated TV series and film franchise.
The Detective Pikachu character was introduced to the Pokemon universe through a 2016 video game.
The live-action film version is slotted for worldwide release in May next year.
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe