The film was initially announced back in December 10, 2017 broadcast of TV Tokyo's variety program Oha Suta, under the title Pokémon the Movie 2018 (劇場版 ポケットモンスター 2018, Gekijō-ban Poketto Monsutā 2018), showing a new character design for the film's main protagonist Ash Ketchum alongside a new unnamed character. The film also revolves around the second season of the original anime series, and also on the Legendary Pokémon Lugia.[6] Alongside the reveal of the film, Wit Studio (Attack on Titan, The Ancient Magus' Bride) is confirmed to co-produce and animate the next film.[3] A new trailer for the film was released on February 27, 2018, which also reveals 5 new characters accompanying Ash in the movie alongside the mysterious new character and film's initial premise is also revealed.[7] The staff also revealed that Kunihiko Yuyama will serve as the film's animation supervisor, the first time he will not direct a Pokémon Film in his career.[8] Alongside the new director, Eiji Umehara and Aya Takaha were writing the film's script.