Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution 2020

Scientist Dr. Fuji, portrayed by Billy Bob Thompson, is tasked by Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, played by Ted Lewis, to tap into his cloning expertise. Their goal: to create a powerful weapon from a mere eyelash of the legendary Pokémon, Mew, voiced by Kôichi Yamadera. As the clone is brought to life, it is named Mewtwo, voiced by Dan Green, and possesses remarkable abilities, including the power to cause floods and prompt flora to flourish in the wilderness.

Years later, Mewtwo awakens from a prolonged slumber within a laboratory located on New Island. Upon learning from Dr. Fuji about his true origins as Mew’s clone, Mewtwo is consumed with rage that he is viewed merely as an experiment. He unleashes his tremendous psychic powers, obliterating the lab and the scientists within, including Dr. Fuji himself. Giovanni witnesses the destruction and convinces Mewtwo to join him, promising guidance and the potential for world domination. Mewtwo grapples with existential questions like “Who am I?” and “What purpose do I serve?”

Realizing he is merely a means to Giovanni’s ends, Mewtwo escapes back to New Island, where he begins plotting revenge on humanity. He reconstructs the laboratory, setting up a base, and sends holographic invitations to several trainers, challenging them to face the greatest Pokémon trainer at New Island.

In response to the invitations, Ash, voiced by Sarah Natochenny, Misty, voiced by Michele Knotz, and Brock, voiced by Bill Rogers, decide to accept, bringing along Pikachu and Togepi, voiced by Satomi Koorogi. However, upon reaching the port city of Old Shore Wharf, a storm conjured by Mewtwo creates chaos, resulting in the harbor master Miranda, played by Lisa Ortiz, closing the boats for safety. Subsequently, Ash and his friends are picked up by Team Rocket members, Jesse, voiced by Michele Knotz, James, portrayed by James Carter Cathcart, and Meowth, disguised as boat captains. Unfortunately, their vessel is lost when the storm sinks it in the ocean. Determined to reach New Island, Ash and his friends rely on their Pokémon to continue their journey.

Upon arrival at the island’s palace, they are greeted by a woman from the hologram, who transforms out to be a mind-controlled Nurse Joy, explained by Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld. Mewtwo then challenges the trainers, employing cloned Pokémon in battle. Meanwhile, Team Rocket sneaks into New Island through the sewers, where they encounter a mischievous Mew who follows them, leading them to Dr. Fuji’s cloning machine and research.

As Mewtwo’s clones effortlessly overpower the trainers’ Pokémon, he confiscates them, including Pikachu, thus expanding his army of clones. In a daring move, Ash pursues Mewtwo to the cloning lab, where he witnesses Team Rocket’s Meowth also being cloned. In a moment of bravery, Ash destroys the cloning machine to liberate the captured Pokémon and asserts himself against Mewtwo and the clones. Mew soon appears, prompting Mewtwo to engage in a battle to showcase his superiority.

The ensuing confrontation sees the original Pokémon clashing with their clones, with the exception of Pikachu, voiced by Ikue Otani, and Meowth, who finds a way to connect with his clone, recognizing the futility of their conflict. As the battle escalates, Ash selflessly places himself between a psychic attack from Mewtwo and Mew, leading to his petrification. In a desperate attempt to revive him, Pikachu uses its electrical powers but to no avail. However, it is the tears of the Pokémon that ultimately revive Ash.

Motivated by Ash’s selflessness, Mewtwo comes to understand that his worth is defined by his choices rather than his origins. As a result, he departs with Mew and the cloned Pokémon, reversing time to just before the trainers left Old Shore Wharf, erasing their memories of the encounter.

Back in Old Shore Wharf, the rejuvenated Nurse Joy recommences operations at the Pokémon Center to host the trainers. The turbulent weather subsides, and Ash encounters Mew soaring through the clouds, reminiscing about his experiences and how he spotted another legendary Pokémon upon leaving Pallet Town. Meanwhile, Team Rocket finds themselves marooned on New Island but seems to relish the unexpected adventure.

After the credits, a glimpse shows Mewtwo, Mew, and the clones flying toward the majestic Mount Quena, leaving viewers with a sense of wonder about their journey ahead.