Disney has struck an unexpected new partnership with one of the biggest entertainment franchises on the planet.The Walt Disney Company has spent years strengthening Disney+ with content from its own enormous library, from Marvel and Star Wars to Pixar and Disney Animation. Its latest addition, however, comes from well outside the Mouse House.Credit: The Pokémon CompanyDisney+ has entered into a global distribution agreement with The Pokémon Company International, bringing both new and classic Pokémon programming under the Disney streaming umbrella. The deal was announced Friday at PokémonXP in San Francisco.At the heart of the partnership is Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, a new stop-motion series scheduled to debut on Disney XD and Disney+ in 2027.The series will follow Sirfetch’d and Pichu across the Galar Region as they attempt to help other Pokémon. Their good intentions do not always produce the smoothest results, with the pair encountering everything from new allies and rivals to danger along the way.Credit: DisneyAardman Animation, the British studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, helped bring the project to life. Tom Parkinson directs, with Nat McKay serving as Creative Director – IP Development and James Young as Model Making Creative Lead.Disney+ Is Also Getting Classic PokémonThe agreement goes beyond an entirely new production.Pokémon the Series: The Beginning, which chronicles Ash Ketchum and Pikachu’s earliest adventures, is also part of the deal. The series started airing on Disney XD earlier in August and is now streaming on Disney+ in the U.S. and select international markets.Credit: The Pokémon CompanyFor Disney, securing more Pokémon content is a notable win. The franchise has spent three decades expanding far beyond its video game roots, spanning television, movies, trading cards, merchandise, mobile games, and live entertainment.There is one important distinction, however. Disney’s newly announced agreement concerns the distribution of Pokémon programming. There is currently no indication that the deal extends to Disney’s theme parks or gives Disney rights to build Pokémon attractions.In fact, another theme park giant already has significantly bigger Pokémon plans of its own.Universal Has Its Own Pokémon DealUniversal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company have worked together for years, with Pokémon appearing in seasonal entertainment, parades, and shows at the Osaka theme park.That relationship took a major step forward in January 2026, when Universal Studios Japan announced a new project promising more immersive Pokémon experiences. Crucially, those plans are not limited to Japan.Credit: Universal Studios JapanUniversal confirmed that the project will debut at Universal Studios Japan before Pokémon experiences are introduced across Universal Destinations & Experiences’ global footprint. Exactly what those experiences will entail — and which resorts will receive them — has not yet been announced.That potentially puts Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Beijing Resort, and other Universal destinations in the conversation, although none have been individually confirmed for a Pokémon attraction.Universal’s Pokémon relationship also predates the latest announcement. The companies first announced a long-term alliance in 2021, subsequently collaborating on experiences including the NO LIMIT! Parade and Halloween entertainment at Universal Studios Japan.So while seeing Pokémon arrive on Disney+ may initially seem like an unusual crossover between two entertainment heavyweights, it does not signal Pikachu heading for Magic Kingdom or Disneyland.What do you think of Disney’s new Pokémon partnership?The post In Surprise Move, Disney Inks Landmark Pokémon Deal appeared first on Inside the Magic.