Prequel short, specials streaming online

The Pokémon Company International announced on Monday that the Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages will premiere on Cartoon Network on Saturday, December 19 at 6:00 p.m.

In addition, the prequel short, "Hoopa: the Mischief Pokémon," and the "Hoopa's Surprise Ring Adventures" short specials are available via Pokemon.com or the Pokémon TV app.

The film will air as part of a two-film special beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST. The television guide website Zap2it lists the first film as Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life.

The film premiered in Japan on July 18 and on Canada's Teletoon on November 14.

The Pokémon Company describes the film's story:

The 70-minute animated movie takes Ash, Pikachu, and their friends to a desert city by the sea. Here they meet the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa, which has the ability to summon things—including people and Pokémon—through its magic rings. After a scary incident, they learn of a story about a brave hero who stopped the rampage of a terrifying Pokémon long ago. Now, the threat that has been bottled up for years is in danger of breaking loose again! Can Ash help his new friend overcome the darkness within…or will a dangerous secret erupt into a clash of legends?

The Pikachu to Pokémon Ongakutai (Pikachu & the Pokémon Music Band) anime short screened before the film when it premiered in Japan.

A Pokémon XY & Z feature film will premiere in Japan on July 16, 2016.