Veronica Taylor reflects on Ash Ketchum's death in Pokémon: The First Movie 25 years later

Veronica Taylor, the original voice of Ash Ketchum, reflects on the 25th anniversary of "Pokémon: The First Movie," which premiered in the U.S. on November 10, 1999. The film marked a significant moment for the Pokémon franchise, showcasing Ash's brief death and revival. Taylor recalls the voice recording process, noting it was similar to the series, with no rehearsals and tight deadlines. She learned about Ash's death scene only when it appeared in the script, experiencing the emotional impact of the moment during the film's premiere. Despite Ash's repeated deaths in later films, Taylor emphasizes the character's self-sacrifice and the positive messages conveyed through his actions. She remains connected to Ash, stating that the heart of the character is what truly matters, regardless of the medium.