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MechaMew2 is a fascinating character from the Pokémon universe who, despite his impressive appearance and unique abilities, remains relatively unknown to most fans. This robotic Pokémon appeared exclusively in the musical „Pokémon Live!„, which ran from 2000 to 2001, and was never introduced in the main game or anime series. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at his history, role, and related collectibles.
The History of MechaMew2 in the Pokémon Live! Musical
The „Pokémon Live!” musical was a stage production based on the American adaptation of the Pokémon anime. The show ran in the United States from September 15, 2000, to January 28, 2001, and later in Canada, Dubai, Belgium, and Portugal. A UK tour was also planned, but was canceled due to „unforeseen circumstances.”
This mech was a central character in the story, created by Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, as a response to the loss of the original Mewtwo (a reference to the events of the film „Mewtwo Strikes Back”). Giovanni considered it the most powerful Pokémon ever, capable of defeating any opponent.
MechaMew2’s Unique Abilities
It possessed the extraordinary ability to learn any move used against it, then amplify its power and use it against the opponent. This ability allowed it to know more than four moves at once, a limitation for normal Pokémon in the games.
During the game, Giovanni exploited this ability by organizing a Pokémon Trainer Challenge. He promised a rare Diamond Badge to anyone who could defeat his mysterious Pokémon. In reality, this was a ruse to teach it all the possible moves of the first-generation Pokémon.
By the end, it had learned almost all the moves, missing only Thunderbolt and Electroshock, which Ash’s Pikachu possessed. This led to Pikachu being kidnapped by Team Rocket, and later Ash himself, who agreed to fight MechaMew2.
A pivotal moment
A key moment in the story was the appearance of the original Mewtwo during the final confrontation. Instead of using its typical attack, Mewtwo used its psychic powers to imbue MechaMew2 with Ash’s memories of love, care, and friendship.
After experiencing these feelings, it gained self-awareness and understood the difference between good and evil. It rebelled against Giovanni, grabbed him by the throat, and used Self-Destruct, destroying Team Rocket’s headquarters and itself, allowing Ash and Mewtwo to escape.
MechaMew2 as a Stage Prop
The prop used in the musical was an impressive structure. It stood 10 feet (about 3 meters) tall (about 2.1 meters) wide, and 8 feet (about 2.4 meters) deep. It was created by Costume Armor.
If the weight listed on the trading card corresponds to the actual weight of the prop, MechaMew2 weighed approximately 2,081 kg (4,700 lbs), making it more than twice as heavy as Celesteela and Cosmoem, officially the heaviest Pokémon in the universe.
It resembled the armored Mewtwo seen in the anime episodes „The Battle of the Badge” and „It’s Mr. Mime Time.” Instead of legs, it moved on tank-like treads, and it had a large power source on the front of its body. Parts of its design, particularly the treads, resembled the HK tanks from the „Terminator” series.
Interestingly, on the website of Costume Armor, the prop’s designers, MechaMew2 was referred to as „Mechanismon”—a name likely derived from combining the words „mechanism” or „mechanical” with „Pokémon.”
MechaMew2 in the Pokémon Trading Card Game
It never officially appeared in the Pokémon TCG. However, during „Pokémon Live!” performances, a special promotional card featuring it was distributed.
This card was 7 inches (approximately 17.8 cm) tall and 5 inches (approximately 12.7 cm) wide, making it slightly smaller than standard jumbo cards. The card’s back featured the „Pokémon Live!” logo instead of the standard TCG card back, likely intended to emphasize that it was not compatible with the actual trading card game.
This promotional card is now a rare collectible, sought after by Pokémon enthusiasts, especially those interested in unique and unusual elements of the franchise.
The Importance of MechaMew2 in the Pokémon Universe
MechaMew2 represents an interesting chapter in the history of the Pokémon franchise, one that is often overlooked in the mainstream. Its design is unique—resembling a cross between Mewtwo, Terminator, and Predator, almost like a Pokémon designed by H.R. Giger.
Although it only appeared in the musical, its concept is fascinating—a mechanical Pokémon created by humans, capable of learning and copying any move. It surpasses in many respects other artificial Pokémon that later appeared in the main series, such as Genesect and Magearna.
It is also an interesting example of how the Pokémon franchise has been adapted into various media beyond video games and anime. „Pokémon Live!” was a rare example of an anime-based stage show outside of Japan, and MechaMew2 was its original contribution to Pokémon mythology.
The Musical’s Legacy
Although largely forgotten by mainstream Pokémon fans, its legacy endures in certain collector circles and among those who experienced the „Pokémon Live!” musical.
It’s worth noting that two actors later appeared in the English-language dub of the anime. Darren Dunstan, who played Giovanni, voiced Stephan and Barrett of Team Plasma. Andrew Rannells, who played James, voiced Morty, the Ecruteak City Gym Leader.
There were plans for a television broadcast and a home video release, which was advertised on the official Pokémon website. Producer Chris Mitchell confirmed that a recording was made for this purpose. However, this never happened, and many sources suggest that low profits and a general lack of interest led the distributor to consider it a pointless endeavor.
Summary
MechaMew2 remains a fascinating curiosity in the history of the Pokémon franchise. Its unique design, impressive abilities, and dramatic backstory from „Pokémon Live!” make it one of the most interesting, albeit least-known, Pokémon.
Although it never appeared in the main game series, anime, or manga, it is a prime example of the creativity and diversity that characterize the Pokémon universe. Its history demonstrates that even relatively niche adaptations of the franchise can contain fascinating concepts and characters that deserve fans’ attention.
For collectors, the promotional Trading Cards Game card from „Pokémon Live!” remains a valuable and rare artifact, witnessing a unique part of Pokémon history that might otherwise be completely forgotten.
