Ryan Reynolds releases behind-the-scenes photo for 'Detective Pikachu'

Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Ryan Reynolds has posted on Instagram a behind-the-scenes photo of himself working on the upcoming live-action Pokemon movie, Detective Pikachu.

The image, released on Sunday, features Reynolds side by side with the film's title character. The actor is smiling while wearing motion capture markers on his face.

The photo confirms that Reynolds provided motion-capture work for Pikachu, the character he is voicing who will appear in animated form in the film alongside other Pokemon. The motion-capture work will allow Pikachu to have more realistic facial expressions.

"Pika-Dots. #DetectivePikachu," Reynolds captioned the image.

Detective Pikachu, from director Rob Letterman, is set to arrive in theaters on May 11, 2019. Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton and Ken Watanabe also star. The film is based on the Pokemon brand which has spawned multiple anime series' and video games.

A trailer, released in November, featured Smith coming into contact with Reynolds' Pikachu whom he can somehow understand and communicate with. Pokemon Jigglypuff, Mr. Mime and Charizard were also featured in the clip.