Ed Sheeran’s new video for ‘Celestial’ shows intense Pokémon hallucinations

It’s no secret that singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is a major Pokémon nerd. He collaborated with The Pokémon Company last year for a “special performance” in Pokémon GoRecent news promoted the 2022 Pokémon World Championships in LondonHe enjoys the water-type Squirtle, which he calls his favorite. He loves to play. Pokémon Yellow And Silverwhich he used to play the original Game Boy Color until today. But Sheeran Pokémon’s bond is evolving with the release of “Celestial,” a new song that not only features Pokémon in its official video, but will also appear in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.

Sheeran released the “Celestial” music video on Thursday — after teasing it underneath a blanket of Pokémon plush toys two weeks ago — and it raises the question of whether he is OK. In “Celestial,” Sheeran is plagued by Pokémon hallucinations: He has a fry up with Charmander, who helps him make food for all his imaginary Pokémon pals; he’s nearly hit by a London cab, but is spared death by a Snorlax; and after being struck by songwriting inspiration, he hitches a ride home from Charizard. Sheeran then goes anime and is almost killed by Mewtwo and Mewtwo fighting.

It was all just a dream for Sheeran, and the fans of radio-friendly modern rock music. Hypno or was that the result? It’s hard to say. Regardless, the “Celestial” video is cute, thanks to the inclusion of all those adorable Pokémon the contribution of illustrator Yu Nagaba — a frequent collaborator of The Pokémon Company — who handled the cartoonish side of Sheeran’s latest project.

Sheeran’s the latest in a long line of pop stars who have rubbed elbows with Pikachu and crew in recent years, including Katy Perry, Post Malone, J Balvin, and Vince Staples, all of whom appeared on last year’s Pokémon 25: The Album.

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon VioletNintendo Switch will be available on November 18.