View source for Mewtwo

{{Short description|Fictional Pokémon species}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox character
| name      = Mewtwo
| image     = Mewtwo.png
| alt       = A large white and purple creature standing upright with its right arm outstretched towards viewer. It has a feline-shaped head, long purple tail and stomach, enlarged thighs, three fingers, and two toes.
| caption   = Mewtwo artwork by [[Ken Sugimori]]
| series    = [[Pokémon (video game series)|Pokémon]]
| firstgame = [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] (1996)
| designer  = Ken Sugimori<ref name="yomiuri"/>
| voice     = {{Collapsible list|title=[[English language|English]]
|[[Jay Goede]] (''[[Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', ''[[Pokémon Live!]]'', ''[[Pokémon Puzzle League]]'')
|[[Dan Green (voice actor)|Dan Green]] (''[[Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns]]'', ''[[Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution]]'' and ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'')
|Miriam Pultro (''[[Genesect and the Legend Awakened]]'')
|[[Christopher Corey Smith]] (''[[Detective Pikachu (video game)|Detective Pikachu]]'' games)
|Rina Hoshino & Kotaro Watanabe (''[[Detective Pikachu (film)|Detective Pikachu]]'' film)}}
{{Collapsible list|title=[[Japanese language|Japanese]]
|[[Masachika Ichimura]] (adult, and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'')<ref>{{cite video game | developer=[[HAL Laboratory]] | title=Super Smash Bros. Melee | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | scene=Ending credits, 0:28 in, Voice | year=2001}}</ref><!-- url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXeHwKjkeuU -->
|[[Shōtarō Morikubo]] (young, ''Mewtwo Strikes Back'')
|[[Katsuyuki Konishi]] (''[[The Mastermind of Mirage Pokemon]]'')
|[[Reiko Takashima]] (''[[ExtremeSpeed Genesect: Mewtwo Awakens]]'')
|[[Fujiko Takimoto]] (young, ''The Birth of Mewtwo'', CD drama)
|[[Keiji Fujiwara]] ([[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Wii U'']], ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'')<ref name="BTVA">{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Pokemon/Mewtwo|title=Voice of Mewtwo|publisher=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2015-04-15|archive-date=2015-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419081510/http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Pokemon/Mewtwo|url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[Kōichi Yamadera]] and [[Sayaka Kinoshita]] (''[[Pokémon Detective Pikachu]]'' film)}}
| species  = Pokémon
| lbl21    = [[Pokémon types|Type]]
| data21   = Psychic (Mewtwo, Mega Mewtwo Y) <br> Psychic and Fighting (Mega Mewtwo X)
}}
'''Mewtwo''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Mewtwo Voice Line.ogg|ˈ|m|juː|t|uː}}; [[Japanese language|Japanese]]: {{lang|ja|ミュウツー}}, [[Hepburn romanization|Hepburn]]: {{Transliteration|ja|Myūtsū}}) is a [[List of Pokémon|Pokémon species]] in [[Nintendo]] and [[Game Freak]]'s [[Pokémon|''Pokémon'' media franchise]]. It was first introduced in the [[video game]]s [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']], and later appeared in subsequent sequels and spin-off titles, such as ''[[Pokkén Tournament]]''  and ''[[Detective Pikachu (video game)|Detective Pikachu]]''. In the video games, the player can fight and capture Mewtwo in order to subsequently pit it against other Pokémon. The player can first learn of Mewtwo late in ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'' by reading research documents left in a ruined [[laboratory]] on Cinnabar Island where Mewtwo has escaped. Mewtwo is regarded as one of the series' strongest Pokémon, often referred to as "the world's strongest Pokémon" in various media, and was the strongest in the original games in terms of base statistic distribution. It is known as the "Genetic  Pokémon"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mewtwo Pokédex {{!}} Pokémon Ref |url=https://www.pokemonref.com/ |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=Pokemon Ref |archive-date=2022-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203125539/https://pokemonref.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and is a Legendary Pokémon, a special group of Pokémon that are very rare and usually very powerful.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mewtwo (Pokémon) - Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia |url=https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Mewtwo_(Pok%C3%A9mon) |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net |language=en |archive-date=2022-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414193303/https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Mewtwo_%28Pok%C3%A9mon%29 |url-status=live }}</ref> <onlyinclude> Mewtwo has also appeared in various animated adaptations of the franchise.

[[Masachika Ichimura]] was the first to voice the original Mewtwo character in Japanese, and the creature's younger self is voiced by [[Fujiko Takimoto]] in the ''Sound Picture Box: Mewtwo's Origin'' [[CD drama]] and [[Showtaro Morikubo]] in the anime adaptation.</onlyinclude> In English, [[Jay Goede]] voiced Mewtwo in ''[[Pokémon: The First Movie]]'' (being credited under the [[pseudonym]] "Philip Bartlett"<ref name="BTVA Goede">{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Jay-Goede/|title=Jay Goede|publisher=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=2014-11-14|archive-date=2014-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118223614/http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Jay-Goede|url-status=live}}</ref>) and the ''[[Pokémon Live!]]'' musical, while [[Dan Green (voice actor)|Dan Green]] provided the voice for ''The First Movie''{{'}}s direct sequel, ''[[Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns]]''.<ref name="absoluteanime">{{cite web |url=http://www.absoluteanime.com/pokemon/mewtwo.htm |title=Mewtwo Voice Actors |publisher=Absolute Anime |access-date=2008-10-21 |archive-date=2017-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011180959/http://www.absoluteanime.com/pokemon/mewtwo.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Rauzi, Robin |date=2000-04-06 |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/cl-movie000406-143,0,6593417.story |title=Pokemon: The First Movie |work=The Baltimore Sun |access-date=2008-10-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604040336/http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/cl-movie000406-143,0,6593417.story |archive-date=2011-06-04 }}</ref> Green reprised the role in the 2019 remake of the first Pokémon movie, ''[[Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution|Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution]]''.

Actress [[Reiko Takashima]] voiced a second, unrelated Mewtwo in the [[Pokémon (anime)|''Pokémon'' anime]] special ''Mewtwo: Prologue to Awakening'' and its direct sequel, ''[[Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened]]''; this second Mewtwo is voiced by actress Miriam Pultro in the English dub. Mewtwo has featured in other game franchises, such as ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series, in which Ichimura reprised in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and [[Keiji Fujiwara]] in [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Wii U'']] and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. A third Mewtwo also appears in the 2019 [[live-action animated film]] ''[[Detective Pikachu (film)|Detective Pikachu]]'', voiced simultaneously by Rina Hoshino and Kotaro Watanabe.

==Conception and design==
Mewtwo is a species of fictional creatures called Pokémon created for the ''[[Pokémon]]'' media franchise. Developed by [[Game Freak]] and published by [[Nintendo]], the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Green'' for the [[Game Boy]], which were later released in North America as [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] in 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |title=''Pokémon Red'' & ''Blue'' – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |magazine=[[Game Informer]]}}</ref> In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon.<ref name="millenial2">{{cite book |last=Allison |first=Anne |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |date=May 2006 |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}}</ref> Each Pokémon has one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.<ref>{{cite book |title=Pokémon Deluxe Essential Handbook |date=July 28, 2015 |publisher=[[Scholastic Inc.]] |isbn=9780545795661 |page=5}}</ref> A major goal in each game is to complete the [[Pokédex]], a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.<ref name="millenial2" />

Introduced in ''Red'' and ''Blue'', Mewtwo was conceived and designed by design lead [[Ken Sugimori]], and was one of the earliest designs created, preceding that of series mascot [[Pikachu]].<ref name="yomiuri">{{cite web |title=ピカチュウは大福？ 初めて明かされる誕生秘話 |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/ |language=Japanese |date=2018-05-02 |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=Yomiuri |archive-date=2023-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006195536/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20180501-OYT8T50139/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Standing {{convert|6|ft|7|in|cm}} tall,<ref name="dexter"/> it appears as a [[Bipedalism|bipedal]] [[Felinae|feline]]. Mewtwo has a light gray physique with a pronounced tail and abdomen, large thighs, purple [[Iris (anatomy)|irises]], bulbous fingertips, pronounced collarbone, crest-like [[Auricle (anatomy)|pinnae]], and a tube-like mass of flesh that connects from behind its head to the center of its upper back.<ref>{{cite web |author=Stack, Peter |date=1999-11-10 |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1999/11/10/DD43318.DTL |title='Pokémon' Get Stronger, Longer |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=2008-06-11 |archive-date=2011-05-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525020625/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1999/11/10/DD43318.DTL |url-status=live }}</ref> Sugimori intended for the details in its shape as well as the look in its eyes to give off "an unsettling aura".<ref>{{cite book |pages=342–343 |language=Japanese |title=Ken Sugimori Works |publisher=Tankobon Softcover |date=January 2014 |isbn= 978-4-19-863806-1}}</ref> According to [[Pokémon Company]] president Tsunekazu Ishihara, Mewtwo was expected to be popular with North American audiences, citing their preference for strong, powerful characters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0610/12/i05.html |title=Interview with Tsunekazu Ishihara |language=ja |author=Nintendo |access-date=2009-06-07 |archive-date=2020-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215085548/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0610/12/i05.html }}</ref>

Created as a genetically modified clone of another Pokémon, the ancient [[Mew (Pokémon)|Mew]], Mewtwo directly precedes Mew in the game's numerical [[Pokédex|Pokémon index]] due to programmer Shigeki Morimoto's last minute creation and inclusion of Mew into the game prior to release.<ref name="Morimoto">{{cite web |language=ja |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/gfreak/page06.html |title=Pokemon notes from the developers |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |access-date=2009-06-06 |archive-date=2000-10-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001018154023/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/gfreak/page06.html }}</ref>   Until the first ''Pokémon'' movie was released in the United States, Mewtwo was rarely referred to as a "clone" in Japanese sources. Kubo Masakazu, executive producer of ''Mewtwo Strikes Back'', explained that they "intentionally avoid using the term 'kuron' [clone]… because the word has a frightening feel".<ref>Masakazu, Kubo (April 2000). "Pokemon' wa naze Beikoku de Seiko shita ka". ''Ronza''</ref>

In the original games, Mewtwo is intended to be "the strongest Pokémon ever."<ref name="dexter">{{pokédex|Gold|Because its battle abilities were raised to the ultimate level, it thinks only of defeating its foes.}}</ref> Due to [[genetic engineering]] being applied to a sample of Mew's DNA in order to fully create Mewtwo's genome, Mewtwo is an extremely powerful [[psychic]], with its abilities surpassing Mew's due to intentional alterations to the genetic source material. As such, it can use [[telekinesis]] for [[flight]],<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]] |developer=Nintendo |publisher=Nintendo |date=2001-12-03 |level=Mewtwo Trophy #2 description |quote=As Mewtwo relies mostly on its powerful brain, there are times when it scarcely uses its arms and legs.}}</ref> to shield itself and to powerfully throw opponents aside.<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]] |developer=Nintendo |publisher=Nintendo |date=2001-12-03 |level=Mewtwo Trophy #3 description |quote=Mewtwo is definitely not a speedy character, but its ESP-powered grab and throw moves are comparatively strong.}}</ref> In addition, it is among the very few Pokémon capable of human speech, doing so via [[telepathy]].<ref>{{cite video |date=December 1999 |script-title=ja:ポケットモンスター「ミュウツーの逆襲 完全版」 | medium= [[VHS]] |language = ja |publisher = メディアファクトリー |location  = Japan |id=[[ASIN]] B00005HBUW}} '''Mewtwo''': "私は自分自身のルールを決めている。" / '''Misty''': "その声！" / '''Brock''': "テレパシー！"</ref> Otherwise, it conserves its energy until needed, such as against powerful opponents. In addition to its psychic abilities, Mewtwo can also [[regeneration (biology)|regenerate]], which allows it to quickly recover from near-fatal injuries.<ref>'''Computer:''' "Mewtwo's life responses have diminished." / '''Doctor Fuji:''' "What have you done?!" / '''Researcher:''' "Please wait! Mewtwo is..." / '''Doctor Fuji:''' "What?" / '''Computer:''' "Mewtwo's life responses are back. Mewtwo is regenerating itself now." Nintendo (1999-09-13). ''Sound Picture Box: Mewtwo's Origin'': ''Myutsuu No Tanjou: Pocket-Monster Radio Drama'' (in Japanese). Catalog# ZMCP-596.</ref> For the sixth and seventh generations of the Pokemon video game series, Mewtwo has two Mega Evolved forms, Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y. These can be activated if the player gives Mewtwo either the Mewtwonite X or the Mewtwonite Y.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-mega-evolution-charizard-mewtwo-xy-omega-alpha/|title=Every Pokémon Game That Uses Mega Evolution|date=April 24, 2021|website=ScreenRant|access-date=July 6, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185737/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-mega-evolution-charizard-mewtwo-xy-omega-alpha/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Appearances==

===In video games===
[[File:Mega Mewtwo Forms.png|thumb|Mewtwo has two Mega Evolutions, Mega Mewtwo X (left) and Mega Mewtwo Y (right).]]
In ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'', the player learns of Mewtwo's existence by reading research notes left in the ruined Pokémon Mansion on Cinnabar Island. The notes say that a scientist{{ref|a}} discovered a new Pokémon in a [[Guyana]] jungle, that they named it Mew, and that it later gave birth to a creature they called Mewtwo; the game's Pokédex entry states that Mewtwo was "created by a scientist after years of horrific gene splicing and DNA engineering experiments".<ref name="trophy1">{{cite video game |title=[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]] |developer=Nintendo |publisher=Nintendo |date=December 3, 2001 |level=Mewtwo Trophy #1 description |quote=A genetically created Pokémon, Mewtwo is the result of many long years of research by a solitary scientist. Although Mewtwo was "cloned" from the genes of the legendary Pokémon Mew, its size and characteristics are far different from its ancestor. Its battle abilities have been radically heightened, making it ruthless.}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game |title=[[Pokémon Red and Blue|Pokémon Red]] |developer=[[Game Freak]] |publisher=Nintendo |date=September 30, 1998 |level=Pokémon Mansion, Cinnibar Island |quote=Feb. 6. MEW gave birth. We named the newborn MEWTWO.}}</ref> Mewtwo proved too mighty to control, destroying the laboratory and escaping. The player is later given an opportunity to capture Mewtwo in the Cerulean Cave, which is accessible only after defeating the game's final [[boss (video games)|bosses]], the [[Elite Four]] and [[Blue (Pokémon character)|Blue]];<ref>{{cite book |author=Rich, Jason |year=1999 |title=Pokémon: Pathways to Adventure |publisher=[[Sybex]] |page=[https://archive.org/details/pokemonpathwayst00jaso_0/page/101 101] |isbn=978-0-7821-2503-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/pokemonpathwayst00jaso_0/page/101 }}</ref> in the remakes [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen|''Pokémon FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen'']] this prerequisite was expanded, requiring the player to explore more thoroughly and record information on sixty Pokémon species before access to the cave would be granted.<ref>{{cite book |author=Nintendo staff |year=2004 |title=Pokémon Leafgreen Version, Firered Version the Official Nintendo Player's Guide |publisher=Nintendo |isbn=978-1-930206-50-2}}</ref> Mewtwo can be caught in [[Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver|''Pokémon HeartGold'' and ''SoulSilver'']] in the same location as before after defeating all of the gym leaders in Kanto. The character was also the focus of a promotion and [[downloadable content]] giveaway for [[Pokémon Black and White|''Pokémon Black'' and ''White'']], debuting with its signature move "Psystrike" that can also be learned by leveling up.<ref>{{cite web| title=The Legend of Mewtwo Continues| url=http://www.pokemon.com/us/ex/mewtwo| access-date=2012-03-11| publisher=The Pokémon Company International| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308163314/http://www.pokemon.com/us/ex/mewtwo| archive-date=2012-03-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Drake |first=Audrey |date=2012-02-06 |title=Catch Mewtwo in Pokemon Black and White! |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/06/catch-mewtwo-in-pokemon-black-and-white |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Mewtwo also reappears in [[Pokémon X and Y|''Pokémon X'' and ''Y'']] after completing the main story, and is one of the handful of Pokémon capable of using the new Mega Evolution mechanic, as it can transform into either Mega Mewtwo X or Mega Mewtwo Y.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon/mega_pokemon/ |title=Mega Pokémon |publisher=Pokemonxy.com |access-date=2013-08-09 |archive-date=2015-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405083910/http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon/mega_pokemon/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/xy/pokemon/mega/01.html |title=メガミュウツー｜『ポケットモンスター エックス』『ポケットモンスター ワイ』公式サイト |publisher=Pokemon.co.jp |access-date=2013-08-09 |archive-date=2013-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813011416/http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/xy/pokemon/mega/01.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Mewtwo reappears in [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]], another remake of ''Red and Blue'', again in Cerulean Cave and is capable of Mega Evolution.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-03-08 |title=Pokémon Let's Go Cerulean Cave and how to find Mewtwo - available Pokémon, items and trainers |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-lets-go-walkthrough-guide-5010?page=49 |access-date=2024-05-21 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Dalton |date=2018-11-23 |title=Pokemon Let's Go: How to Get Mega Stones |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-lets-go-mega-stone/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> Mewtwo is also obtainable alongside other past Legendary Pokémon in [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon]],<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Koczwara |first1=Michael |last2=Professor_oak |last3=DeFreitas |first3=Casey |last4=Moreupdated |first4=+11 0k |date=2017-11-17 |title=Ultra Wormholes - Pokemon Sun & Pokemon Moon Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-sun-pokemon-moon/Ultra_Wormholes |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-11-02 |title='Pokémon Ultra Sun' and 'Moon' Will Let You Catch Every Legendary Pokémon |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/38060-pokemon-ultra-sun-ultra-moon-version-specific-legendary-legendaries |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Inverse |language=en}}</ref> [[Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Crown Tundra]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Daniel |date=2020-10-29 |title=Pokemon Sword & Shield: All Catchable Legendaries In Dynamax Adventures |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-sword-shield-legendary-dynamax-adventure/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> and [[Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowen |first=Tom |date=2021-11-28 |title=Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Where to Find and Catch Mewtwo |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-shining-pearl-how-to-catch-mewtwo-location/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl add a way to get older legendaries |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/brilliant-diamond-and-shining-pearl-add-a-way-to-get-older-legendary-pokemon/ |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref>

In addition to being transferable to almost every mainline ''Pokémon'' game, Mewtwo has also made appearances in multiple spin-offs. In ''[[Pokémon Stadium]]'' and ''[[Pokémon Pinball]]'', Mewtwo appears as a final boss after all competitions have been completed.<ref>{{cite book |title=Pokémon Stadium: Prima's Official Strategy Guide |last=Barton |first=Jeff |year=2000 |publisher=[[Prima Games]] |isbn=978-0-7615-2278-2 |page=73}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:極めれば達人になれるニャー! |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/vphj/high/page04.html |access-date=2009-06-06 |publisher=Nintendo |language=ja |archive-date=2009-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015045907/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/vphj/high/page04.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''[[Pokémon Puzzle League]]'', Mewtwo, voiced by [[Philip Bartlett]], serves not only as the final opponent, but also as the main [[antagonist]] responsible for the game's events.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Pokémon Puzzle League]] |developer=[[Nintendo Software Technology]]/[[Intelligent Systems]] |publisher=Nintendo |date=2000-09-25 |platform=[[Nintendo 64]] |level=Mewtwo stage |quote='''Mewtwo''': Welcome, Puzzle champion. I am the Puzzle Master. I doubt you have what it takes to defeat me. It is my destiny to crush all who oppose me.}}</ref> Mewtwo appears in the ''[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon]]'' series, featuring Mewtwo as an unlockable [[player character]] that must be defeated before it may be used in ''[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team]].''<ref>{{cite book |title=Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team, Red Rescue Team: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |location=Redmond, Washington |author=Staff |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-59812-010-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/pokemonmysterydu0000loec }}</ref> Mewtwo has been a playable character in multiple entries of the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series. Mewtwo was originally meant to appear in the original [[Super Smash Bros. (video game)|''Super Smash Bros.'']], but was cut due to time constraints.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fontes |first=Renan |date=2020-05-30 |title=Super Smash Bros. 64: Every Character Cut From The Roster |url=https://gamerant.com/super-smash-bros-64-every-character-cut/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref>  Mewtwo made its debut in the series in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' voiced by  Masachika Ichimura who reprises his role in ''[[Pokémon: The First Movie]]''. After simply appearing as a trophy ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', Mewtwo returned to the series as a [[Downloadable content|DLC]] character in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Wii U'' on April 28, 2015, though it was made available to Club Nintendo members who registered both versions on April 15, 2015. In ''3DS'' and ''Wii U'', its Final Smash involves it Mega Evolving into Mega Mewtwo Y and using Psystrike, its signature move in the ''Pokémon'' games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/super-smash-bros-wii-u-gets-mewtwo-and-53-other-new-details-9816460.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/super-smash-bros-wii-u-gets-mewtwo-and-53-other-new-details-9816460.html |archive-date=2022-05-12 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=October 27, 2014|date=October 24, 2014|title=Super Smash Bros Wii U gets Mewtwo and 53 other new details|author=Hooton, Christopher}}</ref> Mewtwo also returned as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' for the [[Nintendo Switch]], where it is once again an unlockable character.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/super-smash-bros-ultimate-switch-every-playable-hero-revealed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612192151/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/super-smash-bros-ultimate-switch-every-playable-hero-revealed |title=Super Smash Bros Ultimate on Switch Will Have Every Smash Hero Ever, Release Date Announced |last=Kim |first=Matt |website=[[USGamer]] |date=12 June 2018 |access-date=12 June 2018 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |quote=That means fan favorite characters like Roy, Mewtwo, and even Snake are back for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. }}</ref> In both ''3DS/Wii U'' and ''Ultimate'', [[Keiji Fujiwara]] voices Mewtwo in all languages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wii U/3DS「大乱闘スマッシュブラザーズ」の更新データ（Ver. 1.0.6）の配信が本日スタート。先行配信の始まったミュウツーの声は藤原啓治さん |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/134/G013467/20150415091/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183855/https://www.4gamer.net/games/134/G013467/20150415091/ |archive-date=2021-07-09 |access-date=2021-07-06 |website=www.4gamer.net}}</ref> A new form of Mewtwo, Shadow Mewtwo, appears as a boss character in ''[[Pokkén Tournament]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJRtBiFD144 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/aJRtBiFD144| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Shadow Mewtwo Revealed in Pokkén Tournament!|last=pokemon|date=3 November 2015|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and has a special attack that involves it Mega Evolving into Mega Mewtwo X. Shadow Mewtwo can also be unlocked as a playable character. In addition, its normal form appears as a playable character.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/three-new-pokemon-confirmed-for-pokken-tournament/|title=Three new Pokemon confirmed for Pokken Tournament|date=January 13, 2016|access-date=July 6, 2021|archive-date=June 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620045727/https://www.destructoid.com/three-new-pokemon-confirmed-for-pokken-tournament/|url-status=live}}</ref> In augmented reality mobile game ''[[Pokémon Go]]'', Mewtwo is able to be battled and caught in event Raids available on select dates and times,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mewtwo Pokémon GO Raid Battle Tips |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/strategy/mewtwo-pokemon-go-raid-battle-tips |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=www.pokemon.com |language=en}}</ref> including a different variation of Mewtwo wearing its armor from ''[[Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution|Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back - Evolution]]'' that was made available for a limited time in Tier 5 Raids in July 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-06-19-pokemon-go-raid-hour-raid-battles-raid-passes-raid-rewards-4819|title=Pokémon Go Raid Hour date and time, plus how Raids work, including Raid Rewards and Raid level requirement|first=Matthew|last=Reynolds|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=September 2, 2020|access-date=2019-07-24|archive-date=2019-07-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717110037/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-06-19-pokemon-go-raid-hour-raid-battles-raid-passes-raid-rewards-4819|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pokemongolive.com/post/armoredmewtworaids2019/|title=Harness the power of Armored Mewtwo!|website=Pokémon GO|access-date=2021-07-06|archive-date=2024-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128163304/https://pokemongolive.com/post/armoredmewtworaids2019/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2019/07/06/armored-mewtwo-is-coming-to-pokemon-go-in-new-raid-battles-soon/|title=Armored Mewtwo Is Coming To 'Pokemon GO' In New Raid Battles Soon|first=Paul|last=Tassi|website=Forbes|access-date=2019-07-24|archive-date=2019-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724083141/https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2019/07/06/armored-mewtwo-is-coming-to-pokemon-go-in-new-raid-battles-soon/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[Detective Pikachu (video game)|''Detective Pikachu'']] game and its sequel ''[[Detective Pikachu Returns]]'', Mewtwo is a major character of the plot with it being a key to the mystery behind the disappearance of the main character's father, Harry Goodman.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Randell |first1=Laura May |last2=Cotten |first2=Shailyn |last3=Sanchez |first3=Miranda |display-authors=etal |date=2023-10-12 |title=Detective Pikachu Returns Ending Explained - Detective Pikachu Returns Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/detective-pikachu-returns/Detective_Pikachu_Returns_Ending_Explained |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Mewtwo also appears as a usable Pokémon in [[Pokémon Masters]] as the partner of Giovanni, who first became playable in the first Legendary Event, "Lurking Shadow". During the first part of the Villain Arc story with [[Team Rocket]], "Looming Shadow of Kanto", the player could obtain Giovanni Legendary Spirit to raise the rarity of Giovanni to 6-Star EX if the player also used all 20 Power-Ups for Giovanni, which gives it a power boost and makes his Sync Move target all opponents instead of one, and then in the second part of the arc, "Spreading Shadow", the player could obtain Mewtwo Crystals to allow Giovanni's Mewtwo to evolve into Mega Mewtwo Y, which makes it even stronger and replaces the move Confusion with Psystrike until the end of the battle.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} In July 2023, Mewtwo was added as a playable character to ''[[Pokémon Unite]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.destructoid.com/a-wild-mewtwo-appears-in-pokemon-unite/ | title=A wild Mewtwo appears in Pokemon Unite | date=21 July 2023 }}</ref>

===In anime and related media===
Mewtwo appears in the episode 63 of the animated series (episode 61 in the English dub) titled "The Battle of the Badge" wherein Giovanni sends in Mewtwo during his gym battle at Viridian Gym with Gary Oak. Mewtwo easily defeats all of Gary's Pokémon and is afterwards taken by Giovanni on a secret mission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon TV |url=https://watch.pokemon.com/en-us/#/player?id=2c06631d21be48fe918afbb8b22e1d98&channelId=pokemon-adventures-in-the-orange-islands&cameFromHome=false |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=watch.pokemon.com |archive-date=2023-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318023126/https://watch.pokemon.com/en-us/#/player?id=2c06631d21be48fe918afbb8b22e1d98&channelId=pokemon-adventures-in-the-orange-islands&cameFromHome=false |url-status=live }}</ref> In the following episode, "It's Mr. Mime Time!", Mewtwo appears briefly while Giovanni is on a video call with Team Rocket.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon TV |url=https://watch.pokemon.com/en-us/#/player?id=36a17a95d8c84c798092d1eeae6c02e1&channelId=pokemon-adventures-in-the-orange-islands&restartVideo=true |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=watch.pokemon.com |archive-date=2023-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318023126/https://watch.pokemon.com/en-us/#/player?id=36a17a95d8c84c798092d1eeae6c02e1&channelId=pokemon-adventures-in-the-orange-islands&restartVideo=true |url-status=live }}</ref> In both episodes, Mewtwo is covered in various pieces of advanced armor and machinery which obscure its features.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

Mewtwo is featured as the titular main antagonist in the film ''[[Pokémon: The First Movie]]''. Unlike in the games, it is shown to be the creation of the criminal organization [[Team Rocket]], and is referred to as an enhanced clone instead of a [[genetically modified mammal]]. After Mewtwo destroys the laboratory where it was born, Team Rocket's leader, [[Giovanni (Pokémon)|Giovanni]], convinces Mewtwo he can help it control its powers, instead using Mewtwo as a weapon. After escaping Giovanni, Mewtwo questions the reason for its existence and declares revenge on its creators. To this end, it lures several [[Pokémon trainers]], among them series's main [[protagonist]] [[Ash Ketchum]], to its island in order to clone their Pokémon. Once it does so, Mewtwo forces the originals to battle their clones in an effort to determine which set is superior, while Mewtwo faces its own genetic relative, Mew. Ash sacrifices himself to stop the fighting, though he is later revived from tears shed by both the originals and clones because of his sacrifice.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

Mewtwo, upon acknowledging the selflessness of Ash's sacrifice, comes to the conclusion that one's actions determine who they are and not the circumstances of their birth. Soon after having this epiphany, Mewtwo and the clones are joined by Mew as they leave to find a sanctuary, with Mewtwo erasing all memory of the events from those gathered as a final gift.<ref name="ポケットモンスター「ミュウツーの逆襲 完全版」">{{cite video |date=December 1999 |script-title=ja:ポケットモンスター「ミュウツーの逆襲 完全版」 |medium= [[VHS]] |language = ja |publisher = メディアファクトリー |location  = Japan |id=[[ASIN]] B00005HBUW}}</ref> In localizing the film for English-language audiences, Mewtwo's personality became more arrogant and [[Narcissistic personality disorder|megalomaniacal]]; localization director [[Norman J. Grossfeld|Norman Grossfield]] ruled the changes necessary, as he believed American audiences needed a "clearly evil" instead of ambiguous villain.<ref>{{cite book|last=Tobin|first=Joseph Jay|year=2004|title=Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon|publisher=Duke University Press|page=39|isbn=978-0-8223-3287-9}}</ref> In the film, Mewtwo is voiced by [[Jay Goede]] (credited as Philip Bartlett) in English, and by Ichimura in Japanese.<ref name="absoluteanime"/> In this film, Mewtwo displayed unique abilities and powers unseen in other Pokémon, such as blocking all Pokémon moves in his arena when the clones face off against the originals.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

In September 1999, Nintendo published ''Sound Picture Box Mewtwo'', which included ''The Birth of Mewtwo: Pokémon Radio Drama'', a [[Radio drama|CD drama]] that expands upon Mewtwo's origins. Created by scientist Dr. Fuji, Mewtwo is one of several cloning attempts, which also includes Amber, a clone of Fuji's deceased daughter. The young Mewtwo befriends Amber, communicating telepathically; however, the cloning process proves unstable, and she dies. To save the traumatized Mewtwo, Fuji erases its memories and puts it under sedation until its body finishes developing, leading to the events of the film. The CD drama was later adapted into a short anime, and was included with Japanese home releases and broadcasts of ''Mewtwo Strikes Back'' and later in North America in December 2001 as part of ''Mewtwo Returns''. Mewtwo as a child is voiced in Japanese by [[Fujiko Takimoto]] for the CD drama and [[Showtaro Morikubo]] for the anime, while in the English localization the voice actor is uncredited.<ref name="ポケットモンスター「ミュウツーの逆襲 完全版」"/><ref name="returns">{{cite video |people=Yuyama, Kunihiko (Directors) |date=December 2001 |title=Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns |medium=[[DVD]] | publisher=Warner Home Video |location=North America |id=[[ASIN]] B00005OW0I}}</ref><ref>Nintendo (1999-09-13). ''Sound Picture Box: Mewtwo's Origin'': ''Myutsuu No Tanjou: Pocket-Monster Radio Drama'' (in Japanese). Catalog# ZMCP-596.</ref>

In December 2000, the film was followed by a direct sequel, ''[[Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns]]'', which was broadcast on Japanese television in December 2000 and released worldwide on home video and DVD in 2001. Voiced by [[Dan Green (voice actor)|Dan Green]] in English with Ichimura reprising the role in Japanese, Mewtwo and the clones have since found peace on Mount Quena in Johto, a region which directly neighbors Mewtwo's home region of Kanto. However, Giovanni, whose memories were left intact after the first film, locates and pursues Mewtwo. Assisted by Ash and his companions, Mewtwo comes to terms with its existence and defeats Giovanni, removing any memory of itself from him and his soldiers' minds while leaving the others unaffected. As everyone departs, Mewtwo sets out on its own while the clones remain safely behind on Mount Quena.<ref name="returns"/>

Mewtwo also appears in the [[musical theatre|musical]] ''[[Pokémon Live!]]'', a live action adaptation of the anime set after ''Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back'', and is portrayed by Marton Fulop. In it, Mewtwo faces a robotic replica of itself, MechaMew2, created by Giovanni and able to learn any attacks used against it. However, after learning compassion from Mewtwo, the machine rebels and self-destructs.<ref>Nintendo. (2006) ''[[Pokémon Live!]]''. Act 2, Scene 5.</ref> The 2006 television special ''[[Pokémon: The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]'' features a [[hologram]] version of Mewtwo, created and controlled by the story's antagonist Dr. Yung. With help from a hologram Mew, Ash and his companions destroy the Mewtwo hologram and defeat Yung.<ref>{{cite video |date=19 September 2006|title= [[Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew]] |medium= [[DVD]] |publisher= [[Viz Video]] |location= Extras, ''[[Pokémon: The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon]]''}} [[ASIN]] B000GLL1C4</ref>

Another Mewtwo appears in the anime special ''Mewtwo: Prologue to Awakening'' and its direct sequel ''[[Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened]]'', voiced by the actress [[Reiko Takashima]]. Compared to the original Mewtwo, this one is also conflicted about its existence, yet is more empathic to the point of not being belligerent toward humans, as shown when it protects Ash, Iris, Cilan, and Eric from the rampaging Genesect army. Unlike the original Mewtwo, this one is able to Mega Evolve into Mega Mewtwo Y; due to [[Mega Evolution]] not being fully introduced at the time, it is referred to in the film as Mewtwo's {{nihongo|"Awakened Form"|覚醒した姿|Kakusei-shita Sugata}}.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:ポケモン映画最新作『神速のゲノセクト ミュウツー覚醒』へと続くオリジナルストーリーが、テレビで放送決定！|url=http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2013/06/130615_m02.html|website=Pokémon|publisher=The Pokémon Company|access-date=18 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618190850/http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2013/06/130615_m02.html|archive-date=18 June 2013|language=ja|date=15 June 2013|quote=しかも、ミュウツーの覚醒した姿でバトルする圧倒的スピード＆パワーを、どこよりも早く見ることができるぞ!!}}</ref>

A Mewtwo, which was created by Mr. Fuji, appears in the anime miniseries ''[[Pokémon Origins]]'', which is generally based on the plot of the video games ''Pokémon FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tune in for Pokémon Origins on Pokémon TV!|url=http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/anim_pokemon_origins_announce-2013-09-25/|publisher=pokemon.com|access-date=10 October 2013|date=25 September 2013|archive-date=22 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122155856/http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/anim_pokemon_origins_announce-2013-09-25/}}</ref> As such, Red goes to Cerulean Cave, and uses the [[Mega Evolution]] mechanic introduced in [[Pokémon X and Y|''Pokémon X'' and ''Y'']] to Mega Evolve his [[Charizard]] for the fight with Mewtwo, whom Red captures.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-mr-dr-fuji-same-person-mewtwo-creator/|title=Pokémon's Mr. Fuji & Dr. Fuji Are One Person: All Proof Explained|date=July 2, 2021|website=ScreenRant|access-date=July 6, 2021|archive-date=July 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702231210/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-mr-dr-fuji-same-person-mewtwo-creator/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mewtwo made its [[Live-action animated film|live-action animated]] debut in the 2019 movie ''[[Detective Pikachu (film)|Detective Pikachu]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/13/18565762/pokemon-the-first-movie-mewtwo-detective-pikachu|title=The moral lesson of ''Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back'' turned Mewtwo into an icon|first=Tom|last=Beasley|date=May 13, 2019|website=Polygon|access-date=July 6, 2021|archive-date=August 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801063725/https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/13/18565762/pokemon-the-first-movie-mewtwo-detective-pikachu|url-status=live}}</ref> Mewtwo also appears in the film ''[[Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution]]'', a remake of ''Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back'', that premiered on July 12, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/pokemon-mewtwo-strikes-back-evolution-blu-ray/|title=Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution Announces Blu-ray Release|website=Anime|date=24 September 2020 |access-date=2021-07-06|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184659/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/pokemon-mewtwo-strikes-back-evolution-blu-ray/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mewtwo from the first film appears in ''[[Pokémon Journeys]]'' episode "Getting More Than You Battled For!". Mewtwo protects several Pokémon that had been abused by humans on Cero Island since its departure from Mount Quena. Ash recognizes Mewtwo while Goh meets it for the first time after they were saved from the waterfall. After defeating Ash and Goh in a battle, Mewtwo decides to leave Cero Island with the rescued Pokémon and teleports them back to the Cerise Laboratory, allowing them to retain their memories of the encounter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/pokemon-journeys-mewtwo-return-ash-goh-battle-watch-anime/|title=Pokemon Journeys' New Episode Brings Mewtwo Back to the Anime|website=Anime|date=21 November 2020 |access-date=2021-07-06|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183120/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/pokemon-journeys-mewtwo-return-ash-goh-battle-watch-anime/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===In printed adaptations===
Mewtwo has appeared as a central character in several books related to the ''Pokémon'' franchise, including novelizations of ''Mewtwo Strikes Back'' and ''Mewtwo Returns'', both of which closely follow the events of the films.<ref>{{cite book |title=Mewtwo Strikes Back |last=West |first=Tracy |year=1999 |publisher=[[Scholastic Corporation]] |isbn=978-0-439-13741-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Golden Books' Mewtwo Strikes Back |year=1999 |publisher=[[Little Golden Books]] |isbn=978-0-307-30403-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Mewtwo Returns |last=Howie |first=Betsy |year=2002 |publisher=[[Scholastic Corporation]] |isbn=978-0-439-38564-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/mewtworeturns00dewi }}</ref> In December 1999, [[Viz Media]] published the children's picture book ''I'm Not Pikachu!: Pokémon Tales Movie Special'', which featured children taking on traits of the characters from the film, including Mewtwo.<ref>{{cite book |title=I'm Not Pikachu!: Pokémon Tales Movie Special |last=Wada |first=Junko |date=December 1999 |publisher=[[Viz Media]] |isbn=978-1-56931-422-7 |url=https://archive.org/details/imnotpikachu00jone }}</ref> In May 2001, Viz released a second children's book, ''Mewtwo's Watching You!'', which featured a shy Mewtwo interestedly watching other Pokémon play.<ref>{{cite book |title=Pokémon Tales # 17: Mewtwo's Watching You! |last=Toda |first=Akihito |date=May 2001 |publisher=Viz Media |isbn=978-1-56931-533-0}}</ref>

In the manga series ''[[Pokémon Adventures]]'', Team Rocket created Mewtwo, but some of its DNA is placed inside the Gym leader [[Blaine (Pokémon)|Blaine]]. Because of the DNA that they share, the two are unable to be separated for very long without becoming ill.<ref>{{cite book |last= Kusaka |first= Hidenori|author2=Mato| script-title=ja:ポケットモンスタースペシャル 3|year=1998 |publisher= [[Shogakukan]]|language= ja |isbn=978-4-09-149333-0 |chapter= Chapter 34}}</ref> Later, another Pokémon, [[Entei]], is able to break the bond between the two by removing the DNA in Blaine's arm, at which point Mewtwo leaves. It eventually helps the main character of the series, Red, fight against Team Rocket leader Giovanni and his [[Deoxys]].<ref>{{cite book |last= Kusaka |first= Hidenori|author2=Yamamoto, Satoshi| script-title=ja:ポケットモンスタースペシャル 24|year=2007 |publisher= [[Shogakukan]]|language= ja |isbn=978-4-09-140318-6 |chapter= Chapter 284}}</ref>

In 1998, [[Toshihiro Ono]] was asked to write a story detailing Mewtwo's origin to coincide with the release of ''Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back''.<ref name="Onointerview">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000510020712/http://www.vizkids.com/pokemon/news_interview.shtml |title=Animerica Interview Toshihiro Ono |url=http://www.vizkids.com/pokemon/news_interview.shtml |archive-date=2000-05-10 |publisher=[[VIZ Media]] |access-date=2009-08-05}}</ref> The 52-page comic, presented in the form of a flashback,<ref name="Corocoro"/> was replaced midway by "The Birth of Mewtwo" animated short, resulting in little connection between Ono's work and the film.<ref name="Onointerview"/> Regardless, it saw print as a side story for ''[[Pokémon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]'' in the July 1998 issue of ''[[CoroCoro Comic]]''. In it, Mewtwo's creator, Dr. Fuji takes on the role of a coach for the fully developed Pokémon, while his employers, Team Rocket, test its abilities. Learning of a plan to mass-produce it as a weapon, Fuji approaches Mewtwo and tells it to destroy the lab and Fuji himself. Mewtwo refuses, stating it can not harm the doctor, who it regards as its father. Once captured by Team Rocket, Fuji tells Mewtwo that he is honored by the statement and is then killed. Angered by his death, Mewtwo destroys the lab and escapes. In the present, Mewtwo cries in its sleep as it dreams of the events.<ref name="Corocoro">{{cite journal |journal=[[CoroCoro Comic]] |date=July 1998 |language=ja |title=Dengeki Pikachuu: Myutsuu no Gyakushuu! |last=Ono |first=Toshihiro |pages=150–202 |author-link=Toshihiro Ono |issue=7 |volume=15}}</ref>

==Promotion and reception==
Mewtwo's image is utilized for merchandise related to the ''Pokémon'' franchise, which includes toys, children's toothbrushes,<ref>{{cite journal|date=10 February 2001|title=You'll want to try them all..|journal=[[British Dental Journal]]|volume=190|issue=3|page=158|doi=10.1038/sj.bdj.4800911|doi-access=free}}</ref> and a playing piece for a ''Pokémon''-themed version of ''[[Monopoly (game)|Monopoly]]''.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=[[Tips & Tricks]] |publisher=[[Larry Flynt Publications]] |date=December 1999 |page=111 |title=Pokémon Report |last=Chen |first=Charlotte}}</ref> Several [[action figure]]s have been made, such as a posable figure by [[Hasbro]] in 2006 that included accessories to recreate its "Hyper Beam" and "Light Screen" attacks, and a six-inch-tall "talking" figurine by [[Jakks Pacific]] as part of a series to commemorate the anime's ''[[List of Pokémon: Battle Frontier episodes|Battle Frontier]]'' [[story arc]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cmdstore.com/pokemon-battle-frontier-action-figures-deluxe-electronic-series-2-mewtwo.html |title=Pokémon Battle Frontier Action Figures Deluxe Electronic Series 2: Mewtwo |publisher=CmdStore |access-date=2008-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508234951/http://www.cmdstore.com/pokemon-battle-frontier-action-figures-deluxe-electronic-series-2-mewtwo.html |archive-date=2008-05-08 }}</ref> Items marketed for adults featuring Mewtwo have also been sold and distributed by Nintendo, such as T-shirts.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Staff|date=August 2008|title=Ultra geek|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t-oDAAAAMBAJ|journal=GameAxis Unwired|issue=59|page=83|issn=0219-872X|via=[[Google Books]]|access-date=2020-06-02|archive-date=2024-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128163329/https://books.google.com/books?id=t-oDAAAAMBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> The island nation of [[Niue]] released a one-dollar coin featuring the character as part of a commemorative promotion for the ''Pokémon'' franchise, with Mewtwo on one side and the nation's coat of arms on the other.<ref>{{cite book |title=2004 Standard Catalog of World Coins: 1901–present |url=https://archive.org/details/cliffordmishlers00krau |url-access=limited |last1=Krause |first1=Chester L. |first2=Clifford |last2=Mishler |author3=Colin R Bruce II  |year=2003 |publisher=Krause Publications |isbn=978-0-87349-593-6 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/cliffordmishlers00krau/page/n1583 1537]–1539 }}</ref> Mewtwo also appears on the port side of [[All Nippon Airways]]'s Pocket Monsters [[Boeing 747]] jumbo jet, alongside Mew.<ref>{{cite book |author=Spicer, Stuart |year=2001 |title=Dream Schemes II: Exotic Airliner Art |publisher=Zenith Imprint |page=21 |isbn=978-0-7603-1196-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Staff | title=Design | url=https://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html | language=ja | publisher=All Nippon Airways | access-date=2009-05-13 | archive-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207185035/http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

In the games, Mewtwo is consistently noted as being one of the strongest opponents, and has been described in ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'' as being "the best Pokémon in the game",<ref name="IGNMewtwo">{{cite web |url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/16708/page_96.html |title=Pokémon Blue and Red Guide: #150 Mewtwo |author=Staff |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=IGN |access-date=2008-06-11 |archive-date=2012-04-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413200700/http://guides.ign.com/guides/16708/page_96.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Loe, Casey |year=1999 |title=Pokemon Perfect Guide Includes Red-Yellow-Blue |publisher=Versus Books |isbn=978-1-930206-15-1 |page=67}}</ref> as well as "one of the rarest — and hardest to catch".<ref>{{cite news|title=Pokémon power - Cartoon and video game from Japan evolve into a hot new toy for U.S. kids |last=Churnin|first=Nancy|date=April 3, 1999 |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]]|page=1C}}</ref> Because of the character's multiple strengths and few weaknesses, it changes how players approach playing against each other, causing players to either develop strategies solely to defeat an opposing Mewtwo,<ref>{{cite book |author=Loe, Casey |year=1999 |title=Pokémon Perfect Guide Includes Red-Yellow-Blue |publisher=Versus Books |isbn=978-1-930206-15-1 |pages=136–137}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/16708/page_115.html |title=Pokémon Blue and Red Guide: #115 Parasect |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=IGN |author=Staff |access-date=2008-06-11 |archive-date=2012-02-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214161204/http://guides.ign.com/guides/16708/page_115.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/16708/page_96.html |author=Staff |title=Pokémon Blue and Red Guide: #150 Mewtwo |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=IGN |access-date=2009-01-31 |archive-date=2012-04-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413200700/http://guides.ign.com/guides/16708/page_96.html |url-status=live }}</ref> or to prohibit its use when battling other players.<ref name="Surman"/> Kevin Slackie of ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' described Mewtwo as one of the series' best Pokemon, noting its presence as the penultimate boss in the original games and also several subsequent appearances, and how despite not having the same exposure as [[Pikachu]] it managed to remain relevant for over twenty years, "which itself is a testament to its amazing staying power as one of the most powerful Pokémon."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/pok-mon/the-top-100-pokemon-of-all-time/|title=The 100 Best Pokémon|date=February 27, 2017|website=pastemagazine.com|access-date=July 6, 2021|archive-date=December 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218143039/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/pok-mon/the-top-100-pokemon-of-all-time/|url-status=live}}</ref> Gavin Jasper of ''[[Den of Geek]]'' compared Mewtwo to ''[[Street Fighter]]'' series character [[Akuma (Street Fighter)|Akuma]], and praised it for having a backstory, personality and motivation unlike many pokémon in the franchise, stating " Genetic engineering in a world of wacky creatures is just asking for trouble and Mewtwo is the payoff."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/super-smash-bros-characters-ranked/|title=Super Smash Bros. Characters Ranked|date=March 7, 2019|website=Den of Geek|access-date=June 28, 2021|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610234650/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/super-smash-bros-characters-ranked/|url-status=live}}</ref> Dale Bishir of ''[[IGN]]'' described him as an icon, and the "go-to 'villain' Pokemon", noting its frequent presence in media for the series, including its starring role in two of the feature films.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://sea.ign.com/pokemon/169418/news/the-25-most-important-pokemon-that-impacted-the-franchises-history|title = The 25 Most Important Pokemon That Impacted the Franchise's History|date = 4 March 2021|access-date = 10 July 2021|archive-date = 21 September 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220921200318/https://sea.ign.com/pokemon/169418/news/the-25-most-important-pokemon-that-impacted-the-franchises-history|url-status = live}}</ref>

In reception to extended media for the ''Pokémon'' franchise, Mewtwo was well received, and was described by ''[[Anime Classics Zettai!: 100 Must-See Japanese Animation Masterpieces]]'' as the best villain of the ''Pokémon'' film series, and one of ''Mewtwo Strikes Back''{{'}}s strongest elements.<ref>{{cite book |title=Anime Classics Zettai!: 100 Must-See Japanese Animation Masterpieces |page=[https://archive.org/details/animeclassicszet0000camp/page/283 283] |publisher=Stone Bridge Press |date=May 2007 |author=Camp, Brian |first2=Julie |last2=Davis |isbn=978-1-933330-22-8 |title-link=Anime Classics Zettai!: 100 Must-See Japanese Animation Masterpieces }}</ref> His portrayal has also been likened to [[Frankenstein's monster]] as a being born from artificial means and discontent with the fact.<ref name="hokeymon">{{cite news |first=Andy |last=Klein |title=Hokeymon |work=[[Phoenix New Times]] |date=December 2, 1999 |access-date=2009-08-03 |url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1999-12-02/film/hokeymon/print |archive-date=2009-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114072916/http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1999-12-02/film/hokeymon/print }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=They're alive! – Monsters, Pinocchio, robots – we keep trying to bring creatures to life|last=Churnin|first=Nancy|date=2003-10-29|work=[[The Dallas Morning News]]|page=1E}}</ref> Theology Secretary for the [[Church of England]] Anne Richards described Mewtwo as representing a "parable about the pointlessness of force", and praised the character for displaying the [[Christian values|Christian value]] of [[Salvation#Redemption|redemption]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Tobin, Joseph Jay |year=2004 |title=Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon |publisher=Duke University Press |page=126 |isbn=978-0-8223-3287-9}}</ref> Other reactions have been mixed. While it has been cited as a "complex and compelling villain" by some critics,<ref>{{cite news |first=Nancy |last=Churnin |title=Pokemon Peters Out |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |date=July 21, 2000 |access-date=2009-08-03 |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED8232CF49DAD87&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |archive-date=2018-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203224833/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED8232CF49DAD87&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-status=live }}</ref> its goal of world domination was received as a trait shared by "…every ''anime'' villain…",<ref name="hokeymon" /> and likened to a [[James Bond]] villain by ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]''.<ref>{{cite news |first=Siobhan |last=Sinnot |title=Poke in the Eye |work=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]] |date=April 14, 2000}}</ref> However, ''[[Animerica]]'' praised Mewtwo as a character with "philosophical depth" as well as for serving as "an adversary of almost infinite power and genuine malice" that the anime series had been lacking.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Staff |date=August 2000 |title=Mewtwo Strikes Back |journal=[[Animerica]] |publisher=Viz Media |issue=93}}</ref> Ken Hollings of ''[[Sight & Sound]]'' described Mewtwo as "brooding, articulate and vengeful where the other Pokémon remain bright blobs of wordless energy", and "Like a troubled elder brother, Mewtwo represents an older order of experience."<ref>{{cite journal |author=Hollings, Ken |date=June 2000 |title=Mewtwo Strikes Back |journal=[[Sight & Sound]] |url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/review/473 |access-date=2009-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113150542/http://www.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/review/473 |archive-date=2009-11-13 }}</ref> 

Mewtwo's character and design have also been analyzed in academic study. The book ''Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon'' noted Mewtwo as popular with older male children who tend to be drawn to "tough or scary" characters; Mew in contrast was described as a polar opposite, a character popular with young girls who tend to be drawn to "cute" characters.<ref>{{cite book|last=Tobin|first=Joseph Jay|year=2004|title=Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon|publisher=Duke University Press|pages=180, 283|isbn=978-0-8223-3287-9}}</ref> Others books, such as ''Media and the Make-believe Worlds of Children'', have noted a similar comparison, citing Mewtwo as "more aggressive-looking" compared to Mew and emphasizing the importance of the contrast for children.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Götz |first1=Maya |first2=Dafna |last2=Lemish |author3=International Communication Association Conference |first4=Amy |last4=Aidman |first5=Hyesung  |last5=Moon  |year=2005 |title=Media and the Make-believe Worlds of Children: When Harry Potter Meets Pokémon in Disneyland |publisher=Routledge |page=105 |isbn=978-0-8058-5191-5}}</ref> The book ''Gaming Cultures and Place in Asia-Pacific'' compares Sugimori's design of Mewtwo to that of Japanese [[tokusatsu]] films, namely monster films like the 1954 ''[[Godzilla (1954 film)|Godzilla]]'' in creating "monstrous yet familiar silhouettes from the past renewed agency in the form of eyes and expressions which cut through the viewer".<ref name="Surman">{{cite book|last1=Hjorth|first1=Larissa|title=Gaming Cultures and Place in Asia-Pacific|first2=David|last2=Surman|publisher=Taylor and Francis|year=2009|isbn=978-0-415-99627-3|chapter=9|access-date=2009-06-06|chapter-url=https://newport.academia.edu/documents/0009/2577/MERGEDPOKEMON.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620001743/http://newport.academia.edu/documents/0009/2577/MERGEDPOKEMON.pdf|archive-date=2010-06-20}}</ref>

==Notes==
:1.{{note|a}} The Japanese texts of the Pokémon Mansion Journals as well as various Pokédex entries state that an individual scientist created Mewtwo, as opposed to a team of researchers like in the anime.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=T. G. |date=2017-12-29 |title=Pokémon: 15 Dark Secrets Even Die-Hard Fans Never Knew About Mewtwo |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-dark-secrets-even-die-hard-fans-never-knew-about-mewtwo/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Video games}}
*[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/mewtwo Mewtwo on Pokemon.com]

{{Pokémon Generation 1|state=expanded}}
{{Pokémon}}
{{Super Smash Bros.}}

[[Category:Anthropomorphic cats]]
[[Category:Characters created by Ken Sugimori]]
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[[Category:Genetically engineered characters in video games]]
[[Category:Pokémon introduced in generation I]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. fighters]]
[[Category:Fictional telekinetics]]
[[Category:Fictional telepaths]]
[[Category:Video game bosses]]
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