How many Mewtwo are there in the Pokemon universe canonically?

In the Pokemon universe, Mewtwo stands as one of the most iconic and powerful Legendary creatures ever introduced. But an intriguing question lingers among fans: How many Mewtwo exist canonically? The answer is two.

Over the years, the lore surrounding Mewtwo has expanded through anime, movies, and games, making the existence of two unique Mewtwo an exciting part of the franchise's narrative.

Let us dive into how the canon explains these two Mewtwo, focusing on Ash’s encounters, their roles in the Pokemon world, and what sets them apart.

Note: This article is subjective and solely relies on the writer's opinions.

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Exploring the number of Mewtwo in the Pokemon universe canonically

The first Mewtwo: Mewtwo Strikes Back

Mewtwo as seen the first time in Mewtwo Strikes Back (Image via TPC)

The first Mewtwo that fans were introduced to was in the original Pokemon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998). This Mewtwo, a clone of the mythical Mew, was born in a laboratory as part of an experiment by Team Rocket’s lead scientist, Dr. Fuji. Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, intended to control this Mewtwo as a weapon.

However, plagued by existential questions about its purpose and identity, Mewtwo rebelled, escaped, and went on a journey to discover its place in the world.

This first Mewtwo had a deep philosophical struggle with its own existence, leading it to confront Ash Ketchum and his friends. In the movie's climactic battle, Mewtwo faced Mew, with the two creatures clashing over differing philosophies about strength and purpose.

However, Mewtwo ultimately saw Ash’s selfless sacrifice, which changed its view of humanity and inspired it to take a peaceful path. Mewtwo then wiped the memories of everyone involved, allowing Ash and his friends to return to their normal lives without retaining any knowledge of the powerful clone.

This Mewtwo made a return in Mewtwo Returns (2000), where it battled Team Rocket once more to protect the Pokemon of the Johto region. By the end of this film, Mewtwo chose to continue its life in peace, away from human conflicts, marking the end of Ash’s interactions with this original Mewtwo.

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The second Mewtwo: Genesect and the Legend Awakened

Mewtwo Y as seen in the Genesect and the Legend Awakened (Image via TPC)

A second Mewtwo was introduced in Pokemon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013). This new Mewtwo was remarkably different from the first one. Despite being another clone of Mew, this Mewtwo had a unique personality and a separate storyline.

It possessed the ability to Mega Evolve, showcasing the Mega Mewtwo Y form during its encounters and highlighting the difference between itself and the first Mewtwo.

This Mewtwo has a softer personality, showing compassion toward humans and Pokemon alike. When Ash and his friends met this legendary Pokemon, they were surprised by its overwhelming power and how its philosophies diverged from the first Mewtwo.

This time, Mewtwo’s story focused more on coexistence and protecting vulnerable Pokemon. When it met a group of Genesect who, like itself, were displaced and seeking a home, Mewtwo empathized and attempted to help them find peace.

Notably, Ash did not recognize Mewtwo as he did in the first movie, subtly confirming that this was a different entity and not a continuation of the character from Mewtwo Strikes Back. Granted, this could just be because Mewtwo erased Ash's memories in the first movie. But Mewtwo did not show any signs of recognizing Ash either, which solidified the speculations of it not being the same one.

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Mewtwo’s dual legacy

Mewtwo has continued to be a fan favorite for more than two decades (Image via TPC)

The existence of two Mewtwo raises interesting questions within the Pokemon universe. Canonically, both Mewtwo are separate entities with unique personalities and motivations, even though they share an origin story as clones of Mew.

Each Mewtwo serves a unique role in the franchise's world. While the first Mewtwo represents a more turbulent and questioning existence, the second reflects empathy and a drive for harmony.

This dual portrayal of Mewtwo adds depth to its character, showing that even creatures created artificially can have complex identities. The two Mewtwo also highlight different aspects of power and purpose, providing a fascinating look at how the “monsters” of the Pokemon universe grapple with questions of identity and belonging.

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While some fans may wonder if there could be even more Mewtwo hidden in the Pokemon world, canonically, we know there are exactly two. Both Mewtwo have met Ash Ketchum, but each encounter has left a distinct impression, reflecting how diverse the stories of Pokemon can be - even among those created by science.

These two sharply contrasting clones reinforce that there is more to strength than raw power, making Mewtwo’s legacy in the Pokemon universe as enduring and complex as the creature itself.