SlowPokeBroKing
Future Gym Leader
For starters, we've moved on from 4th gen. yet we are still seeing Riolu/Lucario get a significant role in the BW anime. Where are the other 4th gen. Pokemon that appeared along with Lucario like Weavile or Mime Jr.? In BW2, Riolu is available very early in game. And prior to that, there are events where players can get Riolu/Lucario. In addition to getting its own movie, it's also a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. I mean, seriously. Enough.
He's getting the star treatment because he's the new Mewtwo. I know that's not "official" but I think the fact that they replaced Mewtwo with Lucario on SSB is a hint that they want Lucario to be the updated, relatable mascot like Mewtwo was.