Dragon Ball is one of the most beloved and followed series worldwide. However, it is worth noting that this series did not achieve success without its challenges. Akira Toriyama’s collaboration faced setbacks, leading the mangaka to consider retirement from the industry before deciding to rebuild his work.
Dragon Ball: Evolution Forces Akira Toriyama to Reconsider Retirement
Akira Toriyama announced his retirement after completing Dragon Ball Z. For a long period, he maintained this decision until the American studio 20th Century Fox began expressing a desire to create a live-action adaptation of Dragon Ball. The project was taken on with high hopes, and 20th Century Fox acquired the film rights. However, the subsequent events forced Toriyama to put down his pen.
Dragon Ball: Evolution premiered in 2009, having been developed since 2002. The film was a significant evolution, transforming from a highly successful franchise into a disappointing failure. Initially, there were rumors that 20th Century Fox would produce a series of live-action Dragon Ball films.
The first film focused on King Piccolo, while a second film was expected to feature the Super Saiyan transformation. However, Dragon Ball: Evolution was released to wide audiences but was met with overwhelming criticism from fans. Justin Chatwin’s portrayal of Son Goku left many viewers dissatisfied.
Overall, the film was a disaster. Even the creator Akira Toriyama did not appreciate this adaptation. It reached a level of disappointment that led the mangaka to seriously consider retirement. Every aspect of Dragon Ball: Evolution fell short of expectations, and the sequels were ultimately shelved. It became the worst-rated live-action adaptation of a beloved franchise to date.
Dragon Ball had showcased incredible martial arts battles, but the actors failed to convey any genuine emotion through their performances. Hollywood had dismantled the film, leaving fans feeling a significant disconnect from Toriyama’s original vision.
Dragon Ball: Evolution Elevated This Franchise to New Heights
Dragon Ball was at its peak when Akira Toriyama was involved with the franchise. After the author stepped back, Shueisha considered producing other films, but Toriyama refused. Toei Animation teamed up with producer Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru to begin working on Dragon Ball GT. However, the series did not resonate with audiences. Many fans felt that the brand’s reputation was declining.
Following the failure of Dragon Ball: Evolution, there was no turning back. Toriyama aimed to regain control over the brand. Following that came Dragon Ball Super, which successfully restored the brand’s direction. Akira Toriyama made a return to the franchise on March 1, 2024. Just before his passing, he was working on the upcoming Dragon Ball DAIMA anime, set to release in October 2024. This project is his final work, and the entire anime fandom is eagerly anticipating the film’s release.
