It is widely accepted that Dragonball Evolution did not warrant a sequel; however, many fans believe that a follow-up film could have provided the opportunity to see one iconic character translated into a live-action format. Over ten years since its debut, Dragonball Evolution continues to be recognized as one of the least successful adaptations of anime, boasting a mere 14% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This poor reception underscores the importance of respecting the source material when adapting beloved franchises for the big screen.
Converting anime into live-action has proven to be extraordinarily difficult, and Dragonball Evolution exemplifies that flashy special effects and large budgets are insufficient in translating the essence of a classic series. The film’s critical and commercial failures made the idea of a sequel unlikely, yet the potential for a more engaging narrative featuring certain characters, such as Vegeta, remains a tantalizing thought.
Exploring Vegeta’s Potential in Dragonball Evolution’s World
Could Vegeta’s Casting Have Saved the Franchise?
The casting choices in Dragonball Evolution came under scrutiny, particularly for the whitewashing of key characters. Nonetheless, many argue that a carefully selected actor for Vegeta could have turned the tide for these adaptations. Following Goku, Vegeta stands out as one of the most captivating figures in the franchise. His character development—from a fierce antagonist to a deeply relatable hero—may even surpass Goku’s journey in complexity.
Given this, many fans would have relished the chance to see how a live-action Vegeta might unfold and who could take on the role. Actors like Andrew Koji, Henry Golding, and Lewis Tan are seen as capable of bringing the character to life, potentially elevating the film’s quality. Regrettably, with no sequel in sight, the vision of a live-action Vegeta remains an unrealized dream.
Goku’s Confusing Backstory Raises Questions About Saiyans
Challenges for Vegeta’s Narrative in a Hypothetical Sequel
Dragonball Evolution took significant liberties with the lore established in the original anime and manga, often ignoring vital elements like the Saiyans and their “Oozaru”transformation. The absence of any mention of Saiyans led to considerable confusion among viewers, leaving them unsure if this alien race existed within the live-action interpretation. In this scenario, introducing Vegeta in a sequel would have presented significant obstacles, necessitating adjustments to the character’s origin story that could further alienate fans of the original material.
This approach could have spiraled into disaster, driving the adaptation further away from its source. The original movie faced backlash for transforming its deep narrative into a superficial high school drama, which left many disappointed, not least because it couldn’t even spell “Dragon Ball”correctly. Any changes to Vegeta’s backstory would only deepen the film’s flaws, solidifying its place among the most criticized adaptations in anime history.
A Potential New Dawn for Dragon Ball Movies: Starting from the Saiyan Saga
How Western Audiences Came to Know Dragon Ball Through the Saiyan Saga
The Saiyan Saga, which is the seventh saga in the series, played a pivotal role in introducing Dragon Ball to Western audiences. A well-crafted live-action adaptation commencing with this saga could broaden its appeal significantly, showcasing Earth-bound martial artists facing off against formidable alien foes like Vegeta. Such a storyline holds the potential for excitement and action, even if it may lack in narrative depth.
Despite a budget of $30 million, the original Dragonball Evolution garnered approximately $56.5 million globally, illustrating the financial viability of such adaptations. While launching directly into the Saiyan Saga might risk omitting crucial backstory elements, it also provides an opportunity to quickly establish the universe without meandering. Ultimately, this could pave the way for engaging conflicts, especially as the narrative progresses toward the Frieza Saga, further intensifying the stakes for the heroes involved. However, given the dismal performance of Dragonball Evolution, the prospect of a new live-action adaptation remains uncertain.