The star of the live-action movie “Dragon Ball Evolution” pays tribute to Akira Toriyama and apologizes for the disappointing film.
Key Takeaways:
- The Live-Action Goku Pays Tribute to Akira Toriyama
- Dragon Ball Evolution faced widespread criticism from fans and critics alike.
Dragon Ball stands as one of the world’s most beloved anime and manga franchises, boasting numerous spin-offs and movies. Created by Akira Toriyama in 1985, the manga has been a cultural phenomenon for over four decades.
Toriyama’s sudden passing on March 7 due to acute subdural hematoma has sent shockwaves around the globe. Artists and actors worldwide have paid homage to the legendary mangaka, whose work has touched countless lives.
The official Dragon Ball Z Twitter account broke the news of Toriyama’s death, sharing a heartfelt letter addressed to fans and those close to him.
Canadian actor Justin Chatwin, known for portraying Goku in the Hollywood film adaptation “Dragonball Evolution,” also offered his respects to Toriyama, accompanied by an apology note.
The Live-Action Goku Pays Tribute to Akira Toriyama
Justin Chatwin, actor of Goku in Dragon Ball Evolution, posted this. Legit really sad. pic.twitter.com/Z8XaiYQVSN
— SLO (@SLOplays) March 9, 2024
Justin Chatwin posted an Instagram story saying, “Rest in peace, brother. And sorry we messed up the adaptation so badly.” (as per Comicbook)
The story was originally shared on Instagram but has since been removed. However, a Twitter user captured a screenshot and shared it.
The live-action movie significantly departed from the original Dragon Ball story, removing most of its fantasy and sci-fi elements.
Instead, it is set in a modern American high school and follows young Goku‘s quest to find Master Roshi and the seven Dragon Balls, per his late grandfather’s request.
Along the way, he must collect the remaining balls before Piccolo, who seeks to use their power to conquer the world.
Directed by James Wong and produced by Stephen Chow, Dragon Ball Evolution hit theaters in 2009.
It faced widespread criticism from fans and critics alike, earning a low score of 2.5 on IMDb and 14% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The movie’s poor reception prompted Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama to come out of retirement and resume work on the anime series.
Toriyama expressed his displeasure with the live-action adaptation and stated that it motivated him to revisit the series.
