You think you know all there is about Dragonball Evolution? Hold onto your hat, cowboy. We’re about to delve into some little-known facts that might just surprise even the most die-hard fans.
The Goku You Didn’t Know
When you think of Goku, you probably see an iconic figure from your childhood. But did you know Justin Chatwin, who played Goku, wasn’t the first choice? Chatwin was actually a last-minute casting decision. Before him, the producers eyed Asian stars like Stephen Chow, who declined due to other commitments. Chatwin, in turn, brought his unique touch to the character, even if it sparked some fan debates. Ain’t that a kick in the head?
The Screenwriter’s Regret
James Wong, the writer behind Dragonball Evolution, publicly apologized for the movie in 2016. He admitted to having made creative decisions that didn’t sit well with fans. Wong was quoted saying, “I dropped the Dragonball,” playing off the iconic “I dropped the ball” phrase. That’s a heavy burden to bear, but props to Wong for owning up.
Too Hot to Handle
Shooting a movie can be demanding, but filming Dragonball Evolution was particularly harsh. The crew faced temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in the desert locales of Durango, Mexico. To top it off, the extreme heat led to equipment failure, causing further delays. Talk about sweating bullets!
The Unseen Dragonball Evolution Pilot
Before there was Dragonball Evolution, 20th Century Fox planned a live-action TV pilot titled Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins. This was way back in the mid-90s, long before Dragonball had truly broken into the American mainstream. Alas, the project was scrapped. So much for that early bird catching the worm.
The Phantom Dragonball Evolution Sequel
You might’ve heard whispers about a Dragonball Evolution sequel. After the film’s release, there were indeed plans to continue the franchise, with Chatwin and co-star Emmy Rossum even signing on for potential sequels. Unfortunately, due to the movie’s underwhelming performance, the sequel remained a figment of imagination. Just goes to show, you can’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Bulma’s Big Switch
In the original Dragonball series, Bulma was a technology-savvy, hair-color-changing genius. In Dragonball Evolution, she became a gun-toting, fight-ready character, a significant departure from her anime counterpart. Some fans called foul, others rolled with the punches. Either way, it was a curveball!
The Vegeta That Never Was
Vegeta, one of the most important characters in the Dragonball universe, was completely absent from Dragonball Evolution. According to the scriptwriters, Vegeta was planned for the sequel, which as we know, never saw the light of day. No wonder fans were left feeling a bit jilted.
Akira Toriyama’s Involvement
Akira Toriyama, the original creator of Dragonball, was initially left out of the Dragonball Evolution project. However, due to significant fan backlash, he was later brought on as a “creative consultant.” However, his exact role and influence remain a subject of debate. Nothing like a bit of controversy to spice things up, huh?
The Dragonball Evolution Legacy Lives On
Despite its less-than-stellar reception, Dragonball Evolution has become a cult classic for some fans, representing a unique interpretation of a beloved franchise. As they say, every cloud has a silver lining.
Whoa, that was a wild ride! Dragonball Evolution may have had its ups and downs, but it sure has given us some fascinating trivia to chew on.
