One of the most popular cartoons of all time. "Dragon Ball Z" (DBZ) debut in 1989 and dominated pop culture in the United States by the late 1990s. DBZ has conquered animation with its anthology of series, films, with a strong following of fans through merchandise such as toys and games. DBZ has done it all... Except for releasing a feature film.
Sure, there was the 2009 attempt with "Dragon Ball: Evolution." That wasn't exactly the greatest film (we'll just leave it at that). Fans and critics didn't accept that take of these beloved characters and so it has always lingered why hasn't there been a successful DBZ franchise when we are spoiled with Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the upcoming Power Rangers film.
I'd like to propose a dream cast from a fan. In the age of fan web series and fan films going viral on YouTube, why isn't there a Hollywood studio trying to give DBZ a makeover? Below is my very own cast if Hollywood would make a DBZ live-action saga.
Above: (Top to Bottom/Left to Right)
Channing Tatum as Tien, Danny DeVito as Oolong, Kevin Hart as Krillin, Stan Lee as Master Roshi, Zac Efron as Yamcha, Idris Elba as Piccolo, Taron Egerton as Vegeta, and Jason Momoa as Radditz.
Above: Ken Jeong as King Kai, Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Cold, Morgan Freeman as Kami, Booboo Stewart as Future Trunks, Donald Glover as Frieza, and Shameik Moore as Dende.
Above: Chris Pratt as Captain Ginyu, Jonah Hill as Kibit, James Franco as Jeice, Shaquille O'Neal as Burter, and Seth Rogen as Rcoome.
Above: Benedict Cumberbatch, Aaron Taylor Johnson as Android 17, Drake as Dr. Gero, Margot Robbie as Android 18, and Alan Ritchson as Android 16.
Above: My buddy, Giang as Lord Beerus, Sir Ian McKellen as Old Kai, Michael Pena as Mr. Popo, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Mr. Satan.
So there's my fan-cast for a Dragon Ball Z franchise. Of course, I didn't cast Goku, Gohan, Chi Chi or Bulma. I feel like unknowns should be found for those roles and couldn't think of anyone for them. Ranging from the Goku's origins and discovery of his Saiyan ancestry, the battle with Frieza on Namek, the Android saga leading up to the conclusion with Cell's deadly tournament; these are rich stories waiting to realized in a live-action treatment.
Let me know what your throughts are about the list. Who'd you rather see cast for your favorite DBZ characters? Who'd I leave out that you'd want casted? What are your favorite DBZ story arcs? Let me know with some feedback to this article. And let's hope that somewhere out there, some Hollywood Executive is busting their butt to make this film happen!
