Did Disney Buy “Dragon Ball”? The Truth Revealed

No, Disney did not buy “Dragon Ball.” The “Dragon Ball” franchise, including its various anime series (“Dragon Ball,” “Dragon Ball Z,” “Dragon Ball GT,” “Dragon Ball Super”), manga, movies, and merchandise, remains the property of Toei Animation and Bird Studio, which was founded by the late Akira Toriyama. Disney has no ownership stake in the franchise.

Understanding the “Dragon Ball” Ownership Landscape

To understand why the rumor of Disney owning “Dragon Ball” is persistent yet unfounded, we need to examine the actual ownership and licensing structure. “Dragon Ball” originated as a manga series created by Akira Toriyama. He founded Bird Studio, which retains ownership of the original intellectual property (IP). Toei Animation, a major Japanese animation studio, adapted the manga into the hugely successful anime series.

Toei Animation holds the rights to animate, produce, and distribute the “Dragon Ball” anime series. This includes the original “Dragon Ball,” the iconic “Dragon Ball Z,” the non-canon “Dragon Ball GT,” and the more recent “Dragon Ball Super.” Toei Animation also handles much of the international licensing for the anime.

While Funimation (now Crunchyroll) has played a significant role in distributing “Dragon Ball” in North America and other regions, licensing the series for dubbing, streaming, and home video release, it is not an owner of the IP. Sony acquired Crunchyroll, including the Funimation library, but that acquisition also did not transfer ownership of “Dragon Ball.”

Therefore, despite the immense global popularity and various distribution deals, the core ownership lies firmly with Bird Studio for the IP and Toei Animation for the anime adaptations.

Debunking the Disney Rumor: Why It Persists

The rumor that Disney owns “Dragon Ball” likely stems from a combination of factors:

• Disney’s Acquisition History: Disney has a history of acquiring major entertainment properties, including Marvel, Lucasfilm (Star Wars), and 20th Century Fox. This fuels speculation about potential future acquisitions.

• Disney’s Streaming Power: Disney+, Disney’s streaming service, has become a major player in the entertainment industry. Some may assume that to bolster its anime offerings, Disney might attempt to acquire a flagship anime franchise.

• Misinformation and Internet Rumors: The internet is rife with unsubstantiated claims. A single inaccurate post can quickly spread and gain traction, especially within passionate fan communities.

• Licensing Confusion: Seeing “Dragon Ball” content available on various platforms, including those owned by Disney competitors, can lead to confusion about who ultimately controls the franchise.

Ultimately, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that Disney owns “Dragon Ball.” All available information points to Toei Animation and Bird Studio as the rightful owners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Dragon Ball” Ownership

1. Who currently owns the rights to “Dragon Ball”?

The intellectual property rights to “Dragon Ball” are primarily held by Bird Studio (founded by Akira Toriyama), while Toei Animation owns the rights to the anime adaptations.

2. Did Disney ever try to buy “Dragon Ball”?

There’s no credible evidence to suggest that Disney has ever made a serious attempt to acquire the “Dragon Ball” franchise. These are mainly unfounded rumors.

3. Does Crunchyroll (formerly Funimation) own “Dragon Ball”?

No, Crunchyroll (formerly Funimation) does not own “Dragon Ball.” They license the series for distribution in various regions, including North America. Ownership lies with Bird Studio and Toei Animation.

4. What is Toei Animation’s role in the “Dragon Ball” franchise?

Toei Animation is the animation studio responsible for producing the “Dragon Ball” anime series, including “Dragon Ball,” “Dragon Ball Z,” “Dragon Ball GT,” and “Dragon Ball Super.” They also handle much of the international licensing for the anime.

5. What is Bird Studio’s involvement with “Dragon Ball”?

Bird Studio, founded by Akira Toriyama, owns the original intellectual property rights to the “Dragon Ball” manga and is involved in overseeing the franchise.

6. Could Disney buy “Dragon Ball” in the future?

While anything is theoretically possible, it is highly unlikely. Toei Animation and Bird Studio have maintained control of “Dragon Ball” for decades, and there’s no indication they are looking to sell. Moreover, Japanese companies are often reluctant to sell their iconic IPs to foreign corporations.

7. What other anime does Toei Animation own?

Toei Animation is a massive anime studio with a vast catalog, including other popular titles like “One Piece,” “Sailor Moon,” “Digimon,” and “Yu-Gi-Oh!”

8. Where can I legally watch “Dragon Ball” anime?

You can legally watch “Dragon Ball” anime on streaming services like Crunchyroll, which has the most comprehensive collection. Availability may vary by region.

9. Is “Dragon Ball GT” considered canon to the main “Dragon Ball” storyline?

No, “Dragon Ball GT” is not considered canon to the main “Dragon Ball” storyline as it wasn’t directly written by Akira Toriyama. It was produced by Toei Animation after the “Dragon Ball Z” anime ended.

10. What is Akira Toriyama’s role in “Dragon Ball Super”?

Akira Toriyama was heavily involved in the creation of “Dragon Ball Super,” providing the original story and character designs. He also served as an executive producer.

11. How does the death of Akira Toriyama affect the “Dragon Ball” franchise?

The passing of Akira Toriyama is a tremendous loss to the “Dragon Ball” franchise and the anime world. It is unknown what will happen with the franchise moving forward.

12. Who is in charge of continuing the “Dragon Ball” franchise after the passing of Akira Toriyama?

It is unknown at this time who is in charge of continuing the franchise. The production of the anime is handled by Toei Animation, and the copyright is owned by Bird Studio. More news will be reported as it becomes available.