What’s Next for the Dragon Ball Franchise? The Future is Super!

The Dragon Ball franchise, a global phenomenon that has captivated audiences for decades, stands at an exciting crossroads. What’s next? Expect a multi-pronged approach focused on consolidating its position as a global entertainment powerhouse. This involves a continued expansion of the anime series, potentially adapting the ongoing Dragon Ball Super manga arcs, alongside the development of new movies that explore uncharted territories in the Dragon Ball universe. Beyond visuals, further emphasis will be placed on video games, aiming for innovative gameplay experiences and immersive narratives. Additionally, expect more merchandise, collaborations, and theme park expansions, ensuring Dragon Ball remains a constant presence in the pop culture landscape.

The Anticipated Return of Dragon Ball Super Anime

Adapting the Manga: Moro and Granolah Arcs

The most immediate and highly anticipated next step is undoubtedly the return of the Dragon Ball Super anime. Following the conclusion of the Tournament of Power arc, the anime went on hiatus, leaving fans clamoring for more. The most logical progression is to adapt the already popular Moro arc and Granolah the Survivor arc from the Dragon Ball Super manga. These arcs introduce compelling new villains, explore complex themes of justice and revenge, and push the boundaries of Saiyan power, with transformations and techniques that will surely dazzle on screen.

The Moro arc presents a formidable magical threat, a villain capable of absorbing energy from entire planets, forcing Goku and Vegeta to reach new levels of power to contend with him. The animation of Moro’s devastating attacks and the epic battles that ensue promises a visual spectacle.

The Granolah the Survivor arc delves into the backstory of the Cerealians and the Saiyans’ involvement in their destruction. This arc introduces Granolah, a Cerealian seeking revenge, pushing Goku and Vegeta to grapple with the consequences of their race’s past. The arc also introduces Gas, another powerful Heeter who challenges the Saiyans. The storyline brings a welcome dose of moral complexity and nuanced character development.

Potential New Anime-Original Arcs

While adapting the manga is the most probable path, Toei Animation could also explore entirely new, anime-original storylines. This approach offers the creative freedom to experiment with unexplored concepts, characters, and timelines. However, it also carries the risk of alienating fans who are more invested in the established manga canon. A balance between manga adaptation and original content might be the most fruitful approach.

Dragon Ball Movies: Expanding the Cinematic Universe

The success of Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero has solidified the franchise’s potential in the cinematic realm. Future movies will likely continue to blend classic Dragon Ball elements with modern animation techniques.

Exploring Uncharted Territories

Future Dragon Ball movies could delve into unexplored areas of the franchise’s lore. A movie focusing on the Gods of Destruction and Angels could offer a deeper understanding of the cosmic hierarchy. Alternatively, a film set in the distant past, exploring the ancient Saiyan civilization, could provide a fresh perspective on the origins of Goku and Vegeta’s race. Exploring side characters like Goten and Trunks further into adulthood or expanding on the stories of lesser-known universes within the multiverse are also viable options.

Stepping into Live-Action Territory?

The possibility of a successful live-action Dragon Ball adaptation remains a tantalizing, albeit risky, prospect. The previous attempt, Dragonball Evolution, was a critical and commercial failure. However, with advancements in CGI and visual effects, a more faithful and compelling live-action adaptation is becoming increasingly feasible. Executing such a project requires a deep understanding of the source material and a commitment to capturing the essence of Dragon Ball’s characters, action, and humor.

Dragon Ball Video Games: Interactive Saiyan Adventures

The Dragon Ball franchise has always had a strong presence in the video game market. Future games will likely focus on enhancing the immersive experience, providing players with more freedom to explore the Dragon Ball universe and customize their characters.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

Developers are constantly seeking new ways to innovate the gameplay of Dragon Ball games. Open-world RPG elements, where players can create their own Saiyan warrior and explore vast environments, are gaining popularity. Multiplayer modes that allow players to participate in epic battles alongside their friends are also a key focus.

Engaging Narratives and Character Development

While flashy combat is a staple of Dragon Ball games, future titles may also emphasize storytelling and character development. Games could explore alternative timelines, allowing players to experience “what if” scenarios and make choices that impact the narrative. The games could also dive deeper into the backstories of established characters, offering new insights into their motivations and relationships.

Merchandise, Collaborations, and Theme Parks

Beyond anime, movies, and video games, Dragon Ball’s influence extends into a vast array of merchandise, collaborations, and theme park experiences.

Expanding the Brand’s Reach

Dragon Ball collaborations with fashion brands, food companies, and other entertainment franchises continue to broaden its appeal to diverse audiences. Expect even more creative and unexpected partnerships in the future.

Immersive Theme Park Experiences

The success of Dragon Ball-themed attractions at existing theme parks demonstrates the demand for immersive experiences. The development of dedicated Dragon Ball theme parks, offering visitors the chance to step into the world of Goku and his friends, seems like a natural progression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the Dragon Ball Super anime return?

While there’s no official release date, most industry insiders predict a return sometime in late 2024 or early 2025. Keep an eye on official announcements from Toei Animation and relevant social media channels.

2. Will the anime adaptation follow the manga exactly?

While the anime will likely follow the major plot points of the manga, some deviations and additions are possible. Toei Animation may add filler episodes or expand on certain scenes to flesh out the narrative and improve pacing.

3. What are the main differences between the Moro and Granolah arcs?

The Moro arc focuses on a powerful magic user who drains energy from planets, while the Granolah arc explores the consequences of the Saiyans’ past actions and introduces a new level of Saiyan power. Both arcs feature unique villains and engaging storylines.

4. Will there be a live-action Dragon Ball movie reboot?

While rumors persist, there’s no confirmed live-action Dragon Ball movie in development. However, with the right creative team and advancements in CGI, a successful adaptation is possible in the future.

5. What kind of new transformations can we expect in future Dragon Ball media?

Expect transformations that delve into more complex aspects of Ki control and the Gods’ techniques, as well as the exploration of alternative Saiyan evolution paths distinct from the Super Saiyan God lineage.

6. What Dragon Ball video games are currently in development?

Details on upcoming Dragon Ball video games are scarce, but expect announcements in the coming months. There will be continued support for Dragon Ball FighterZ and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. Speculation is also circling on a fully fledged open world RPG.

7. Will the Dragon Ball franchise ever end?

Given the franchise’s enduring popularity, it’s unlikely that Dragon Ball will end anytime soon. Akira Toriyama’s involvement is key and as long as he’s keen to develop the world, then there is no end in sight. It will continue to evolve and adapt to new trends and technologies.

8. How does Dragon Ball fit into the current anime landscape?

Dragon Ball remains a foundational pillar of the anime world. While newer anime series may gain temporary popularity, Dragon Ball’s legacy and global reach ensure its continued relevance. It paved the way for many modern Shonen anime.

9. Will side characters like Gohan and Piccolo get more focus?

The Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie has proved that side characters can become the focus of new storylines. Piccolo and Gohan are now stronger and ready for any villain that could come their way. There is a strong expectation that they will be more present in future arcs.

10. What role will the Dragon Ball Multiverse play in future storylines?

The Dragon Ball Multiverse, with its twelve universes, offers a vast canvas for future storylines. Expect to see more exploration of different universes, new characters, and alternate versions of familiar heroes and villains.

11. Is there any chance of seeing characters from Dragon Ball GT return?

While Dragon Ball GT is not considered canon, elements from the series, such as Super Saiyan 4, have occasionally been referenced in later Dragon Ball media. Whether they will re-appear is hard to say.

12. What is Akira Toriyama’s involvement in the future of Dragon Ball?

Akira Toriyama continues to be involved in the creative direction of Dragon Ball, overseeing the manga, movies, and anime. His input ensures that the franchise remains true to its core values and maintains its unique identity. This guidance will continue to shape the future of the franchise.