Movie Facts

Studio: 20th Century Fox
Director: James Wong
Budget: $30 million (estimate)
Release Date: April 10th 2009 in North America, March 13th 2009 in Asia
Filming Locations: Mexico City, Durango, Los Angeles
Availability: Available on DVD and Blu-Ray now, and sometimes airs as a TV movie

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How did this happen?

20th Century Fox went to Japan to buy the rights for a Dragonball movie in 2002. Since then, very little progress was done on the movie until recently. Regardless, fans were very excited and fake posters and manips began to appear soon after the movie rights were acquired. In 2004, Fox hired Ben Ramsey (The Big Hit) to pen the screenplay. After many reports on the movie being cancelled, finally in 2007 we were given some credible information.

Canada.com reported that 20th Century Fox had planned on filming the Dragonball movie in Montreal via green screen, much like the movie “300.” Soon after, 20th Century Fox issued a press release, confirming the director, producer, and stunt company.

Press Release: 20th Century Fox Films

The manga, novels and series bring to the film a rich mythology and exciting, complex characters, all of which have captivated millions of fans, of all ages, around the globe. One of the greatest manga franchises ever created, DRAGONBALL has an enormous online fanbase and is consistently one of the most frequently searched-for terms on Google and Yahoo! DRAGONBALL has exploded into a global phenomenon that has generated more than four billion dollars in merchandising sales. It is considered the gold standard of anime-based video games, with more than 25 different games and over ten million units sold since May 2002. The series 500 episodes strong posted top ratings in Europe, Asia and the U.S.

Rising star Justin Chatwin, who portrayed Tom Cruise’s son in Steven Spielberg’s WAR OF THE WORLDS, takes on the lead role of the heroic Goku, a powerful warrior who protects the Earth from an endless stream of rogues bent on dominating the Universe and controlling the mystical objects from which the film takes its name.

Chatwin has already begun a rigorous training regimen under the auspices of the premier stunt performance company, 87Eleven, which has executed or designed some of the biggest action pieces ever seen on film, in pictures such as THE MATRIX, THE BOURNE SUPREMACY, MR. & MRS. SMITH, and 300.

The press release confirmed James Wong was hired to direct, Stephen Chow was hired to produce, and 87Eleven was hired for the stunts. The reports on filming in Montreal were false, however, and filming was actually done in Durango, Mexico.

James Wong revised a previous draft by Ben Ramsey, supposedly with small input from Stephen Chow.

The film premiered April 10th, 2009 in North America and March 13th, 2009 in Japan. The movie had a budget of around $30 million dollars, and has a runtime of about 90 minutes.

2. Where can I watch the movie trailers?

The official trailers can be watched via http://www.dblegends.com/dragonball-movie/dragonball-movie-trailer.

3. Is there a official Dragonball Evolution website?

Yes. DragonballTheMovie.com. It’s dead, however, and redirects to the Fox-owned website UGO.

4. Where can I find screenshots/pictures from the movie?

All released Dragonball movie material can be found in our gallery HERE.

5. Why isn’t the movie called Dragonball Z?

Dragonball Evolution is based on the prequel to Dragonball Z (known as Dragonball). The anime follows Goku’s adventures when he was a kid and teenager. While the movie occurs during the King Piccolo saga it still uses aspects from the first saga (sometimes referred to as the “Goku” or “Emperor Pilaf” saga, and no Emperor Pilaf is not in the film). However, DB:E isn’t that faithful to any part of the DB universe so it’s hard to tell.

6. How much did Dragonball Evolution make in theaters?

Box Office Totals
Domestic Total Gross: $9,362,785
+
Foreign Total Gross: $48,134,914
= $57,497,699 (source).

7. Will there be a sequel to this film?

It was planned to be a trilogy, although it’s uncertain whether or not it still is. James Marsters quotes that he has signed onto two more Dragonball films.

8. Why did Dragonball Evolution suck so bad?

20th Century Fox, James Wong and his crew. Direct your hate to them please, and not this website.