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Anime is taking over the world. In this day and age, who hasn’t watched at least a couple of titles? The medium deserves respect for being able to mesmerize the global audience. Many works have gotten widespread recognition, but this has its own disadvantages. If a series is too good, fans want more of it. That is how the fans received a gift they never asked for. Bet, Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Kakegurui.

The essence of the high-stakes, thrilling series was turned into something that was mild and toned down. The casting and the narrative were drastically altered, making the fans confused. These unfaithful renditions are the reason why live action has a bad reputation. And now, Bet has just gotten renewed for a second season.

Netflix took a gamble and raised the stakes

The streaming giant, Netflix, has gotten a grip on the anime wave. With many Netflix exclusives,...

When it comes to action films, only a few make the mark. Shang-Chi is one of them with its slick action sequences. It’s got everyone marveling over it. No wonder the film got positive reviews and reception, but that’s not it.

The Director behind this Marvel flick is all set to take on a passion project. Destin Daniel Cretton is at the helm for the upcoming Naruto live-action film. This isn’t a mere rumor, mainly because of his current approach toward the project.

We all know how live-action can be a hit or miss. This is especially the case when it comes to anime, but there’s a solid reason why Cretton’s approach is the way to go! You may ask why and how, so let’s dive deep into this.

Shang-Chi director set to prioritise Naruto adaptation Simu Liu in Shang-Chi and the Legend of...

The Dragon Ball series is a legacy series that has enthralled multiple generations of fans. The franchise has taken on many forms, keeping up with the trends, expectations, and evolving whenever needed. Dragon Ball has been wildly popular everywhere, from the manga to anime to theme parks and even parades. The only place it could be said to be lacking is with respect to live-action content.

Dragon Ball Evolution is not the best representation of the series. A new live-action could present the best that the series has to offer to the fans, but it would need a good actor to play Goku. Many fans have been clamoring for Simu Liu after Shang-Chi, but he isn’t the only one capable of pulling off an action series. This list will list five alternatives that can portray the Saiyan better than Liu in a live-action.

1. Ross Butler Ross Butler in 13 Reasons...

With the recent success of Sinners, as well as his many other blockbuster hits, it feels like Michael B. Jordan has free rein to pick his next project. Jordan has already tried his hand at directing with Creed III, and he has frequently expressed a desire to get behind the camera again. So, what does Michael B. Jordan want to direct? Sinners 2? Creed 4? A Killmonger MCU prequel? Nope, the long-time anime fan is desperate to bring one of his favorite series to life in live-action, and it's the perfect choice.

During a recent interview with Vulture, Michael B. Jordan revealed that, alongside his next directorial feature, Thomas Crown Affair, he is desperate to direct a live-action anime adaptation. "Maybe, find an anime- maybe do a live-action version of that anime," Jordan said. Michael B. Jordan wears his anime influences proudly. During the press tour for Creed III, the actor...

Days after Solo Leveling Season 2 was released, its global distributor, Kakao Entertainment, announced a live-action adaptation of the popular anime series was in the works. While a release date has yet to be revealed, Crunchyroll has teased how this project would look in its latest social media post. Are you excited to see this project come to life?

Over on TikTok, Crunchyroll released a video set in a subway station with dark clouds emerging. While the subway announcement said there were some delays, the reason wasn't because of an open gate but because of construction work. Suddenly, shadow knights emerged, causing the cameraman to flee, only to knock into one of them. While Solo Leveling had episodes set in a subway, the clip in question isn't an adaptation of any scene from the anime.

The anime streaming giant has confirmed that a live-action adaptation of Solo Leveling is in the works.

Who doesn’t know Mamoru Miyano, the voice actor for Light from Death Note? The man has entertained audiences around the world with his amazing performances, and has been working in the industry for 30 long years. On June 8, 2025, however, when everyone least expected it, the anime community was met with bittersweet news. Mamoru Miyano, the renowned voice actor, announced his departure from his agency, the Himawari Theatre Group.

This announcement coincided with the 42nd birthday of the Death Note voice actor, and as mentioned earlier, marked the end of a remarkable 30-year journey with the agency. The Himawari Theatre Group shaped his entire career, and his exit, following the expiration of his contract, has saddened everyone. What’s next for Miyano? Will he continue to contribute to the anime industry, or will he perhaps find new entertainment avenues?

Mamoru Miyano and his career with the Himawari Theatre Group Mamoru Miyano...

Some anime are better left untouched, and Kite is a clear and perfect example of why. This 2014 live-action adaptation of the 1998 cult anime failed to live up to expectations, despite having the iconic Samuel L. Jackson in the cast. That’s right – the movie tried its level best to bring Yasuomi Umetsu’s dark and gritty story to life, but missed the mark big time.

With a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Kite was criticized left and right. It was a perfect reminder that not every anime needs a live-action version, especially if it can’t capture what made the original so memorable. Let’s dive deeper!

Samuel L. Jackson’s worst-rated movie was an anime remake gone wrong

Kite had all the ingredients to be a hit – an edgy story, a cult anime fanbase, and even actor Samuel L. Jackson in a lead role, who has a slew of hit movies to his name.

Okay, anime fans, gather ’round, especially those of you who’ve been fantasizing about getting to be able to watch Your Name made into a live-action film with real actors, not just Radwimps singing in the background. We’ve got some tea to spill.

So, Lee Isaac Chung, the same man behind Minari, that beautiful, tear-jerking film that made Oscar voters cry into their expensive wine, was supposed to direct the Hollywood live-action adaptation of Your Name. The one with the body swapping, the forgotten names, the comet, the emotional gut-punch ending. The film that had you gazing out of windows dramatically while questioning fate. Well, not anymore.

Why is Your Name so hard to adapt?

Let’s get real: Your Name is magic. Not in a ‘Harry Potter wand-waving’ kind of way, but in that Makoto Shinkai kind of way. Super soft lighting, ridiculously beautiful skies, awkward teens dealing...

Dragon Ball Daima has given the fans many sweet memories. From being Toriyama’s ultimate work with a return to roots style adventure setting and well-timed gags, Daima also reintroduced fan-favorite forms like Super Saiyan 4 in a fresh, canonized light.

Not to mention many of the plot holes in Gt have been fixed through the storytelling in Daima, the question now arises: could this finally be the era where Dragon Ball Gt’s villains have a resurgence?

Instead of being relegated to the non-canonical and not really noticed by many Gt, can they truly claim their spot in the limelight? There is one character who is unique and complex and can carve out his own niche even in a setting like Dragon Ball Super- Baby.

It is time to immortalize Gt by adapting the best of it

Though Dragon Ball Gt was never part of the official canon, its influence has never truly faded.

Gotenks has long been a forgotten character far past his prime in Dragon Ball. From being a character with a fusion that made it seem like the future was going to belong to him, the childish and arrogant Gotenks was pushed far away from the main narrative.

Although the appearances of the character have not stopped, there is no doubt that he has been sidelined as a comic relief character at best, with zero contribution in any major battle post the Buu saga.

A bold fan theory offers a new take that could change everything: what if Gotenks becomes the franchise’s equivalent of Gear 5 Luffy, lackadaisical, charming, yet extremely powerful?

Gotenks is a character rooted in mischief and mayhem

Trunks and Goten both have properly shaped arcs. Trunks has been focused on in many arcs, whereas Goten has gotten his screentime when he was learning to fly and fight.

The Westernization of regional stories very rarely succeeds. Kakegurui‘s Netflix live-action version, called Bet, might have achieved some level of attention, but to fans of the original series, it will always remain a blotch. In fact, after Death Note and Dragon Ball: Evolution, fans can’t believe that Netflix has not learnt its lesson.

The latest live-action of Kakegurui, called Bet, has undergone a lot of controversies. It failed to attain the essence of the original series and included things that were never necessary. And all of this is because past warning went unheard.

Netflix should have paid heed to Death Note and Dragon Ball: Evolution’s glaring warnings Dragon Ball Evolution was a massive failure | Credits: 20th Century Fox

Dragon Ball Evolution was released in 2009 and was loosely based on Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball. Unfortunately enough, it was also the very first live-action adaptation of the franchise.

If you’ve ever watched Dragon Ball Evolution, then you completely understand the pain of being a Dragon Ball fan and watching that film. A complete mess. But here’s something you may not know: the guy who played King Piccolo, James Marsters, completely understands your pain.

Seriously, he thought the film was so bad that he didn’t even want his name associated with it anymore. No joke. In a hilarious and brutally honest interview, James dished out all the juicy details about his experience with Dragon Ball Evolution and why he decided to go with a fake name later in the Dragon Ball series. Let’s jump into this crazy adventure.

“Offensively bad”: James Marsters on his Dragon Ball Evolution experience

In a recent interview with the Inside of You Clips podcast, James didn’t hold back while talking about his experience with Dragon Ball Evolution. When...

One of the biggest additions to the dark fantasy and Psychological thriller genre of the anime industry was Yuji Kaku’s Hell’s Paradise. The series managed to make a huge impact with just one season under its belt, and now fans eagerly wait for the second season of Hell’s Paradise, which is scheduled to be released in January 2026.

The anime was produced by Mappa, and its unique portrayal of the narrative grabbed the attention of almost every major anime fan. The series was brilliantly created, and almost every aspect of it contributed to the success of Hell’s Paradise. The director of the series, Kaori Makita from Mappa, brought out the true essence of the Hell’s Paradise narrative.

However, Kaku was not too sure about handing over the reins of Hell’s Paradise anime to Makita in the first place. Makita once revealed that initially, Kaku agreed to give creative freedom to Makita,...

It’s not uncommon for even some of the most beloved movies to undergo extensive rewrites. Hey, Good Will Hunting was initially a thriller about a math genius working for the Nsa, and no, that’s not a joke. Sometimes, though, a movie gets exponentially worse with each rewrite, starting with a brilliant script and getting whittled down to box-office toothpicks.

5 Dragonball Evolution

If you want to see a Dragon Ball Z fan get mad, steal their lunch money, but you could also try mentioning the 2009 movie, which was both disowned by fans as barely resembling the series and lambasted by critics. Both lamented the movie that could have been, however, after the original script surfaced on the internet. It stuck much more closely to the original manga’s storyline, but it was deemed too expensive by the studio, who forced screenwriter Ben Ramsey into no fewer than five rewrites.

The anime/manga community has a plethora of series, but only a few are legendary and stand out like Dragon Ball. With those insane fights, strange humor, and that heartfelt storytelling, Goku and his friends have been winning over fans since the ‘80s.

And as the series rose to popularity, we also got to see a live adaptation titled Dragon Ball Evolution, a film with the intent to adapt the Saiyan saga, only for it to come out and disappoint the majority of fans. It was accused of straying from the source material, particularly with that awkward portrayal of the main protagonist, Goku.

But here’s the thing: It somehow ended up doing something good for anime. That might sound crazy, but the failure of Dragon Ball Evolution prompted the creator, Akira Toriyama, to step in and save his work, starting a revival that eventually ushered in a new era.

I still remember the first time I watched Your Name (Kimi no Na wa). I was expecting just another body-swap anime with good-looking visuals, and I left with my heart shattered into pieces, my soul hovering somewhere in the air above the clouds, and an unshakable feeling that I had just seen something truly magical.

Makoto Shinkai didn’t just make a great anime movie, he made the anime of our time. And years later, to find out that J.J. Abrams is still attempting to redo it as a live-action Hollywood film is like someone attempting to repaint the Mona Lisa with crayons.

Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece Your Name. | Credit: CoMix Wave Films

Let me explain why I and really, a large majority of the anime fanbase just want Abrams to leave Your Name alone, as it is already a masterpiece that doesn’t require a Western spin.

Makoto Shinkai...

Netflix’s Narnia Reboot: Meryl Streep in Talks to Play Aslan? When news broke that Meryl Streep is in talks to join Greta Gerwig’s The Chronicles of Narnia reboot for Netflix, fans immediately assumed she would play the White Witch. Streep’s commanding presence and elegance seemed a perfect fit, much like Tilda Swinton’s portrayal in the 2005 film adaptation. However, reports now suggest that Streep may actually voice Aslan. Female voice actors have portrayed many iconic male characters in animation, such as: Nancy Cartwright as Bart Simpson (The Simpsons) Christine Cavanaugh as Dexter (Dexter’s Laboratory) June Foray as Rocky (Rocky and Bullwinkle) Kath Soucie as Phil and Lil (Rugrats) The Cautionary Tale of Controversial Character Changes This situation brings to mind other controversies surrounding character changes that led to significant backlash. Ghost in the Shell (2017) and Dragonball Evolution (2009) stand as prime examples of whitewashing, where fans criticized the...

One of the writers onCaptain America: Brave New World is pushing back against some of the negative reviews the movie has received. Captain America: Brave New World opened in theaters on Feb. 14, 2025 and was certainly not the big start to 2025 that Marvel Studios was likely hoping for, as it garnered a 48% rotten rating on Rotten Tomatoes — making it only the third MCU film to get a rotten rating alongside 2021's Eternals (47%) and 2023's Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (46%). For what it's worth, the audience's reaction was mixed with positivity.

Speaking with The Direct, screenwriter Rob Edwards explained why he thinks critics missed the market on Captain America: Brave New World. Edwards is one of five credited screenwriters on the fourth Captain America movie, and also has a story by credit in the film. When asked if he was surprised by the difference in audience reaction compared to critical reaction, Edwards...

Dragonball Evolution -- the eternally reviled live-action adaptation of Dragon Ball -- has been stuck at the bottom of IMDb's user ranking chart for several years. However, the abysmal rating of a newly-released Disney film has bumped up Evolution to a slightly higher position on the list.

On IMDb, Dragonball Evolution holds an overall rating of 2.5 stars (out of a possible 10) -- just a few points below Baby Geniuses (2.6) and Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (2.7). However, Disney's live-action remake of Snow White, which debuted in theaters on March 21, currently sits at a dismal 1.5-star rating on the site. Many reviewers cited the film's poor use of CGi in addition to bland musical numbers as two of its main failings. A significant amount of criticism has also been directed towards Snow White actor Rachel Zegler, who voiced several controversial opinions about Disney's original Snow White film prior to the remake's release.

The legacy of one of the greatest franchises of all time, Dragon Ball, by Akira Toriyama, has recently gained traction once again after the release of Dragon Ball Daima, the last project by the creator. The series has once again given hopes to the fans that the franchise will revive the unprecedented fame and recognition that it lost along the way.

Fans have also expressed desire for a new remake that could further extend the Dragon Ball legacy and help the series become the greatest once again. However, considering the current trend, a remake might not be the best option for the Dragon Ball franchise. It would make more sense for the creators to focus on a live-action adaptation, as these adaptations have become the talk of the town.

The Dragon Ball franchise | Credit: Toei Animation

Although Dragon Ball has a live-action version in the form of Dragonball Evolution, it...

Johnny Depp was one of Disney’s most profitable actors, thanks to his work with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. However, Depp has had his fair share of flops with the House of Mouse, among which The Lone Ranger stands with quite some discourse around it.

The Lone Ranger || Credit: Disney

The Lone Ranger was a film with a great example of Bob Iger’s tentpole strategy. The CEO told Variety it was a sound tactic that Disney wished to employ time and time again. This is also visible in a more recent film like Snow White, which similarly looks to shock and awe the audience with said strategy, as is signaled by its big budget, big actors, and big production.

The Lone Ranger was a film that was expected to cost Disney over $190 million Johnny Depp in The Lone Ranger || Credit: Disney

In 2013, Variety reported that Disney was...

The era of live-action adaptations is here, and while a lot of projects are seeing major success, there are some that are getting absolutely demolished at the box office, deeming them failures. One such project that has been criticized a lot by fans recently is Disney’s Snow White, the American musical fantasy film featuring Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler.

Rachel Zegler in and as Snow White | Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Snow White is based on the 19th-century German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm and has multiple animated renditions that have been a global success. Thus, when the live-action project was announced, it grabbed the attention of a lot of Disney fans, who were hoping to relive the fantastical adventure of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

However, the movie got such bad reviews that it even broke the record of arguably the worst live-action adaptation in history,...

Since the dawn of time, the anime industry has been compared to cartoon animation and thus has been assumed to be an art form for children. All over the world, there is a huge mass of audience who believe that almost every aspect of anime draws parallels with children’s cartoon movies and series.

Yuji Kaku’s Hell’s Paradise | Credit: Mappa Studios

However, this has been proved wrong time and time again, especially by the use of dark themes and plots that sometimes make it difficult for even adults to watch. The perfect example of this that comes to my mind is Hell’s Paradise by Yuji Kaku. The series is one of the darkest narratives I have ever come across and it is also the reason why it is a part of the Dark trio of the anime industry.

I’ll admit that there might be other dark stories in the world of anime,...

The amount of anime to live-action adaptations has increased in recent years, with Netflix’s One Piece leading the game. Before that, it had a turbulent reputation with several failed adaptations, such as Netflix’s Death Note, the Attack on Titan film series, and Dragonball Evolution.

Luffy from One Piece. [Credit: Netflix]

The main complaint against anime to live-action adaptations is how unfaithful they are towards the original source. Dragonball Evolution is a classic example of it since it was picked up by Hollywood and heavily Westernized, similar to Netflix’s Death Note.

However, even a well-received and high budget live-action series, like One Piece, isn’t doing real justice to its original anime. In the end, all of them look incredibly silly. It strips them from their true identity and end up looking rather cheap. No live-action has truly found a balance, not even One Piece.

Live-action adaptations will never match...

Live-action adaptations of anime and manga have repeatedly proven that no matter how faithful the creators are to the source material, there is much left to be desired. Death Note and Dragon Ball Evolution are cautionary reminders that prevent makers from attempting a live-action.

A Key Visual for Edge of Tomorrow | Credits” Warner Bros. Pictures

Yet amid these failures, Edge of Tomorrow emerges as an anomaly. The adaptation of a Japanese light novel received praise for its performances and pacing. But, of course, even this anomaly isn’t immune to comparisons from critics, who call it a great movie but a not-so-great adaptation.

Why do Live-Action adaptations fail? Emily Blunt as Rita from Edge of Tomorrow | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Live-action adaptations are notorious for failing to adapt the source material. They try too hard to mimic the qualities of their source material, which often do not translate so well onto the screen,...

The Dragon Ball franchise, created by Akira Toriyama might be one of the greatest anime franchises in history and there is no doubt of that. The series was a pillar that helped the anime industry become a global success, and even after so long it continues to inspire fans and other creators with its enticing storyline and brilliantly written characters.

The Dragon Ball Franchise | Credit: Toei Animation

While almost every project by the franchise has been a worldwide success, there is one that the Dragon Ball community refuses to acknowledge as one of their own. This project was none other than the 2009 live-action adaptation of the Dragon Ball story, called Dragonball Evolution by 20th Century Studios which was an incredible failure.

Almost every aspect of the movie was rejected by the Dragon Ball fans and even the former editor of the Dragon Ball manga, Kazuhiko Torishima hated everything about it.

Snow White is no stranger to cinematic makeovers, but Disney’s live-action remake of the classic 1937 animated movie has proven to be one of their most divisive movies. While the film defied critics with a reasonable 71% Rotten Tomatoes audience score, over on IMDb it is a very different story as the film has gained one of the lowest ratings on the site. While many cite the atrocious 2009 Dragonball Evolution as the movie site’s worst-rated film, there are several with lower scores, and Snow White has found itself in the same territory thanks to an incredibly high volume of 1-star reviews, leaving it with a 2.2/10 score.

While many of the lowest-scored movies on IMBd have a fair split of ratings from one to 10, Snow White has garnered a ridiculously high proportion of reviews, giving it one of the lowest scores possible. At the time of writing, 78% of the film’s reviews are 1-star reviews,...

Dragonball Evolution is the "greatest failure in Shonen Jump’s history." This strong opinion belongs to an iconic editor for the Dragon Ball manga, who didn’t mince words about the failed 2009 live-action movie by 20th Century Studios (formerly 20th Century Fox).

Kazuhiko Torishima, a former Dragon Ball editor for Shonen Jump, took shots at Dragonball Evolution in the latest episode of KosoKoso, a Japanese podcast he co-hosts with Yuji Horii, the creator of Dragon Quest. The episode was uploaded to YouTube on March 20, 2025, and translated by @/Venixys on X (formerly Twitter). In addition to Torishima, the episode features key animator and character designer Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, background artist Kazuo Enokimoto, and Naz Chris, a DJ, producer and artist associated with KosoKoso.

Dragon Ball Editor Says the Live-Action Film Was the 'Greatest Failure in Shonen Jump History' The reasons behind the failure of Dragon Ball Evolution🧵14/n pic.twitter.com...

One Piece’s live-action adaptation opened Hollywood’s eyes to the potential that anime holds. The world remained a witness to its phenomenal success and quick ascension to one of the most-watched Netflix series. But ever since then, a new race has begun.

Every other day, there is news about a new live-action adaptation of an anime series. Netflix itself has announced new adaptations for Kakegurui and Mobile Suit Gundam. Kakegurui is a highly addicting anime, while Mobile Suit Gundam is already an established franchise.

Hollywood’s rat race for live-action adaptations of anime The One Piece live-action remake was a rare success | Credits: Tomorrow Studios, Netflix

There are multiple live-action adaptations of anime series that are already on the horizon. Some are dropped, while others stay in production hell for years. One example is Warner Bros. Pictures’ attempt to create an action film out of Akira. The live-action remake...

Spoilers for "The Electric State" to follow.

There are great film adaptations, like Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, and there are bad film adaptations, like Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Then there's 50 feet of crap (as Brad Pitt puts it in "Moneyball"), and then there's "The Electric State." Netflix's allegedly $320 million Russo Brothers extravaganza is a complete disaster from start to finish, filled with unnecessary cameos, embarrassing screenwriting, and set pieces that beg the question: What happened to all that money?

Under normal circumstances, a movie like this would just go down as a simple misfire, and that would be that. But it's even more upsetting because the book on which it's based, Simon Stålenhag's "The Electric State," is incredible. It's also still pretty niche despite Stålenhag's work having become a bit more mainstream over the last several years. That means that for many,...

Anime adaptations ino live-action films are not a new thing, more often than not, live-action films get mixed reviews. The fantastical and the magical cannot be accurately portrayed, not to mention the physiques, fight scenes, pacing issues, and more. But a good example would be Netflix’s One Piece Live Action.

Dragonball Evolution (2009) | Credits: 20th Century Fox

That is why some of the adapted movies are bad, and then there’s Dragon Ball Evolution. I have shivers when I think about it. This is a film so terrible that even its own screenwriter apologized for writing it. This is the film that prompted Akira Toriyama to return from his retirement and start writing Dragon Ball Super.

Why it’s still one of the worst adaptations ever

I rewatched this movie recently, and it just refreshed my memory about why this movie is just terrible. Just by virtue of its existence,...

For many years, the entertainment industry has been haunted by the curse of Live-action adaptations of popular anime franchises as they have been unable to produce a successful movie or series. Be it Cowboy Bebop or Dragonball Evolution, the curse has affected every project that has tried to bring the varied anime universe to life.

Cowboy Bebop Live-Action | Credit: Tomorrow Studios

However, that has not always been the case. There have been some adaptations that have managed to break the curse and defied the stereotype by bringing an intriguing touch to the world of live-action. These adaptations exceeded expectations, and while they might not be as marvelous as the anime, they still were good enough to be profitable.

Out of the many attempts by the industry to create a promising live-action adaptation, only five of them were able to defy the anime live-action curse and set the stage for others.

There are some things in life that just make sense. Like peanut butter and jelly. Like coffee and Monday mornings. Like swords and immortals battling across centuries to the backdrop of Queen’s epic soundtrack. Yes, we’re talking about Highlander, the cult classic that blessed us with decapitations, time-traveling warriors, and Christopher Lambert’s… let’s say, unique Scottish accent.

Christopher Lambert in a still from Highlander | Credits: Warner Bros.

Now, if you’re one of the many fans who’ve spent years lamenting the lack of a modern reboot, we feel your pain. Highlander is a franchise begging for a revival, a new take that can bring fresh energy to its timeless tale of warriors fighting for ultimate power. And you know who would be perfect for the role? Henry Cavill. Let’s talk about why.

Why a Highlander reboot is what we need A still from Highlander | Credits: Warner Bros.

Dragon Ball may be the most popular anime franchise on Earth, but it hasn't been a stable one in decades. Since the conclusion of Dragon Ball Z in 1996, Dragon Ball has been plagued by underwhelming sequel series, disappointing side content, inconsistent release schedules, years when the only new content to be released has been video games, and the existence of Dragon Ball Evolution. Sad as it is to say, things look as bad now for Dragon Ball's future as they ever have. As of March 2025, Dragon Ball Daima is over, Dragon Ball Super is still on hiatus, and there is no longer anyone capable of guiding the franchise forward.

Akira Toriyama was the glue that held his humble story turned pop culture phenomenon together and, with him having passed away in 2024, it may not be possible for the series to continue in the way most fans would like. The...

Without question, the cultural impact of Dragon Ball by the late Akira Toriyama is immeasurable. However, the famed manga artist's passion for the series diminished after its conclusion in 1995.

Toriyama’s lack of enthusiasm to return to Dragon Ball was recently discussed by his three editors, Kazuhiko Torishima, Yu Kondo and Fuyuto Takeda, on the Feb. 22, 2025 episode of KosoKoso. @/Venixys translated the conversation on X (formerly Twitter). The fascinating discussion comes as the final episode of Dragon Ball Daima, the final animated project Toriyama worked on before his death in March 2024, is set to air on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.

RelatedDragon Ball Editors Reveal Its Creator Originally Had No Clue Who Future Trunks Was: 'Not Even Toriyama Had Decided'

Dragon Ball's longtime editors reveal that not even the late Akira Toriyama knew who Future Trunks was when he debuted in Dragon Ball Z.

Dragon Ball Creator 'No Longer Felt the Same...

Quick LinksMakoto Shinkai's Your Name is a Modern Masterpiece of AnimeJJ Abrams' Planned Your Name Remake Has Already Gone Through 3 Different DirectorsMovies Like Your Name Are Probably Better Off Not Getting Remade

Although Hayao Miyazaki may be the world's leading figure in Japanese anime films, thanks to his widely recognized and beloved work from Studio Ghibli, other anime directors such as Makoto Shinkai have gained more and more recognition from Western audiences within the last decade. Despite being unfairly overlooked by the Academy, Shinkai’s 2016 film Your Name has been considered to be one of the best animated films of the century, ranking at number 83 on IMDb’s Top 250. It's a visual and thematic masterpiece of animation, which is why it’s so shocking that J.J. Abrams is currently feeling the need to remake it in live-action for American audiences. Abrams has accomplished quite a bit throughout his career as a producer and director,...

Marlon Wayans is an American comedian, actor, and writer who we’ve all known for having a wit that’s sharper than any knife. He is best recognized for the Scary Movie franchise, White Chicks, and Little Man. On the other hand, DeAndre Cortez Way, popularly known as Soulja Boy, is a rapper who’s recently clashed with Wayans.

Marlon Wayans | Neal Brennan / YouTube

He gained massive popularity in 2007, after his viral hit, Crank That. Since then, he’s become a phenomenon on the internet and has continued to release music. Most importantly, he’s kept the audience engaged by partaking in high-profile feuds, like the one he’s in now.

Marlon Wayans and Soulja Boy clash in heated feud Soulja Boy | Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM

Marlon Wayans and Soulja Boy have found themselves in a heated online feud, which began when the former criticized the rapper for performing at...

For decades, Hollywood has attempted to adapt Japanese anime and manga into live-action films and TV series, with mixed results. While some have been successful, many have failed to capture the essence of their source material. The struggle to translate anime’s unique storytelling and artistry into a different medium remains a significant challenge, one that even industry leaders recognize.

A scene from Yu Yu Hakusho live action | Credits: Netflix

John Landgraf, the producer behind the critically acclaimed Shogun series, recently addressed this issue. Discussing the success of Shogun and the expansion of Japanese media worldwide, Landgraf was asked whether live-action adaptations of manga and anime could revitalize Hollywood.

Why anime is hard to adapt?: John Landgraf says ‘They are already the best of the best’

In an interview with Business Insider, John Landgraf explained, “I myself have come to appreciate the greatness of Japanese manga through my son.

It is the era of game adaptations and we’re all living in it and Bakugan, in this case, is no exception to that. Like Digimon and Beyblade, the franchise is branching out into different ventures altogether.

Other than that, it is regarded as one of the most successful toy franchises among children. From cards to figurines, it left no stone unturned in becoming a multifaceted game company. But that is not the end of it all.

Shun, Dan, and Mira in a still from the anime | Credit: Tms Entertainment

This is especially true for its upcoming live-action movie. The film is said to be directed by Brad Peyton and is officially in the works. And though it sounds promising, there is a catch to that as well.

Fans worry that the adaptation might be deemed lackluster in most aspects. This circles back to his past project Rampage which garnered mixed reviews.

Quick LinksDragonball: Evolution Is Considered To Be One of the Worst Anime Adaptations and Worst Movies Of All TimeWhat Was Akira Toriyama's Reaction to Dragonball: Evolution?Dragonball Evolution Inspired Akira Toriyama To Return to the Anime

For many Westerners, Dragon Ball was the very first introduction to all the wonder that anime had to offer. It's a franchise that remains incredibly popular and dear to people's hearts, and the impact it's had on pop culture is undeniable. Because of this, in the mid-2000s, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came knocking at the door to produce a live-action film. The first and so far only attempt to bring the Dragon Ball franchise to the realm of live-action, Dragonball Evolution, has not only garnered a reputation as one of the worst anime adaptations ever made but as one of the worst films ever made in general.

Live action anime movies have a cursed history of being, well, poorly adapted. And among all the anime adaptations to ever give anime a bad name, Dragon Ball Evolution takes first place as an abysmal failure. With news of Naruto soon hitting the big screen with a live-action movie adaptation, now's the best time to learn from history and past anime movie failures.

The curse of adapting anime into movies has existed for decades, but with One Piece's recent success as a live action Netflix series, that curse may have finally been broken. No matter how good the adaptation is, the Naruto live-action movie is bound to disappoint some Naruto fans, but if it can learn from its predecessors, it just might have a chance.

Live Action Adaptations of Anime Rarely Ever Work Netflix's One Piece is an Exception to the Rule

Anime is hard to adapt into live-action.

Plenty of anime series have been adapted into live-action by Japanese and Western studios, but the results have been mixed at best. The very concept of live-action anime adaptations has a bad reputation thanks to the likes of Dragonball Evolution, which fans deny even exists at all. Anime is tough to adapt into live action for a variety of reasons, from the sheer length of some series to outlandish visuals or gratuitous fan service that would be downright creepy in live action.

There have been some exceptions to this grim rule – such as Netflix's One Piece adaptation – but on a whole, it seems best not to adapt anime into live action movies or shows. Plenty of anime are unsuitable for live-action adaptations, from their outlandish visuals that would look clunky with CGI, to excessive fan service, or costumes/body props that would look less immersive and more like cosplay on flesh-and-blood actors.

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball exists in various forms and mediums, with every extension adding something new to the series. However, these additions are not always well done or appreciated by the fandom. For instance, Dragon Ball: Evolution was a live-action adaptation of the manga, but failed to live up to the expectations of fans.

A still of Goku from Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods | Credits: Studio Toei Animation

Moreover, even Toriyama publicly voiced his disapproval of the movie. However, the disappointment caused by the film led to the next and beloved project, which is still fondly remembered to this day.

The debacle of Dragon Ball: Evolution and Akira Toriyama’s thoughts on it

Directed by James Wong, Dragon Ball: Evolution was released in 2009. On paper, the movie was based on Akira Toriyama‘s celebrated Dragon Ball series. However, the final product was very different from Dragon Ball, as fans knew it.

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball is arguably the most recognized franchise in the community. With Daima‘s premiere, Goku’s return has set the internet ablaze, drawing many veteran fans back to the series.

One of the key factors behind Toriyama’s Dragon Ball legacy is its incredible storytelling and memorable characters, which have left a lasting impact on generations of fans, becoming a global sensation.

Goku vs Frieza in Dragon Ball Super. [Credit: Toei Animation]

Still, over time, many fans have felt the female characters in Dragon Ball are sidelined, with others claiming they lack depth. However, that’s not entirely true, as Toriyama crafted one iconic female character who became the face of the series, surpassing even Bulma and Chi-Chi.

The Most iconic female character in Dragon Ball Saga

Dragon Ball has always been a very male-driven series and there’s nothing wrong with it embracing this demographic. However,...

Law & Order is making a Shameless ploy to flesh out Nolan Price’s backstory.

Justin Chatwin, who played shady-dude-with-a-good-heart Jimmy on several seasons of Showtime’s Shameless, will guest-star in Season 24 of the legal procedural as Price’s brother, Thomas, TVLine has learned exclusively.

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Thomas, who is described as “charming,” will appear in the Thursday, Jan. 30, episode (NBC, 8/7c), He’ll...

For a dark shonen anime, Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku has a distinct absence of mob characters. Every character and monster are designed with purpose and intent behind them, with careful attention to detail.

Mob characters, however, are often used to create an atmosphere and to represent the “ordinary people” in the anime. Hell’s Paradise does not care for either. Gabimaru, the protagonist, is on a mission on Kotaku that could mean life or death for him. The monsters, however, do not play around.

Gabimaru from Hell’s Paradise. [Credit: Mappa]

This was a conscious choice by the mangaka, Yuji Kaku, and the director of Hell’s Paradise, Naoki Makita. Without the inclusion of mob characters, how were they supposed to create an environment of dread and fear?

The monsters of Kotaku filled in those gaps perfectly. They might have power in numbers but their visual style is horrifying enough to create a sense of...

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku is on its way to becoming the best dark shonen manga in the community, on par with the likes of Chainsaw Man, Dororo, and Jujutsu Kaisen. However, it’s undeniably the most unique of the lot, thanks to this one part of the lore that Yuji Kaku was a genius for.

The series follows Gabimaru the Hollow who gets the death penalty after a failed assassination attempt. His only chance at a pardon is to find the elixir of life in Shinsenkyo or Kotaku, its real name, which is a mythical land that toes the boundary between hell and heaven.

Shinsenkyo in Hell’s Paradise. [Credit: Mappa]

The island gets even more mysterious with its strange creatures. Moreover, the sole survivor returned from Kotaku with flowers sprouting all over him, losing all of his humanity in some sort of metamorphosis.

In the trailer for Season 1 of Hell’s Paradise, the...

The allure of adapting beloved anime into live-action films or series has captivated filmmakers for decades, but the results often fail to live up to fans’ expectations. Titles like Dragon Ball: Evolution and Netflix’s Death Note have become infamous examples of adaptations that missed the essence of their source material. Could a Hell’s Paradise live-action adaptation avoid a similar fate or become an even bigger disaster?

The protagonist of Hell’s Paradise, Gabimaru | Credit: Studio Mappa

Created by Yuji Kaku, Hell’s Paradise is a dark fantasy series that blends brutal action, intricate storytelling, and deeply complex characters. Its fantastical settings, surreal monsters, and high-octane battles make it a perfect fit for anime but could spell doom for a live-action adaptation. Even the anime director Makita Kaori expressed concerns about translating its fantastical elements to a realistic medium.

The challenges of adapting Hell’s Paradise to live-action Gabimaru and Sagiri; a fascinating...

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball is arguably the most recognized franchise in the community. Daima has been a huge success, receiving praise for its animation, world-building, and story-driven focus, which separates it from Dragon Ball Super.

Son Goku, the protagonist of the Dragon Ball series. [Credit: Toei Animation]

With the recent surge in live-action adaptations, fans are eager to see a Dragon Ball live-action movie that could redeem the disappointment of Dragon Ball: Evolution (2009).

The 2009 film missed the mark, but if it had followed Toriyama’s guidelines, the movie could have brought Goku’s signature move to life in a truly satisfying way.

Dragon Ball‘s creator shares key steps for perfectly capturing Goku’s Kamehameha essence.

Goku, without a doubt, is the most popular anime character of all time. He has been the main protagonist of Dragon Ball for 32 years and has kept that show going with his intelligence, charms,...

Few franchises have seen global success like Dragon Ball. Created by Akira Toriyama in 1984, the series evolved into one of the most enduring and iconic anime in the world. With its story, memorable characters, and jaw-dropping battles, Dragon Ball has gone far beyond its manga and anime origins to become a cultural phenomenon. As the franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary, fans are getting a lot of new content, like the Dragon Ball Daima anime and other exciting developments. This resurgence asks whether it is time for another live-action adaptation of Dragon Ball, and the answer is yes.

While the 2009 live-action film Dragonball Evolution was a critical and commercial failure, it is important to recognize how much the entertainment world has changed since then. Advances in visual effects, the rising popularity of anime adaptations, and the lessons learned from past mistakes all point to a brighter future for Dragon Ball in live-action form.