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{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Dragonball Evolution
| image          = Dragonball Evolution (2009 film).jpg
| alt            = Poster divided into five strips each featuring a different character<!-- see WP:ALT -->
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[James Wong (filmmaker)|James Wong]]
| producer       = [[Stephen Chow]]
| screenplay     = [[Ben Ramsey (filmmaker)|Ben Ramsey]]
| based_on       = {{Based on|''[[Dragon Ball (manga)|Dragon Ball]]''|[[Akira Toriyama]]}}
| starring       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Justin Chatwin]]
* [[Emmy Rossum]]
* [[Jamie Chung]]
* [[Chow Yun-fat]]
}}
| music          = [[Brian Tyler]]
| cinematography = [[Robert McLachlan (cinematographer)|Robert McLachlan]]
| editing        = [[Matthew Friedman (film editor)|Matthew Friedman]]<br />Chris Willingham
| distributor    = [[20th Century Fox]]
| released       = {{Film date|2009|3|10|Japan|2009|4|10|United States}}<!-- Infobox is NOT for all releases; only first (Japan), and release in home country (US); prose covers any others of any relevance.--><!--WP:FILMRELEASE-->
| runtime        = 85 minutes<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/dragonball-evolution-film-qxnzzxq6vlgtotc1mtkw | title=''DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION'' (PG) | work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] | date=March 17, 2009 | access-date=January 7, 2021 | archive-date=September 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907014313/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/dragonball-evolution-film-qxnzzxq6vlgtotc1mtkw | url-status=live }}</ref> 
| country        = United States<ref name="screendaily">{{cite web |url=http://www.screendaily.com/dragonball-evolution/4043768.article |work=[[Screen Daily]] |title=Dragonball Evolution |date=24 March 2009 |access-date=December 3, 2015 |last=Goodridge |first=Mike |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208182443/http://www.screendaily.com/dragonball-evolution/4043768.article |url-status=live }}</ref>
| language       = English
| budget         = $30 million<ref name="numbers" />
| gross          = $56.5 million<ref name="numbers">{{cite web |title= ''Dragonball Evolution'' (2009) |url= https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Dragonball-Evolution |website= [[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |access-date= May 3, 2023 |archive-date= August 14, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200814061302/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Dragonball-Evolution |url-status= live }}</ref>
| production_companies = {{Plainlist|
* [[Dune Entertainment]]
* Star Overseas
* [[Ingenious Media]]
* Big Screen Productions
}}
}}
'''''Dragonball Evolution''''' is a 2009 American [[superhero film]] directed by [[James Wong (filmmaker)|James Wong]], produced by [[Stephen Chow]], and written by [[Ben Ramsey (filmmaker)|Ben Ramsey]]. It is loosely based on the Japanese ''[[Dragon Ball (manga)|Dragon Ball]]'' manga series created by [[Akira Toriyama]], and stars [[Justin Chatwin]], [[Emmy Rossum]], [[James Marsters]], [[Jamie Chung]], [[Chow Yun-fat]], [[Joon Park]], and [[Eriko Tamura]]. In the film, the teenager Goku reveals his past and sets out to fight the evil alien warlord Lord Piccolo who wishes to gain the powerful Dragon Balls and use them to take over Earth.

The film began development in 2002 and was distributed by [[20th Century Fox]]. It is the first official live-action adaptation of the ''Dragon Ball'' series. ''Dragonball Evolution'' was released in Japan and several other Asian countries on March 13, 2009, and in the United States on April 10, 2009.

The film was both a critical and [[Box-office bomb|commercial failure]]. Critics and fans alike lamented the script, cast, and unfaithfulness to the source material. Additionally, it grossed only $9.4 million in North America and a worldwide total of $56.5 million against a budget of $30 million. The film was meant to be the first of a series, though all subsequent films were canceled. It is often referred to as one of the [[List of films considered the worst|worst films of all time]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pacheco |first=Diego Pineda |date=2024-12-09 |title=The 10 Worst Action Movies of the Last 25 Years, Ranked |url=https://collider.com/worst-action-movies-last-25-years-ranked/ |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref> The film has been accused of [[Whitewashing in film|whitewashing]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-31 |title="Let Justin Chatwin have his redemption arc": Dragon Ball Fans Want to Give Live Action Goku Actor to Come Back into Akira Toriyama's Franchise in a New Role |url=https://fandomwire.com/let-justin-chatwin-have-his-redemption-arc-dragon-ball-fans-want-to-give-live-action-goku-actor-to-come-back-into-akira-toriyamas-franchise-in-a-new-role/ |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=fandomwire.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and has had a negative effect on future anime-to-cinema adaptations, due to its casting, lack of loyalty to the source material, and failure at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 10 Worst Movies of the 2000s |url=https://www.watchmojo.com/articles/top-10-worst-movies-of-the-2000s |website=watchmojo.com |publisher=[[WatchMojo]] |access-date=15 December 2021 |date=10 June 2016}}</ref>

==Plot==
Two thousand years ago, the Namekian [[King Piccolo]] came to Earth and wreaked havoc. Seven mystics were able to seal Piccolo away using a powerful enchantment called the Mafuba. However, he breaks free in present day, and with his [[ninja]]-like henchwoman [[List of Dragon Ball characters#Pilaf Gang|Mai]], begins searching for the seven Dragonballs, killing anyone in his path.

On his eighteenth birthday, [[martial artist]] and high school senior [[Goku]] is given the four-star Dragonball by his [[Grandpa Gohan]]. Returning home from a party hosted by his crush [[Chi-Chi (Dragon Ball)|Chi-Chi]], Goku finds his home destroyed by Piccolo, who was looking for the Dragonball. Before he dies, Gohan tells Goku to seek out martial arts guru [[Master Roshi]], who has another one of the Dragonballs.

Goku then meets [[Bulma]] of the Capsule Corporation, who has invented a device that locates the Dragonballs. Goku offers Bulma protection in exchange for helping him find Roshi. After finding him in Paozu City, Roshi joins their search and begins helping Goku master his [[Qi|ki]]. During their search for another Dragonball, they fall into a trap set by the desert bandit [[Yamcha]], whom Roshi convinces to join them by promising some of the royalties for Bulma's invention. Together, they fight off an ambush by Mai and obtain the next Dragonball.

As the group continues their quest, they visit The World Martial Arts Tournament where Chi-Chi is competing; she fights Mai in a match, who steals a sample of her blood. Chi-Chi briefly joins the group as they travel to a temple where Roshi consults his former teacher Sifu Norris and begins preparing a new Mafuba enchantment to reseal Piccolo, while Chi-Chi helps Goku in his training to learn the most powerful of the ki-bending techniques: the Kamehameha Wave. That night, Mai arrives having used Chi-Chi's blood to assume her appearance. Unable to tell Mai from Chi-Chi, Goku accidentally knocks out Chi-Chi and is shot by Mai, who steals the team's Dragonballs. Goku, Bulma, Yamcha, and Roshi go in pursuit of Mai and Piccolo.

Having acquired all seven Dragonballs, Piccolo arrives at the Dragon Temple and begins to summon [[Shenron]], but is stopped by the timely arrival of Goku's team. During the ensuing battle, Piccolo reveals to Goku that he is his minion, Ōzaru the Great Ape, having been sent to Earth as an infant to destroy it. As the [[solar eclipse]] transforms Goku into Ōzaru. Roshi attempts to use the Mafuba on Piccolo, but he doesn't have enough energy allowing Piccolo to break free. Ōzaru chokes Roshi to death, but his dying words enable Goku to fight back Ōzaru and restore to himself. He engages Piccolo in a final battle, seemingly defeating him with the Kamehameha Wave. Goku then uses the Dragonballs to summon Shenron, restoring Roshi back to life. As the group celebrates, Bulma declares that the Dragonballs have scattered, and that they must search for them again. 
Before heading out, Goku meets with Chi-Chi and apologizes for knocking her unconscious, and they begin a sparring match.

In a [[post-credits scene|mid-credits scene]], Piccolo is revealed to be alive and treated by a mysterious woman.

==Cast==
{{See also|List of Dragon Ball characters}}
* [[Justin Chatwin]] as [[Goku]]
* [[Chow Yun-fat]] as [[Master Roshi]]
* [[Emmy Rossum]] as [[Bulma]]
* [[Jamie Chung]] as [[Chi-Chi (Dragon Ball)|Chi-Chi]]
* [[James Marsters]] as [[King Piccolo]]
* [[Joon Park]] as [[Yamcha]]
* [[Eriko Tamura]] as [[List of Dragon Ball characters#Pilaf Gang|Mai]]
* [[Randall Duk Kim]] as [[List of Dragon Ball characters#Grandpa Gohan|Grandpa Gohan]]
* [[Ian Whyte (actor)|Ian Whyte]] as [[Ōzaru]]
* [[Ernie Hudson]] as Sifu Norris
* [[Texas Battle]] as Carey Fuller
* Richard Blake as Agundes
* [[Megumi Seki]] as Seki
* Shavon Kirksey as Emi
* Jon Valera as Moreno

==Production==

===Development===
In 1995, [[Hong Kong action film]] star [[Jackie Chan]], who was a fan of the series, had expressed some interest in adapting ''[[Dragon Ball]]'' into a live-action film. However, he said it would require "a lot of amazing special effects and an enormous budget."<ref>{{cite book |last= Toriyama |first=Akira |author-link=Akira Toriyama |script-title=ja:DRAGON BALL 大全集 1: COMPLETE ILLUSTRATIONS |date=June 25, 1995 |publisher=[[Shueisha]] |language=ja |isbn=4-08-782754-2 |page=7 |chapter=I Love Dragon Ball #1: Jackie Chan}}</ref> When asked about the casting for main protagonist [[Goku]] in 2013, ''Dragon Ball'' creator [[Akira Toriyama]] said that "nobody came to mind" for the role, but if "it were back when Jackie Chan was still young, I suppose I would have thought nobody could play Goku but him."<ref>{{Cite episode |title=『漫道コバヤシ』～映画「ドラゴンボールZ神と神」公開記念！出でよ神龍！！鳥山明先生、アンケート答えておくれーーーっ！！！！！SP～ |trans-title=A Public Movie Celebration For “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods”! Come forth, Shenlong! Akira Toriyama-sensei, Answers Our Questionnaire!!!! Special |series=Mandō Kobayashi |series-link=:ja:漫道コバヤシ |first=Kendō |last=Kobayashi |author-link=Kendo Kobayashi |network=[[Fuji TV|Fuji TV One Two Next]] |date=24 March 2013 |number=2 |lang=ja}}</ref>

In 2002, [[20th Century Fox]] acquired the live-action feature film rights to the ''Dragon Ball'' franchise from [[Shueisha]], publisher of Toriyama's original [[manga]] series. [[Mark Schilling]] reported that Toriyama was engaged by 20th Century Fox as a creative consultant.<ref>{{cite web |last=Schilling |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Schilling |title=20th Century Fox to roll with $100m Dragonball |url=https://www.screendaily.com/20th-century-fox-to-roll-with-100m-dragonball/408612.article |work=[[Screen Daily]] |date=March 12, 2002 |access-date=July 9, 2022 |archive-date=January 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128143348/https://www.screendaily.com/20th-century-fox-to-roll-with-100m-dragonball/408612.article |url-status=live }}</ref> In the same year, [[Stephen Chow]] was approached to direct the film, and although he said he was deeply interested because he is a fan of ''[[Dragon Ball]]'', Chow declined the chance to direct. Instead, he accepted a role as a producer via his company Star Overseas. [[Robert Rodriguez]], [[Mark A.Z. Dippé]] and [[Zack Snyder]] were offered to direct but passed. 20th Century Fox then went on to send the script to writer/director [[James Wong (filmmaker)|James Wong]] who accepted. In 2007, James Wong and [[RatPac-Dune Entertainment]] co-founder [[Brett Ratner]] were announced as director and producer respectively, and the project was retitled ''Dragonball''. [[Ben Ramsey (filmmaker)|Ben Ramsey]]'s first draft was deemed too expensive to shoot, and in the end, he wrote about five different drafts of the script following notes from the studio. James Wong wrote the last draft, again according to notes from the studio, but decided to remain uncredited as the co-screenwriter.<ref name=itsofficial/> Chow was a ''Dragon Ball'' fan, citing its "airy and unstrained story [which] leaves much room for creation", but explained he would only serve as a producer because he believes that he should only direct stories he had created.<ref name=chow/>

Differing costs to produce the film have been reported. In January 2008, Marsters spoke to ''[[TV Guide]]'' that he was told the film had a budget of approximately $100 million.<ref>{{cite web |title = James Marsters on Fame, Family and Life After 40 |work = [[TV Guide]] |first = Ileane |last = Rudolph |date = January 30, 2008 |url = https://www.tvguide.com/news/james-marsters-smallville-37867.aspx |access-date = March 16, 2009 |archive-date = April 22, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090422011503/http://www.tvguide.com/news/james-marsters-smallville-37867.aspx |url-status = live }}</ref> In April 2009, the Spanish television station [[Telecinco]] reported that the budget was $50 million.<ref>{{cite web |title = El director de "Dragonball Evolution" admite su desconocimiento del manga |date = April 4, 2009 |url = http://www.telecinco.es/informativos/cultura/noticia/888471/888471 |access-date = April 9, 2009 |language = es |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090410004911/http://www.telecinco.es/informativos/cultura/noticia/888471/888471 |archive-date = April 10, 2009 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}</ref> Marsters would later claim that the film in fact was produced for $30 million.<ref>{{cite AV media |title = James Marsters Monster Mania Q&A (Part 2) |date = August 23, 2009 |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaKqAEnXacc&t=1m44s |via = [[YouTube]] |access-date = May 21, 2011 |archive-date = October 8, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231008060624/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaKqAEnXacc&t=1m44s |url-status = live }}</ref>

===Casting===
[[Justin Chatwin]] was selected to play the film's central character [[Goku]].<ref name=itsofficial/> [[Ron Perlman]] was originally offered the role of the villain [[List of Dragon Ball characters#Piccolo Daimaō|Lord Piccolo]], but turned it down to work on ''[[Hellboy II: The Golden Army]]''.<ref>{{cite web |first = Jackee |last = Coe |title = Hellboy II: The Golden Army |publisher = Movies.ie |date = November 29, 2009 |url = http://www.movies.ie/html/article.aspx?articleid=3286 |access-date = November 29, 2009 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090423011734/http://www.movies.ie/html/article.aspx?articleid=3286 |archive-date = April 23, 2009 |df = mdy-all }}</ref> [[James Marsters]], who accepted the role, noted he was a fan of the [[Dragon Ball (TV series)|original anime adaptation]], describing it as "the coolest television cartoon in the last 50,000 years [because] it's got a Shakespearean sense of good and evil."<ref name="Marsters Interview" /> Summarizing the original concept of his Piccolo, he said the character was "thousands of years old and a very long time ago he used to be a force of good, but [he] got into a bad argument and was put into prison for 2000 years. It got him very angry, and he finds a way to escape and then tries to destroy the world."<ref name="Marsters Interview"/> Originally, Piccolo was going to be depicted as a handsome creature, but Marsters and the make-up artist chose to give him a decrepit complexion to reflect his having been trapped for thousands of years stewing in his evil and thirst for vengeance. The first time the make-up was applied, it took seventeen hours and left Marsters with difficulty breathing. In subsequent applications, it generally only took four hours.<ref>{{cite web |title = James Marsters: "You guys like watching me getting humiliated" |work = Total Sci-Fi |date = July 10, 2008 |url = http://www.dwscifi.com/admin/articles/show/2220 |access-date = July 11, 2008 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080713045145/http://www.dwscifi.com/admin/articles/show/2220 |archive-date = July 13, 2008 |df = mdy-all }}</ref>

[[Stephen Chow]] originally wanted to cast [[Zhang Yuqi]], with whom he worked on ''[[CJ7]]'', for the part of Chi Chi, but the role eventually went to [[Jamie Chung]].<ref name="chow" /><ref>{{cite web |first = Carly |last = Mayberry |title = Chung goes live with 'Dragonball' |work = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date = December 6, 2007 |url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i7c5caf365ab6a9b8d98afe2ed1581d89 |access-date = December 6, 2007 |archive-date = May 16, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080516230240/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i7c5caf365ab6a9b8d98afe2ed1581d89 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

===Filming===
[[Principal photography]] began on December 3, 2007,<ref name=shootingdate>{{cite web |title = Domestic film: In production |work = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] |url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/tools_data/production_listings/search_results.jsp?d=y&f=y&s=production |access-date = December 19, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080410080531/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/tools_data/production_listings/search_results.jsp?d=y&f=y&s=production |archive-date = April 10, 2008 |url-status = dead }}</ref> in Mexico City, Mexico. Locations included the [[Universidad Tecnológica de México]].<ref name=unitec/>

From January 2, 2008,<ref name=unitec/> the crew shot at [[Sierra de Órganos National Park]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.elsiglodedurango.com.mx/noticia/166535.gigantes-velan-la-sierra-de-organos.html |title=Gigantes velan la Sierra de Órganos |first=El Siglo de |last=Durango |date=May 3, 2008 |website=elsiglodedurango.com.mx |access-date=May 18, 2018 |archive-date=May 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519033254/https://www.elsiglodedurango.com.mx/noticia/166535.gigantes-velan-la-sierra-de-organos.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1098327/locations |title=Dragonball Evolution (2009) |website=IMDb |access-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307164106/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1098327/locations |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://viamexico.mx/sierra-organos-una-sinfonia-rocas/ |title=Sierra de Órganos, una sinfonía de rocas |date=January 31, 2018 |website=Revista Vía México |access-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518131855/https://viamexico.mx/sierra-organos-una-sinfonia-rocas/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dragonballalcine.com/detalles-de-la-pelicula/ |title=Dragonballalcine.com |website=Dragonballalcine.com |access-date=May 18, 2018 |archive-date=May 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519033040/http://www.dragonballalcine.com/detalles-de-la-pelicula/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The crew moved to Estado de México in March of that year for some shots at [[Nevado de Toluca]].<ref name=durango/> Shooting was also scheduled at [[Los Angeles]], [[California]].<ref name=roshi/>
In adapting the ''Dragon Ball'' manga, the futuristic cities and flying vehicles were kept; however, the [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] creatures and [[talking animal]]s (such as [[List of Dragon Ball characters#Kame-Sennin|Turtle]], [[List of Dragon Ball characters#Oolong|Oolong]], [[List of Dragon Ball characters#Puar|Puar]], [[List of Dragon Ball characters#Shu|Shu]], and [[List of Dragon Ball characters#Korin|Korin]]) were dropped.<ref>{{cite news |author = Cesar Huerta |title = Filman ''Dragon Ball'' en escuela de Tlalpan |newspaper = [[El Universal (Mexico City)|El Universal]] |date = December 16, 2007 |language = es |url = http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/espectaculos/80462.html |access-date = December 19, 2007 |archive-date = December 18, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071218203507/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/espectaculos/80462.html |url-status = live }}</ref>
Many of the locations are very [[Orient]]al,<ref name=hair/> and there was some [[Aztecs|Aztec]] influence too, particularly from their temples.<ref>{{cite news |author = Cesar Huerta |title = Se suma a ''Dragon Ball'' |newspaper = [[El Universal (Mexico City)|El Universal]] |date = December 19, 2007 |url = http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/espectaculos/80519.html |access-date = December 20, 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071222000928/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/espectaculos/80519.html |archive-date = December 22, 2007 |df = mdy-all }}</ref>
It was thought that Rossum would wear a blue wig to resemble her manga counterpart, but it was ultimately decided that such a look was too unrealistic. Instead, she had her natural brown with blue streaks. Chatwin did not wear a wig as the director felt Chatwin's hair resembled Goku's.<ref name=hair/>
A large amount of ''Dragonball Evolution'' was shot in an abandoned jeans factory, also located in Durango, Mexico.<ref>{{Cite news | title=Durango's non-traditional incentives | url=https://variety.com/2008/film/columns/durango-s-non-traditional-incentives-1117983735/ | work=Variety | first=Bashirah | last=Muttalib | date=November 11, 2019 | access-date=April 20, 2020 | archive-date=December 29, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229144048/https://variety.com/2008/film/columns/durango-s-non-traditional-incentives-1117983735/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

''Dragonball Evolution'' special effects were done by Amalgamated Dynamics, while the visual effects were done by Ollin Studios, Zoic Studios, and Imagine Engine.

==Music==
{{Main|Dragonball Evolution: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack}}
On December 9, 2008, it was confirmed that the theme song would be "[[Rule/Sparkle|Rule]]" by Japanese singer [[Ayumi Hamasaki]]. Also featured on the film's soundtrack is American pop artist Brian Anthony, whose remixed song "Worked Up" was released as a single in English territories,<ref name=workedup>{{Cite news |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzf6HhcdHFE |title = Worked UP! Dragonball Evolution Version' |date = April 16, 2009 |access-date = May 22, 2011 |archive-date = July 29, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130729092651/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzf6HhcdHFE |url-status = live }}</ref> and is included on the home video releases as a bonus feature.<ref name="Monfette"/>

The film's [[soundtrack]], ''[[Dragonball Evolution: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]]'', was released in the United States on March 17, 2009, by [[Varèse Sarabande]].

The score was composed by [[Brian Tyler]], who recorded the score with an 82-piece ensemble of the [[Hollywood Studio Symphony]] at the Newman Scoring Stage at [[20th Century Fox]].<ref name="scoring">{{Cite news |author = Dan Goldwasser |url = http://www.scoringsessions.com/news/172/ |title = Brian Tyler scores ''Dragonball Evolution'' |publisher = ScoringSessions.com |date = February 6, 2009 |access-date = February 6, 2009 |archive-date = February 17, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120217194730/http://www.scoringsessions.com/news/172/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The score was met with positive reviews from music critics, who drew comparisons to Tyler's previous works.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/dragonball-evolution|title= ''Dragonball Evolution - Review - Anime News Network''|publisher= [[Anime News Network]]|date= March 16, 2009|access-date= March 19, 2009|archive-date= March 20, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090320063813/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/dragonball-evolution|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first= Christopher|last= Coleman|title= ''Great Balls of Fire''|url= http://www.tracksounds.com/reviews/dragonball_evolution_brian_tyler.htm|publisher= TrackSounds|access-date= April 16, 2009|archive-date= April 15, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090415144940/http://www.tracksounds.com/reviews/dragonball_evolution_brian_tyler.htm|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= David Abraham Dueck|title= ''Dragonball: Evolution Soundtrack Review, Another Thrilling Action Score from Brian Tyler''|url= http://popmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/dragonball_evolution_soundtrack_review|publisher= Suite101|date= April 8, 2009|access-date= April 19, 2009|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090418191509/http://popmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/dragonball_evolution_soundtrack_review|archive-date= April 18, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first= Tom|last= Hoove|title= ''Dragonball: Evolution''|url= http://scorenotes.com/soundtracks/dragonball.html|publisher= ScoreNotes|access-date= April 26, 2009|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090514013020/http://www.scorenotes.com/soundtracks/dragonball.html|archive-date= May 14, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first= James|last= Southall|title= ''Dragonball: Evolution, Exciting action score marks a real return to form for Tyler''|url= http://www.movie-wave.net/titles/dragonball_evolution.html|publisher= Movie Wave|access-date= May 18, 2009|archive-date= May 3, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090503163900/http://www.movie-wave.net/titles/dragonball_evolution.html|url-status= live}}</ref>

==Marketing==
===Novelization===
A film [[novelization]], ''Dragonball Evolution: The Junior Novel'', was written by Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon. Aimed at children ages 8–15, the novel was released by [[Viz Media]] on February 24, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=8054 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20090713225008/http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=8054 |url-status = dead |archive-date = July 13, 2009 |title = Dragonball: Evolution Junior Novel |publisher = [[Viz Media]] |access-date = April 12, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="Book List"/> The same day, a series of chapter books for readers 7–10 was released.<ref name="Book List" />

The three volumes, subtitled ''The Discovery'', ''The Search'', and ''The Battle'' were also written by Deutsch and Cohan.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=8051 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20090321090531/http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=8051 |url-status = dead |archive-date = March 21, 2009 |title = Dragonball: Evolution The Discovery Chapter Book , Vol. 1 |publisher = [[Viz Media]] |access-date = April 12, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=8052 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20090401013229/http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=8052 |url-status = dead |archive-date = April 1, 2009 |title = Dragonball: Evolution The Search Chapter Book, Vol. 2 |publisher = [[Viz Media]] |access-date = April 12, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=8053 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20090401013234/http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=8053 |url-status = dead |archive-date = April 1, 2009 |title = Dragonball: Evolution The Battle Chapter Book, Vol. 3 |publisher = [[Viz Media]] |access-date = April 12, 2009 }}</ref>

A 16-paged sticker book, ''Dragonball: Evolution Sticker Book'', followed on March 24, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=8111 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20090321090537/http://www.viz.com/products/products.php?product_id=8111 |url-status = dead |archive-date = March 21, 2009 |title = Dragonball: Evolution Sticker Book |publisher = [[Viz Media]] |access-date = April 12, 2009 }}</ref> Released a week later on March 31, 2009, by Viz was a 22-page ''Dragonball: Evolution Posterzine'' featuring eleven posters, cast interviews, and merchandise previews.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.comiclist.com/index.php/news/viz-media-releases-special-shonen-jump-dragonball-evolution-posterzine |title = VIZ Media Releases Special Shonen Jump Dragonball: Evolution Posterzine |publisher = [[Viz Media]] |date = March 13, 2009 |access-date = May 21, 2011 |archive-date = September 29, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110929024009/http://www.comiclist.com/index.php/news/viz-media-releases-special-shonen-jump-dragonball-evolution-posterzine |url-status = live }}</ref>

===Video game===
On January 19, 2009, [[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Namco Bandai Games]] and Fox announced a tie-in [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]] [[Dragonball Evolution (video game)|video game]], which was released in Japan on March 19 and North America on April 7. The game includes all of the major characters from the film and features various playing modes, including a local multi-player battle mode, production stills, and storyboards from the film.<ref name="PSP PR"/>

===Merchandise===
The Hong Kong-based company Enterbay produced a 1:6-scaled line for ''Dragonball Evolution''. A 1:6 Goku figure was made along with Lord Piccolo. Bulma was planned to be the third figure of the series in addition to being the first female figure Enterbay has ever released. Prototypes of the Bulma figure were shown on Enterbay's blog but in November 2010, Enterbay confirmed that Bulma was canceled. [[Bandai]] America released a mass-market toy-line based on the movie in time for the theatrical release. The figures came in 4-inch and 6-inch versions.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.bandai.com/about/prlinks/DragonBall_Evolution_Spring_2009_Release.pdf |title = Goku and the Warrior Race Fight On as DragonBall: Evolution Collectible Figures Explode Into Toy Fair 2009 |publisher = [[Bandai America]] |date = February 15, 2009 |access-date = May 21, 2011 |archive-date = September 28, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110928081417/http://www.bandai.com/about/prlinks/DragonBall_Evolution_Spring_2009_Release.pdf |url-status = dead }}</ref> Lastly, Japanese toy company [[Kubrick (toy)|MediCom]] created stylized Goku and Piccolo [[Bearbrick|Be@rbrick]] toys to coincide with the release of the film.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.toybeast.com/2008/11/23/bearbrick-dragonball-set/ |title = Be@rbrick DragonBall Set |date = November 23, 2008 |access-date = May 21, 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120402133816/http://www.toybeast.com/2008/11/23/bearbrick-dragonball-set/ |archive-date = April 2, 2012 |df = mdy-all }}</ref>

===Tie-ins===

The July 2008 issue of ''[[Jump Square]]'' published a manga by Daisuke Kadokuni, inspired by the film.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://misiontokyo.com/noticias/13066 |title=Manga de la película de imagen real de Dragon Ball |website=MisionTokyo.com |date=June 19, 2008 |access-date=September 8, 2017 |archive-date=September 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909005111/http://misiontokyo.com/noticias/13066 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Release==
===Theatrical===
Though an American film, ''Dragonball: Evolution'' was released in Japan and Hong Kong on March 13, 2009, nearly a month before its American release.<ref name="Toriyama reaction">{{cite news |url = https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-02-08/akira-toriyama-comments-on-live-action-dragonball-film |title = Akira Toriyama Comments on Live-Action Dragonball Film |work = [[Anime News Network]] |date = February 8, 2009 |access-date = February 8, 2009 |archive-date = February 10, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090210064921/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-02-08/akira-toriyama-comments-on-live-action-dragonball-film |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-01-15/u.s-dragonball-film-site-launches-with-updated-trailer |title = U.S. Dragonball Film Site Launches with Updated Trailer |work = [[Anime News Network]] |date = January 15, 2009 |access-date = January 15, 2009 |archive-date = January 17, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090117151418/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-01-15/u.s-dragonball-film-site-launches-with-updated-trailer |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://hk.movies.yahoo.com/movie.html?id=mcl_dragonballevolution |title = 龍珠：全新進化 (Dragonball Evolution) |publisher = [[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong]] |language = zh |access-date = March 6, 2008 |archive-date = February 6, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090206194522/http://hk.movies.yahoo.com/movie.html?id=mcl_dragonballevolution |url-status = live }}</ref> It was released in Australia on April 2 and in the United Kingdom on April 8.<ref>{{cite web |author = Village Cinemas Australia |title = Dragonball Evolution Australian Release Pushed Up |publisher = Village Cinemas Australia |url = http://www.villagecinemas.com.au/Movies/Dragonball-Evolution.htm |access-date = March 28, 2009 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090227000646/http://villagecinemas.com.au/Movies/Dragonball-Evolution.htm |archive-date = February 27, 2009 |df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://dragonballevolutionmovie.co.uk/ |title = Dragonball Evolution |publisher = [[20th Century Fox]] |access-date = February 11, 2009 |archive-date = February 20, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090220141842/http://dragonballevolutionmovie.co.uk/ |url-status = live }}</ref><!-- Needs replacing with non-general ref eventually -->

Its release in its home country changed dates many times. Initially scheduled to be released in North America on August 15, 2008, it was later moved to April 2009 to allow time for additional filming and post-production work. The specific date then changed back and forth between April 10 and 8, with the final release date being April 10.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-11/live-action-dragonball-pushed-up-to-april-8-in-u.s |title = Live Action Dragonball Pushed Up to April 8 in US |work = [[Anime News Network]] |date = November 11, 2008 |access-date = April 20, 2020 |archive-date = September 3, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200903174750/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-11/live-action-dragonball-pushed-up-to-april-8-in-u.s |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author = Twentieth Century Fox |title = Dragonball Evolution Official website |publisher = Twentieth Century Fox |url = http://dragonballthemovie.com/ |access-date = March 27, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090117041536/http://www.dragonballthemovie.com/ |archive-date = January 17, 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

The marketing of the theatrical release included a viral "personal expressions" campaign created by digital agency Red Box New Media<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.redboxnewmedia.com/redbox_portfolio_dragonballevolution.html |title = Goodness! Gracious! Great (Dragon)balls of fire! |publisher = Red Box New Media |date = March 27, 2009 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091121134530/http://www.redboxnewmedia.com/redbox_portfolio_dragonballevolution.html |archive-date = November 21, 2009 }}</ref> that ran on the [[Windows Live Messenger]] application. Alongside that campaign, Fox hired Picture Production Company to develop a [[Personal computer|PC]]/[[Wii]] flash game under the name ''Can you Ka-Me-Ha-Me-Ha?''<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.theppc.com/blog/2009/03/dragonball-evolution-the-wii-game/ |title = Dragonball Evolution: Can you KameHameHa..? |publisher = Picture Production Company |date = March 27, 2009 |access-date = May 22, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120402133805/http://www.theppc.com/blog/2009/03/dragonball-evolution-the-wii-game/ |archive-date = April 2, 2012 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
This game was released just before the film in conjunction with another viral campaign that encouraged fans to send in their renditions of the fighting move.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALI5MLiehuM |title = Can You Kamehameha? |publisher = Picture Production Company |date = February 27, 2009 |access-date = November 27, 2016 |archive-date = July 30, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160730101208/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALI5MLiehuM |url-status = live }}</ref>

===Home media===
The film was released on [[DVD region code#1|Region 1]] [[DVD]] and [[Blu-ray]] Disc in North America on July 28<ref name="Monfette"/> and on [[DVD region code#2|Region 2]] DVD and Blu-ray Disc in the [[United Kingdom]] on August 31.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0029OMETK |title=Dragonball Evolution [DVD&#93; [2009&#93;: Amazon.co.uk: Justin Chatwin, James Marsters, Chow Yun-Fat, Emmy Rossum, Randall Duk Kim, Jamie Chung, Eriko Tamura, Joon Park, James Wong: DVD |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=July 3, 2010 |archive-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229144047/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0029OMETK |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[DVD region code#4|Region 4]] DVD and Blu-ray Disc was released in Australia on November 18.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/806232 |title = Dragonball Evolution Region 4 DVD/Blu-Ray Release Date |publisher = [[EzyDVD]] |date = October 25, 2009 |access-date = October 25, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091003234340/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/806232 |archive-date = October 3, 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

==Reception==

===Box office===
The film had a gross earning in the United States and Canada of $9,362,785 and an international gross of $47,148,672 for a combined worldwide box office gross of $56,511,457.<ref name="numbers" />

The film opened with its competitors—''[[Hannah Montana: The Movie]]'' and ''[[Fast & Furious (2009 film)|Fast & Furious]]'' (the latter in its second weekend). On its opening weekend in the United States, the film grossed $4,756,488 from 2,181 sites. Box Office Mojo described this as "paltry", and was comparable to ''[[Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li]]'' and ''[[Speed Racer (film)|Speed Racer]]''.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 13, 2009 |author=Brandon Gray |title=Weekend Report: 'Hannah Montana' Rules Easter Roost |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed4151968772/ |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211042447/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed4151968772/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekend&id=dragonball.htm |title = Dragonball: Evolution (2009) – Weekend Box Office Results |website = [[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date = April 13, 2009 |archive-date = April 16, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090416111859/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekend&id=dragonball.htm |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-12/dragonball-evolution-opens-at-no.8-with-us$4.6-million |title = Dragonball Evolution Opens at #8 with US$4.6 Million (Updated) |work = [[Anime News Network]] |date = April 12, 2009 |access-date = April 12, 2009 |archive-date = April 14, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090414043321/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-12/dragonball-evolution-opens-at-no.8-with-us$4.6-million |url-status = live }}</ref> In its second weekend, it dropped to 11th place.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-19/dragonball-drops-out-of-top-10-at-u.s-box-office |title = Dragonball Drops Out of Top 10 at U.S. Box Office |work = [[Anime News Network]] |date = April 19, 2009 |access-date = April 20, 2009 |archive-date = April 21, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090421075044/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-19/dragonball-drops-out-of-top-10-at-u.s-box-office |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=April 20, 2009 |author=Brandon Gray |title=Weekend Report: '17 Again' Is Big |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed4118414340/ |website=Box Office Mojo |quote=Business was worse for Dragonball Evolution, which dwindled 65 percent to $1.7 million for a puny $7.9 million in ten days. |access-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211034135/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed4118414340/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 26, 2010 |author=Ray Subers |title=July Preview |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed4118479876/ |website=Box Office Mojo |quote=business for recent martial arts fantasies has ranged from modest (The Forbidden Kingdom) to pathetic (Dragonball Evolution). |access-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014125122/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed4118479876/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Critical response===
{{RT prose|14|3.6|63|Executed with little panache or invention, ''Dragonball Evolution'' lacks the magic that made the books on which it was based a cult sensation.}}<ref>{{cite web |title= Dragonball Evolution (2009) |url= https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dragonball/ |website= [[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date= February 11, 2021 |archive-date= December 5, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201205062748/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dragonball |url-status= live }}</ref> {{Metacritic film prose|score=45|count=10|ref=yes|access-date= November 11, 2019|archive-date= July 28, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190728001449/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/dragonball-evolution |url-status= live}} Audiences surveyed by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film a grade C+ on scale of A to F.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |title= Cinemascore |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181220122629/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |archive-date= 2018-12-20 }}</ref>

Zac Bertschy of [[Anime News Network]], who was initially annoyed at [[Otaku|fans]] of the franchise who criticized the film via leaked set shots and trailers before the film's release, eventually gave the movie a negative rating and capitulated that "the fans were right."<ref name="ANN Review" /> He also criticized its poor explanation of plot elements, hackneyed storyline, and lackluster effort by the actors.<ref name="ANN Review">{{cite news |url = https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/dragonball-evolution |title = Review" Dragonball Evolution |work = [[Anime News Network]] |date = March 16, 2009 |access-date = March 19, 2009 |archive-date = March 20, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090320063813/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/dragonball-evolution |url-status = live }}</ref> [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']]'s Russell Edwards found the film "passable", "pleasing if paint-by-numbers", noting it "doesn't take itself too seriously, but avoids campiness", that "the climactic clash between Piccolo and Goku offers a faithful CGI representation of the ethereal powers as drawn in the original manga" and that the climax offers an "impressive character twist for Goku that will warm the cockles of every young [[Analytical psychology|Jungian]]'s heart."<ref name="Variety Review">{{Cite news |url = https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117939940 |title = New Int'l. Release: Dragonball Evolution |first = Russell |last = Edwards |work = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date = March 25, 2009 |access-date = November 11, 2019 |archive-date = December 29, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211229144037/https://variety.com/2009/film/reviews/dragonball-evolution-1200474020/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Luke Thompson of ''[[E!|E! Online]]'' referred to the film as a "surreal mess" that would only make sense to fans of the original series. He questioned the use of a [[Whitewashing in film|Caucasian in the main role]] and felt Chow Yun-Fat was "overacting like never before", but did consider it "fun in a train-wreck kind of way" and that while it was never boring it was also never "logical, coherent [or] rational".<ref name="E review">{{cite web |url = http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/b118209__lt_i_gt_Dragonball_Evolution_lt__i_gt___A_Surreal_Mess.html |title = Dragonball Evolution: A Surreal Mess |first = Luke |last = Thompson |publisher = [[E!|E! Online]] |date = April 9, 2009 |access-date = June 11, 2009 |archive-date = July 10, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090710172940/http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/b118209__lt_i_gt_Dragonball_Evolution_lt__i_gt___A_Surreal_Mess.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

Christopher Monfette of ''[[IGN]]'' gave the film a positive review, stating that it captured "the flavor of [[anime]] without becoming overly cartoonish". He praised the main cast for "creating characters the audience can actually care about" and felt Chatwin was particularly likeable as Goku.<ref name="IGN.com Review">{{cite web |url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/970/970094p1.html |title = Dragonball Evolution |first = Christopher |last = Monfette |website = IGN |date = April 9, 2009 |access-date = April 12, 2009 |archive-date = April 12, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090412154019/http://movies.ign.com/articles/970/970094p1.html |url-status = live }}</ref> ''[[Slant Magazine]]''{{'}}s Rob Humanick considered the film "uninspired" and implausible with an "aimlessly hyperactive construction and complete lack of substance" and "cobbled-together FX fakery".<ref name="Slant Review"/> Reviewing the film for Australia's [[ABC Radio National]], Jason Di Rosso stated the film was "lacking the visual panache of recent graphic novel adaptations". He agreed the film was uninspired and also felt it had dull "high school movie banter" dialog and was "cliché-ridden".<ref name="ABC Radio Review">{{cite web |url = http://www.abc.net.au/rn/movietime/stories/2009/2539565.htm |title = Movietime – April 10, 2009 – Dragonball Evolution |first = Jason |last = Di Rosso |publisher = [[ABC Radio National]] |work = Movie Time |date = April 10, 2009 |access-date = April 11, 2009 |archive-date = April 15, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090415081611/http://www.abc.net.au/rn/movietime/stories/2009/2539565.htm |url-status = live }}</ref> ''[[The Village Voice]]''{{'}}s [[Aaron Hillis]] called the film a "loony live-action adaptation", but felt it was "more entertaining than it deserves to be" and would likely appeal to ten-year-old boys.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-04-08/film/dragonball-evolution-a-cartoonish-coming-of-ager/ |title = Dragonball Evolution: A Cartoonish Coming-of-Ager |first = Aaron |last = Hillis |work = [[The Village Voice]] |date = April 10, 2009 |access-date = April 18, 2009 |archive-date = April 18, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090418162818/http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-04-08/film/dragonball-evolution-a-cartoonish-coming-of-ager/ |url-status = live }}</ref> [[Alonso Duralde]] of [[MSNBC]] found the film to be "both entertainingly ridiculous and ridiculously entertaining" and noted that "kids will have such a blast that you can turn this movie into the gateway kung-fu drug that makes them want to watch the earlier work of Stephen Chow and Chow Yun-Fat, that is if Stephen Chow and Chow Yun-fat had a Caucasian actor in the starring role."<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.today.com/popculture/you-ll-have-ball-dragonball-evolution-wbna30157543 |title = You'll have a ball at 'Dragonball Evolution' |first = Alonso |last = Duralde |work = Today.com |date = April 10, 2009 |access-date = April 18, 2009 |archive-date = March 13, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170313040935/http://www.today.com/popculture/you-ll-have-ball-dragonball-evolution-wbna30157543 |url-status = live }}</ref> Jeffrey K. Lyles of ''[[The Gazette (Maryland)|The Gazette]]'' found the film to be "a fairly entertaining martial arts adventure for the younger audiences" and tolerable to adults. He felt Chatwin was ill-cast as Goku, and that director Wong failed to capture the "frenetic sense of the anime" adaptation in the action scenes, leaving them an effort to understand.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.gazette.net/stories/04162009/entemov153833_32474.shtml |title = Movies: 'Dragonball' rehashes familiar teen themes |first = Jeffrey K. |last = Lyles |work = [[The Gazette (Maryland)|The Gazette]] |date = April 16, 2009 |access-date = April 18, 2009 |archive-date = April 18, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090418105734/http://www.gazette.net/stories/04162009/entemov153833_32474.shtml |url-status = live }}</ref>

Since its release, the film has been considered to be among of the worst films ever made. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-11 |title=How Hollywood made a mockery of manga in Dragonball Evolution |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/film-tv/article/3262167/how-dragonball-evolution-hollywoods-worst-ever-manga-adaptation-made-mockery-akira-toriyamas-iconic |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> It was the lowest-rated film on review aggregator [[IMDb]] until it was replaced by [[Velma (TV series)|Velma]] as the site's worst-reviewed piece of media ever made.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neuenkirchen |first=Andreas |date=2023-01-18 |title=Velma Topples Dragonball Evolution's Record of IMDb's Worst Audience Score |url=https://www.cbr.com/velma-topples-dragonball-evolution-imdb-worst-audience-score/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> ''Dragonball Evolution'' was the lowest-rated film on [[Letterboxd]] as of August 19, 2024, with a 0.9 rating. <ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://letterboxd.com/film/dragonball-evolution/ |title=Dragonball Evolution (2009) |language=en |access-date=2024-10-19 |via=letterboxd.com}}</ref>

===Creator response===
Before the film's release, ''Dragon Ball'' creator [[Akira Toriyama]] expressed surprise at ''Dragonball Evolution'' and suggested fans treat it as an alternate universe version of his work.<ref>{{cite web |title = Dragonball Evolution Japanese Trailer |date = February 23, 2009 |url = http://movies.foxjapan.com/dragonball/ |access-date = December 9, 2011 |archive-date = July 14, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160714062909/http://movies.foxjapan.com/dragonball/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> In a 2013 interview with ''[[Asahi Shimbun]]'', Toriyama revealed that he had felt the script did not "capture the world or the characteristics" of his series and was "bland" and not interesting, so he cautioned and gave suggestions for changes. But the Hollywood producers did not heed his advice, "And just as I thought, the result was a movie I cannot call ''Dragon Ball''."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.asahi.com/culture/update/0329/TKY201303290330.html | date=March 30, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501075658/http://www.asahi.com/culture/update/0329/TKY201303290330.html | archive-date=May 1, 2013 | url-status=dead | script-title=ja:新作映画「原作者の意地」 鳥山明さん独占インタビュ | language=ja | work=[[Asahi Shimbun]] | access-date=February 28, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/didnt-like-hollywoods-dragon-ball-movie-well-neithe-465066558|title=Didn't Like Hollywood's Dragon Ball Movie? Well, Neither Did Dragon Ball's Creator|first=Brian|last=Ashcraft|publisher=Gawker Media|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=April 2, 2013 |access-date=February 28, 2015|archive-date=September 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903173357/https://kotaku.com/didnt-like-hollywoods-dragon-ball-movie-well-neithe-465066558|url-status=live}}</ref> Discussing the film in 2016's ''30th Anniversary Dragon Ball Chōshishū - Super History Book'', Toriyama wrote: "I had put ''Dragon Ball'' behind me, but seeing how much that live-action film ticked me off..."<ref name="SuperHistory">{{cite book |title=30th Anniversary Dragon Ball 超史集 - Super History Book -|year=2016|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|page=2|language=ja |isbn=978-4-08-792505-0}}</ref>

At the 2014 Wizard World Convention, actor [[James Marsters]] expressed feelings that he was misled about ''Dragonball: Evolution'', claiming, "they told me it was a $120 million picture, and that Stephen Chow was producing. And I get out to Durango, Mexico and it's a $30 million picture and Stephen Chow is just on paper to fool us down into the desert. And they don't even want to pay for the stuntman to get made up like me, so they never used the stuntman; they just kept putting me up on wires. I still have a separated clavicle from the shoot, because it was just gnarly."<ref>{{cite web|first=Witney|last=Seibold |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/882722/james-marsters-knew-dragonball-evolution-was-doomed-from-his-first-day-on-set/|title=James Marsters Knew Dragonball Evolution Was Doomed From His First Day On Set|work=[[/Film]]|date=June 2, 2022|access-date=July 12, 2022}}</ref> He would later take on the role of [[Zamasu]] in ''[[Dragon Ball Super]]'' as a way to "redeem himself with the ''[[Dragon Ball Z]]'' community" following his work on the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harripersad |first=Ridge |date=2021-10-25 |title=James Marsters confirms Dragon Ball Super rumors. |url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/dragon-ball-confirmed-james-marsters/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |language=en-CA}}</ref>

In 2016, writer [[Ben Ramsey (filmmaker)|Ben Ramsey]] apologized for the" following his work on the film, writing: "To have something with my name on it as the writer be so globally reviled is gut-wrenching. To receive hate mail from all over the world is heartbreaking. [...] I went into the project chasing after a big payday, not as a fan of the franchise but as a businessman taking on an assignment. I have learned that when you go into a creative endeavor without passion you come out with sub-optimal results, and sometimes flat-out garbage. So I'm not blaming anyone for Dragonball [Evolution] but myself."<ref>{{cite news |date=3 May 2016 |last=Padula |first=Derek |title=Dragon Ball Evolution Writer Apologizes to Fans |url=http://thedaoofdragonball.com/blog/news/dragonball-evolution-writer-apologizes-to-fans/ |website=The Dao of Dragon Ball |access-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103165732/http://thedaoofdragonball.com/blog/news/dragonball-evolution-writer-apologizes-to-fans/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date= 3 May 2016 |last= Trendacosta |first= Katharine |title= The Writer of Dragonball Evolution Offers a Sincere Apology to Fans |url= http://io9.gizmodo.com/the-writer-of-dragonball-evolution-offers-an-apology-to-1774527672 |work= [[io9]] |access-date= 4 May 2016 |archive-date= May 4, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160504141348/http://io9.gizmodo.com/the-writer-of-dragonball-evolution-offers-an-apology-to-1774527672 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Barder |first=Ollie |title='Dragonball Evolution' Writer Apologizes To Fans |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2016/05/05/dragonball-evolution-writer-apologizes-to-fans/ |website=Forbes |access-date=October 10, 2020 |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903173347/https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2016/05/05/dragonball-evolution-writer-apologizes-to-fans/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following Akira Toriyama's death on March 1, 2024, [[Justin Chatwin]] took to social media to send his condolences while also apologizing for the quality of the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/dragonball-evolution-star-live-action-apology-akira-toriyama-death/|title=Dragonball Evolution Star Apologies for the Infamous Live-Action Movie|website=Comic Book|last=Valentine|first=Evan|date=March 9, 2024|access-date=March 9, 2024|archive-date=March 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309200815/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/dragonball-evolution-star-live-action-apology-akira-toriyama-death/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Accolades===
The film was nominated for a 2009 [[Paramount Network|Spike TV]] [[Scream Awards|Scream Award]] for "Best Comic Book Movie,"<ref>{{cite press release |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS183309+31-Aug-2009+PRN20090831 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090902222747/http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS183309+31-Aug-2009+PRN20090831 |url-status = dead |archive-date = September 2, 2009 |title = Spike TV Announces Nominees for 'Screams 2009' – 'Star Trek' Bashed "Watchmen" With 17 Nominations |date = August 31, 2009 |publisher = Reuters, [[Spike TV]] |access-date = September 5, 2009 }}</ref> but lost to ''[[Watchmen (2009 film)|Watchmen]]''. [[JoBlo.com]] nominated the film for its [[JoBlo.com#Golden Schmoes Awards|Golden Schmoes Awards]] in the category ''Worst Movie of the Year'' 2009, but lost to ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0003023/2009/1/|title=Golden Schmoes Awards (2009)|website=[[IMDb]]|access-date=March 25, 2019|archive-date=June 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605061532/https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0003023/2009/1|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Canceled sequels==
At the time it was released, plans were in place for a sequel film to ''Dragonball Evolution''. In a 2009 interview with ''IGN'', [[James Marsters]], who played [[List of Dragon Ball characters#King Piccolo|King Piccolo]], said that he had signed on for three films and expressed interest in making as many as seven, stating that his character "only really gets interesting in the second film".<ref name="DragonballSequels">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/30/dragonball-sequels-exclusive|title=Dragonball Sequels Exclusive|first=Orlando|last=Parfitt|date=March 30, 2009|access-date=January 14, 2018|archive-date=September 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903173340/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/30/dragonball-sequels-exclusive|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Justin Chatwin]] commented that subsequent films would feature elements from the ''Dragon Ball Z'' portion of the franchise, likely delving further into his [[Saiyan (Dragon Ball)|Saiyan]] origins, and introducing [[Gohan]] and [[Vegeta]], which he felt was "really exciting. It goes into the whole legend of ''Dragonball''".<ref name="DragonballSequels"/> A script for a sequel was being written before the film's release.<ref name="DragonballSequelScript">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/dragonball-sequel-already-has-a-script/|title=Dragonball Sequel Already Has A Script|website=[[Screen Rant]]|date=April 5, 2009|access-date=January 14, 2018|archive-date=September 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903173341/https://screenrant.com/dragonball-sequel-already-has-a-script/|url-status=live}}</ref> Marsters said that he would have reprised his role in future films, having "every intention of fulfilling the arc of Piccolo in live-action". Marsters indicated that the planned arc would feature elements from ''Dragon Ball Z'', potentially including Piccolo's reincarnation and redemption, which would merge Piccolo and his son [[Piccolo (Dragon Ball)|Piccolo Jr.]] into one character.<ref name="DragonballSequelScript"/> Chatwin and Chung also expressed their hopes that Goku's best friend [[Krillin]] would be included in a sequel, noting "their dynamic in the anime's just too good not to use in this movie. If the studio knew better, they'd already have people lined up for auditions". However, the film's poor commercial and critical performance caused any planned sequels to be canceled.

==See also==
* [[List of films based on manga]]

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="Book List">{{cite web |url = http://www.shonenjump.com/dbmoviebooks/ |title = Dragonball Evolution Books |publisher = [[Shonen Jump (magazine)|Shonen Jump]] |access-date = April 12, 2009 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090321120833/http://www.shonenjump.com/dbmoviebooks/ |archive-date = March 21, 2009 |df = mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="chow">{{cite web |title = ''Dragon Ball'' to become live-action film |publisher = China.org |date = December 15, 2007 |url = http://www.china.org.cn/english/entertainment/231966.htm |access-date = December 19, 2007 |archive-date = January 18, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080118051142/http://www.china.org.cn/english/entertainment/231966.htm |url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="durango">{{cite web |url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6499 |title = ''Dragon Ball Z'' to Shoot in Durango, Mexico |publisher = [[SuperHeroHype.com]] |date = November 6, 2007 |access-date = November 7, 2007 |archive-date = November 9, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071109072410/http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6499 |url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="hair">{{cite web |author = Minerva Hernández |title = Justin es un Goku 'nato' |publisher = El Diario |date = December 18, 2007 |url = http://www.diario.com.mx/nota.php?notaid=f3ba1bc987de113957e7947aff551b3e |access-date = December 19, 2007 |language = es |archive-date = January 16, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080116234555/http://www.diario.com.mx/nota.php?notaid=f3ba1bc987de113957e7947aff551b3e |url-status = dead }}</ref>

<ref name=itsofficial>{{cite magazine |author = Tatiana Siegel |title = ''Dragonball'' comes to bigscreen |magazine = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date = November 13, 2007 |url = https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/dragonball-comes-to-bigscreen-1117975946/ |access-date = November 14, 2007 |archive-date = December 29, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211229144113/https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/dragonball-comes-to-bigscreen-1117975946/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="Marsters Interview">{{cite magazine |first=Illeane |last=Rudolph |title=James Marsters on Fame, Family and Life After 40 |magazine=[[TV Guide]] |date=January 30, 2008 |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/james-marsters-smallville/080130-02 |access-date=January 30, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201103312/http://www.tvguide.com/news/james-marsters-smallville/080130-02 |archive-date=February 1, 2008 |df=mdy }}</ref>

<ref name="Monfette">{{cite web |url = http://bluray.ign.com/articles/986/986896p1.html |title = Dragonball Hits Home |first = Christopher |last = Monfette |website = IGN |date = May 27, 2009 |access-date = July 4, 2009 |archive-date = August 5, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090805070220/http://bluray.ign.com/articles/986/986896p1.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="PSP PR">{{cite press release |title = Namco Bandai Games And Twentieth Century Fox Announce Dragon Ball: Evolution for PSP |publisher = [[Namco Bandai Games]], [[20th Century Fox]] |date = January 19, 2009}}</ref>

<ref name="roshi">{{cite web |author = Leslie Simmons |title = Chow rolls to Fox for ''Dragonball'' |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date = December 19, 2007 |url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i5d843c633b3a4760765d1649a8b0e596 |access-date = December 19, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080704150558/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i5d843c633b3a4760765d1649a8b0e596 |archive-date = July 4, 2008}}</ref>

<ref name="Slant Review">{{cite web |url = https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/film_review.asp?ID=4221 |title = Dragonball Evolution |work = [[Slant Magazine]] |first = Rob |last = Humanick |date = April 10, 2009 |access-date = April 11, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090415164233/http://www.slantmagazine.com/film/film_review.asp?ID=4221 |archive-date = April 15, 2009 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="unitec">{{cite web |title = First ''Dragon Ball Z'' Set Photos Online |publisher = [[SuperHeroHype.com]] |date = December 19, 2007 |url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6613 |access-date = December 19, 2007 |archive-date = December 19, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071219173408/http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6613 |url-status = live }}</ref>
}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|1098327|Dragonball Evolution}}

{{Dragon Ball anime}}
{{James Wong}}
{{Stephen Chow}}
{{Portal bar|2000s|Anime and manga|Film|United States}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dragonball Evolution}}
[[Category:Dragon Ball films|Evolution]]
[[Category:2009 films]]
[[Category:2009 fantasy films]]
[[Category:2009 martial arts films]]
[[Category:2009 science fiction films]]
[[Category:2000s American films]]
[[Category:2000s English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s fantasy adventure films]]
[[Category:20th Century Fox films]]
[[Category:American fantasy adventure films]]
[[Category:American science fiction films]]
[[Category:American superhero films]]
[[Category:Apocalyptic films]]
[[Category:Casting controversies in film]]
[[Category:Dune Entertainment films]]
[[Category:Films about wish fulfillment]]
[[Category:Films directed by James Wong (filmmaker)]]
[[Category:Films scored by Brian Tyler]]
[[Category:Films set in Asia]]
[[Category:Films shot in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Films shot in Mexico]]
[[Category:Japan in non-Japanese culture]]
[[Category:Live-action films based on manga]]
[[Category:Martial arts fantasy films]]
[[Category:Martial arts science fiction films]]
[[Category:Supernatural fantasy films]]
[[Category:Whitewashing in film]]
[[Category:English-language science fiction films]]
[[Category:English-language action comedy films]]
[[Category:English-language fantasy adventure films]]