Thank you all for taking the time to review this fan cast. I have seen many different types of DBZ fan cast all of which are great in their own way. But, this one brings together a number of different elements. We decided to go with a combination of Asian/American/African-American theme. We opted for an original dynamic making Vegeta Asian, Goku American, and Piccolo Black. We also decided not to go with “big names” to give it a realistic feel and the ability to let DBZ work on its own. We are really looking to get a movie done one day and we hope you will support us.
Dragonball Evolution was a disappointment to say the least. Dragonball was not as big as DBZ so that in itself was a mistake. We instead took a different route and decided to focus on the Saiyan Saga. This movie picks up with the arrival of Raditz and ends with the battle between Vegeta and Goku. We will use flashbacks to explain the history behind the friendships and other back stories. The beginning of the movie will be set on Planet Vegeta and will show Goku’s departure from Planet Vegeta. Bear with us when it comes to the age range trust it will work out when you see the Namek Saga and Cell Saga cast in future articles. We looked at a number of fan cast and took ideas from each one in order to create what we call the “Ultimate Fan Cast” along with reading comments from DBZ fans, this is what we came up with. We hope you enjoy and please feel free to comment.
Taylor Kitsch as Adult Goku
Taylor was not an easy choice, but we ultimately chose him because of his work as John Carter and he has the look and charm to play DBZ's ultimate hero.
Colin Ford as Yong Goku
As mentioned previously periodical flashbacks will shine light on the characters background and explain their story. Colin can be a charming young man and display courage as seen in the new hit series Under the Dome and he was charming in We Bought a Zoo which is exactly what's needed for Goku.
Djimon Honsou as Piccolo
Honsou was an easy choice, we took all DBZ fan casts into consideration and deliberated and decided the perfect fit was Honsou. He is a great actor (Blood Diamond) a martial artist (Never Back Down) and looks similar to Piccolo.
Erica Durance as Adult Bulma
Smart, tough, fierce, and sexy describe both Bulma and Erica. Yes she is 35 but Bulma is older than Goku and Krillin anyway. Erica played the no nonsense Lois Lane on Smallville and displayed all those characteristics as well as the leading lady on Saving Hope.
Nicola Peltz as Young Bulma
We went with Peltz after many candidates because of her look and her work as Katara in the Last Air Bender (We might do a new cast for that as well).
Urijah Faber as Adult Krillin
Let the bashing begin, but before you get to it let me explain. Faber is an MMA fighter who fits the build of Krillin and looks similar. Faber is a raw actor only appearing in Leverage (Wikipedia), but this can be his breakout role as he grows and we grow with him as Krillin. I believe he can bring out the funny yet serious side of Krillin and prove to be a good selection.
Jake Short as Young Krillin
Short can bring out the fun loving side of Krillin as a child.
Daniel Henney as Adult Yamcha
Yamcha is a pretty boy martial artist who was mostly a punching bag throughout DBZ. Henney is known to some as Agent Zero (Wolverine)where he played a bad a$$. We will use Henney to bring a stronger character to Yamcha butstill keeping him (Yamcha) the same at his core.
Booboo Stewart as Young Yamcha
Look at Booboo and look at Yamcha he was a very easy choice and we even considered him as future Tronks but went with someone else (Other DBZ cast coming soon).
Kristin Kreuk as Chi Chi
Kristen was the choice after heavy deliberation because of her work as Chun Li (Street Fighters) and as Catherine Chandler (Beauty and the Beast). She is beautiful, talented, and plays strong characters. We think she can bring something extra to Chi Chi.
Dustin Clare as Raditz
Dustin is a great fighter (Spartacus0 has a great look and fits the role for Raditz. Raditz is the start of the invasion has to put on a great fight scene with Goku (Taylor) and Piccolo (Djimon). Dusitn can deliver the goods.
Nathan Jones as Nappa
Look at Nathan Jones look at Nappa the DBZ universe has spoken and many fan cats agree Nappa is the choice. Jones doesn't have to Johnny Depp he wont be in the movie that long. All he has to do is talk trash, beat people up, and die by the hands of Vegeta.
Tahmoh Penikett as Tien
Penikett is a unknown actor and he was a choice made by the DBZ universe after reading many fan cast and also considering his guest appearances on superhero shows like Arrow, Smallville, and recently Man of Steel (Emerson).
Jin Bin Park as Chiaotzu
Chiaotzu is not a big character in DBZ but he plays a pivotal role when he sacrifices himself to kill Nappa which didn't work. Bin Park just looks like he would be perfect as Chiaotzu
Rick Yune as Adult Vegeta
Rick Yune as a fighter embodies Vegeta, he has the look, and has the screen presence to carry the Vegeta character through multiple films. Vegeta is a vicious foe, a fierce warrior, and the Prince of Saiyans. Yune has a good pedigree most recently appearing in Man w/ the Iron Fist and Olympus Has Fallen.
Brandon Soo Hoo as Young Vegeta
For flashback sequences we need a character that can look the part of the young Saiyan Prince and Brandon fits the build.
Jackie Chan as Master Roshi
Master Roshi is funny, wise, a horn dog and a skilled fighter. Chan has played many characters over his illustrious career so having play Roshi is an easy decision. Chan can not only pull it off (with the help of Hollywood makeup) but he will bring in a big fan base to see him play in a DBZ movie.
Ken Watanabe as King Vegeta
Anyone who has seen Inception and last Samurai knows why we went with Ken here. He will bring out the best of King Vegeta who is level headed honorable man, but enjoys the death and destruction of those who goes against him. He has no mercy and is a servant of Frieza (Cast coming soon) we will see King Vegeta in flasbacks.
Eric Bana as Bardock
Bardock is a soldier of the Saiyan Army under Frieza he known for his bravery and of course being the father of Goku and Raditz. (Dragonball.wikia.com) Bana played a warrior in Troy (Hector) and a hero in the box office bust 2003 adaption of the The Hulk. He looks the part of Bardock and will excel as the character.
Chow Yun Fat as Grandpa Gohan
Chow was the choice because e thought simply he fits as Gohan. He seems like he could play the role of a kind, nice, and caring old man. Goku ultimately kills Grandpa Gohan accidentally so his role is very brief.
Bobby Lee as Yajirobe
Bobby Lee is funny (Kickin it Old School) his stature fits Yajirobe and we think he can pull off that sarcastic coward role very well.
Morgan Freeman as Kami
Kami is the the Guardian of the Earth Morgan Freeman played God thats pretty much what it came down to. Freeman embodies Kami and he will bring so much prestige to the character (hopefully he doesn't cost a ton of cash).
Irrfan Khan as Mr. Popo
Popo is the servant to the Guardians of the Earth. He is an eternal being who doesn't age heis there to help and support Kami. Khan was the choice because we wanted a solid actor who can bring out Popo's wisdom and knowledge.
Ken Jeong as King Kai
Anyone who has seen Hangover knows Jeong as Chow. King Kai is meant to be funny and wise but very funny and Bobby Lee can add comic relief to the death that comes during the DBZ series.
Dakota Goyo as Young Gohan
So we knew this would cause controversy but, we needed a child actor that can be both brave yet play the sweet kid. Goyo was great in Real Steel which prompted this decision. Gohan is DBZ's favorite son and it was hard to cast a young version of Gohan who is innocent, smart, brave, yet cowers away at times. Goyo will play Gohan early on until the Cell Saga. (Look out for future DBZ casting.
The ages of some cast members will likely bring questions, but take into consideration that this movie will be flashback heavy to explain some relationships between the Dragonball cast. But ultimately this is about the battle between the Z Warriors and the Saiyans. This is just the cast for The Saiyan Saga and more characters will be added in the upcoming Namek Saga and Cell Saga. I know that there will be debate and disagreements which I am eager and excited to take on. Thank you all for reading make sure you let us know what you think.