It was both an emotional and exhilarating moment when Akira Toriyama’s last original work, Dragon Ball DAIMA was released. With a flurry of fans anticipating to watch the latest installment in the iconic series, their excitement was later turned into disappointment owing to a bold and somewhat controversial decision by the production house, Toei Animation.
The Japanese animation studio previously decided to delay the English dub of Dragon Ball DAIMA, and their decision was met with criticism from international audiences who only got to experience the Japanese release first. However, this controversial move has now somehow turned into one of the biggest advantages as it has already built up a lot of buzz for the anime series.
Dragon Ball DAIMA’s delayed dub has only added to the anticipation levels of fans
The English dubbed version of the latter episodes of the newest iteration in the Dragon Ball franchise is yet to be released. However, fans can’t wait anymore as they have been watching some leaked unofficial dubbed episodes of Dragon Ball DAIMA on online platforms. Even a fan-made dubbed episode of Episode 19 has also created a lot of buzz on Reddit.
Episode 19 Goku transforms English dub!!!
byu/jamisonedits inDragonBallDaima
Further, a slew of fans, who have already watched the Japanese version, has now flooded social media with reactions and clips from the anime series. Interestingly, Dragon Ball DAIMA initially received backlash for the delayed release of the dubbed episodes, but it is exactly what has kept it popular weeks after its initial launch.
It has further come as a huge surprise these fan-made dubbed voices sound extremely good for an unofficial. These unofficial dubs have certainly created a second wave of hype, and it looks like the production studio’s decision to delay the English dub has ultimately paid off in multiple ways.
What’s the next big thing in the Dragon Ball franchise after its newest iteration?
Remakes aren’t always a bad thing, aren’t they? Ranma 1/2 got a remake, Fruits Basket got a remake, and even Rurouni Kenshin also got a remake. While these remakes are an absolute treat for the anime fandom, a Dragon Ball remake might be the perfect opportunity for new fans to get into the franchise.
In light of the recent anime remake trends, the renowned animator and character designer, Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, was recently questioned about the possibility of a Dragon Ball remake. Nakatsuru, who has been a member of the Dragon Ball franchise for almost 40 years, issued his honest take on his participation in a remake if one were to be made.
A user on Twitter translated Nakatsuru’s interview with DB Times at the Made in Asia Spring 2025 convention in Brussels, Belgium. Nakatsuru stated:
If I could contribute something and be useful in some way, I would love to. But, if we were to start again from the Dragon Ball manga… perhaps younger people would want to completely re-adapt it. […] In any case, the original work exists… and from there, there are multiple ways to create a new series.
A remake will certainly address the possibility of a long wait for a new Dragon Ball Z anime. At the same time, it may be something that goes beyond Akira Toriyama’s imagination, according to Nakatsuru’s recent revelations.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
