Live-Action GOKU Actor's Touching Tribute to AKIRA Toriyama

In a heartfelt online tribute, Justin Chatwin, who portrayed Goku in the infamous live-action film "Dragonball: Evolution," has issued an apology for the movie's poor representation of the original anime following the death of Akira Toriyama, the creator of the Dragon Ball series. "Dragonball: Evolution" is widely regarded as a notorious adaptation, released in 2009 with substantial changes from the source material, such as sending Goku to high school. The film was a critical and commercial failure and is often brought up alongside "The Last Airbender" as a cautionary tale for adapting beloved anime into live-action features.

The actor's public apology underscores the broader sentiment of regret from the film's creative team, exemplified by a previous apology from screenwriter Ben Ramsey. Chatwin's tribute to Toriyama stood out among the many other condolences posted by prominent figures in the manga and anime industry. Despite the film's missteps, Toriyama's legacy remains vibrant through his contributions to the "Dragon Quest" and "Chrono Trigger" franchises, as well as his seminal work on "Dragon Ball," which continues to have an immense influence on shonen manga and anime.

Justin Chatwin issued an apology for "Dragonball: Evolution" because the film is considered a significant misrepresentation of the beloved "Dragon Ball" anime and manga created by Akira Toriyama. In light of Toriyama's passing, Chatwin felt it necessary to express his regret over how the adaptation turned out.

Background Information: "Dragonball: Evolution" is a live-action adaptation of the "Dragon Ball" franchise, which began as a manga created by Akira Toriyama in 1984 before being adapted into several successful anime series. The franchise is known for its vibrant characters, lengthy battles, and significant impact on the shonen genre. "Dragonball: Evolution," however, deviated intensely from the source material, disappointing fans and critics alike with its handling of the beloved story and characters.