Dragonball-live managed to leak the teaser trailer shown at Brand Licensing Europe! Unfortunately, the audio from the trailer cannot be heard and it was recorded with a video camera, but it’ll do until it’s officially released later this month.
The french magazine Cine Live ran an article on Dragonball, which has several revealing quotes from the executive producer Tim Van Rellim and director James Wong. Perhaps the most notable revelation is from Wong, who comments on a certain perverted turtle hermit.
Is Roshi true to the manga character? “Yes, somewhat,” said director James Wong. “We kept his main features, like his humor. But in the manga Roshi is a true sexual pervert, which wouldn’t work in a family film. So we removed that part of the character.”
“I discovered that Dragonball had such a rich universe that it would take several films to cover all of its treasures. My goal with this movie is not to convince existing fans that Dragonball is great, they already know this, but to give a new audience. More adults, as I was a neophyte myself before discovering the manga!”
And Tim Van Rellim gave some insight into what the set picture /Film posted was for.
“Here, we can build a large [volcano], including the decoration of the volcano where the hero must take one of seven Dragon Balls.” The crater is impressive, gigantic artificial arena. “By day, the volcano is nothing. But at night, the lighting for the scene takes it to another dimension.” And that’s not counting the digital special effects that will fill the green screen with lava.
It’s been over five months since we reported that SFX would be taking your questions to ask James Marsters (Piccolo). Now, finally, they have been asked. Mikesent in a scan from an upcoming issue of SFX magazine, where James answers questions about a young and old Piccolo, if flying will be in the movie (the answer is yes), and more. He also describes the tone of the movie as a “world between Dragonball and Dragonball Z.”
Emmy Rossum (Bulma) spoke with MTV News in great length about her character in Dragonball, her opinion of the show, and much more (including a spoiler or two).
With shooting completed for the live-action adaptation of popular anime/manga series “Dragonball,” actress Emmy Rossum told MTV News that she’s finally washed the blue coloring out of her hair and returned to a life sans catsuit and cartoon weaponry — but with a few new skills in her repertoire.
“In it, [I'm] riding a motorcyle in a leather catsuit, so that’s always fun — and I have five guns that spin all around,” said Rossum of her role as Bulma, the sometimes-partner to the film’s hero, Goku (played by Justin Chatwin). “I had never ridden a motorcycle before. I think I was more concerned about the safety of the people in the crew because sometimes I would lose control and veer randomly off into people.”
As for her character’s fondness for gunplay, Rossum said she’d never fired — or even held — a gun before “Dragonball,” but feels more than confident about pulling off her character’s trigger-happy habits thanks to some training with local Marines.
That calm-under-fire training will probably come in handy for the “Phantom of the Opera” actress, considering the level of scrutiny an adaptation of one of the anime and manga worlds’ most popular properties brings with it. According to Rossum, fans should be pleasantly surprised with the way the property has been translated to a live-action project.
“When I signed on to the project, I was a big fan of the anime and knew [Bulma] as the iconic blue, bobbed character and wanted to stay true to that — but we also wanted to make it realistic,” explained Rossum. “So in keeping with the director and what the studio really wanted, we adapted her look to be a little more realistic and human, and little bit more believable for contemporary day. She’s pretty bad-ass, but still quirky and fun, and kind of ridiculous in the way she is in the anime.”
That doesn’t mean the legions of “Dragonball” faithful aren’t far from her mind, though. Rossum said her first encounter with “Dragonball” was the Saturday morning cartoon, only to realize that “it’s really so much more than that — from the comic to [the cartoon] to the whole franchise and brand, so many people feel such a closeness to these characters.”
“So, it’s a little bit stressful to play a character that so many people hold close to their hearts,” she admitted, “but you just hope you do it justice and they like it.”
Rossum also hinted at a few aspects of the film that should have fans guessing, telling MTV News that she’s “seen some wax molds” for potential action figures, and cautiously acknowledged that a video game based on the film was “a possibility.”
Possibly the most interesting tease she offered up was her anticipation of not only seeing “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alum James Marsters appear on screen in his role as Lord Piccolo, but also “an incredible monster that I can’t talk about that is very, very tall.”
“It’s actually a very tall man — an 8-foot man,” she added. “It’s based on something else from the… You know, I can’t really say anything else.”
Motorcycle incidents and catsuits aside, Rossum said she’d be up for a return to the role in a “Dragonball” sequel, and vehemently denied rumors that the project was in danger of being cancelled or otherwise shut down.
“Oh, no. I really doubt that’s possible,” said Rossum. “That’s not going to happen.”
It was just recently revealed that Mexican actress Gabriela de la Garza would have a small part in the film. We were curious about the role, so we asked her a few questions about it. Thanks to Sean for arranging the interview, and a big thank you to Gabriela for taking the time to answer the questions!
DBtheMovie: What is your characters role / purpose in the movie? How long were you on set? Gabriela de la Garza: I am an Avatar, and I give information to other characters. I was only one day on set and one day for wardrobe and make-up design which is awesome.
DBtheMovie: Were you familiar with Dragonball before being cast? A: I knew Dragon Ball Z from the Tv series and of course also knew the impact it has worldwide. Thats why despite of having a small role, I really was excited to do it. Is one of those experiences, full of fantasy, you dont have every day.
DBtheMovie: How was it like working with the director James Wong? A: Working with James Wong was great. He is a very specific kind of person and he can really transmit the idea he has for every scene. He really cares about the details so I am sure the movie will be beyond extraordinary!
DBtheMovie: Where did you shoot your scenes? A: I shot my scenes with a green screen at Estudios Churubusco.
DBtheMovie: Did you get to work with any of the cast? A: I worked alone, I mean with no other member of the cast. I met Justin [Chatwin] while doing our make up and he is a very cool guy, He was exited to be working in Mexico. We had a nice talk.
DBtheMovie: And finally, do you think the fans of the show will be satisfied with this adaptation? A: Be sure not only the fans, but everybody who sees the movie will be very, very pleased and satisfied with the result. I think the director, the cast, the production, everything is part of a huge success, and I am very proud to be part of it.
Edward French (make-up artist) posted a new set photo of Piccolo (James Marsters) on his official website. He states that he can’t show Piccolo’s face yet due to the request of Fox, but promises a behind-the-scenes photo gallery when the film is released.
“My character is virtual! It’s like a computer, to all who arrive to the city and want communicate with her, gives them instructions. The hairstyle, clothing, everything was fantastic. ”
The actress explains further that “always shot my scenes with green screen (green screen that allows overlay landscapes) and James Wong was directing me, is a great filmmaker.
The article goes on to say that the film’s setting will be futuristic.
Almost a year ago, the director James Wong was visiting several countries, including Mexico, looking for the perfect place to shoot the film version of live action, Dragon Ball. And he was convinced by Durango, where are deserts and snow and Santa Fe, in the Federal District, to recreate the atmosphere of the original comic by Akira Toriyama.
In the first place he recreated the fight of Goku and the devil Piccolo, as happens in the animated television series and in the second a city of the future.