Who Played Who in the 2009 Dragonball Evolution Live Action Movie

The 2009 live-action adaptation of Akira Toriyama's legendary manga, Dragonball Evolution, remains one of the most discussed entries in the history of anime-to-film adaptations. Directed by James Wong and produced by Stephen Chow, the film attempted to translate the high-energy, supernatural world of Dragon Ball into a Hollywood blockbuster format. Central to this ambitious project was its diverse international cast, featuring rising stars of the 2000s alongside legendary icons of world cinema.

For those looking to identify the faces behind the characters, here is the complete breakdown of the main cast members in Dragonball Evolution:

• Justin Chatwin as Goku
• Chow Yun-fat as Master Roshi
• Emmy Rossum as Bulma
• Jamie Chung as Chi-Chi
• James Marsters as Lord Piccolo
• Joon Park as Yamcha
• Eriko Tamura as Mai
• Randall Duk Kim as Grandpa Gohan

The Heroes of Earth: Main Protagonists and Their Actors

The casting of the heroic ensemble was designed to appeal to both Western audiences and the massive Asian market. Each actor underwent rigorous physical training to meet the demands of the film's martial arts choreography.

Justin Chatwin as Son Goku

Justin Chatwin, previously known for his role in War of the Worlds, was selected to portray the film's central protagonist, Goku. In this version, the character is reimagined as an eighteen-year-old high school student who struggles with his identity and extraordinary strength before embarking on a quest to find the seven Dragon Balls.

To prepare for the role of the Saiyan warrior, Chatwin dedicated himself to a grueling regimen. He spent months studying various martial arts and acrobatics to perform as many of his own stunts as possible. Beyond the physical aspect, Chatwin reportedly read the original Dragon Ball manga and the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, which served as the inspiration for Toriyama's work. During production in Mexico, Chatwin was known for his efforts to build rapport with the crew, often telling jokes between takes to maintain the "child-like" essence of Goku's personality, despite the film’s more modernized setting.

Emmy Rossum as Bulma Pbrief

Emmy Rossum took on the role of Bulma, the brilliant and determined scientist from Capsule Corp. In the film, Bulma is a high-tech expert searching for the Dragon Balls to use their power for a revolutionary energy source.

Rossum, an established actress and singer, approached the character by studying the source material's manga and anime versions. One notable detail in her portrayal was the inclusion of a blue streak in her hair—a subtle nod to the character's classic blue hair in the anime. The production team initially considered giving the entire cast anime-accurate colorful wigs, but director James Wong decided against it in favor of a more grounded aesthetic. Interestingly, her wardrobe in the film, characterized by purple and black tones, was designed as a tribute to the colors worn by the character Trunks in Dragon Ball Z.

Chow Yun-fat as Master Roshi

Legendary Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat provided the star power for the role of Master Roshi. Unlike the elderly, balding hermit depicted in the anime, this version of Roshi was portrayed as a more contemporary martial arts master living in Paozu City.

Chow Yun-fat's involvement was a significant draw for the film, especially given his history with high-profile martial arts cinema. While the character's design was significantly altered—losing the trademark white beard and turtle shell—Chow brought a sense of gravitas and comedic timing to the mentor role. He was instrumental in guiding the younger cast members through the action sequences, leveraging his decades of experience in the industry.

The Rivals and Allies

The journey to find the Dragon Balls brings Goku into contact with several other key figures from the franchise, each played by actors who brought distinct backgrounds to the production.

Jamie Chung as Chi-Chi

Jamie Chung played Chi-Chi, Goku's love interest and a formidable martial artist in her own right. In Dragonball Evolution, Chi-Chi participates in the World Martial Arts tournament and helps Goku find his inner strength.

Chung was a fan of the series before being cast, originally auditioning for the role of Bulma. However, the casting directors saw her as the perfect fit for Chi-Chi. Her training involved intense combat choreography, particularly for her fight scenes against the shape-shifting villain Mai. During filming, Chung famously improvised lines to showcase the character's independent spirit, including the memorable quip regarding her name not being an indicator of her intelligence.

Joon Park as Yamcha

The desert bandit Yamcha was portrayed by Joon Park, a Korean-American actor and musician. Park’s casting brought a unique energy to the group, representing the rogue-turned-ally character.

Park's audition for the role was unconventional; he reportedly showed up in nothing but shorts and a hat, which immediately impressed director James Wong. Despite being a major celebrity in South Korea, Park joked during production that he was a "nobody" in the U.S. market, which helped him channel Yamcha's outsider perspective. He performed several of his own stunts involving the customized "Holey Joe" vehicle, a signature element for the character in this adaptation.

The Antagonists: Demon King Piccolo and Mai

Every hero needs a formidable opponent, and Dragonball Evolution centered its conflict on the return of an ancient evil.

James Marsters as Lord Piccolo

James Marsters, famous for his role as Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, portrayed the main antagonist, Lord Piccolo. Marsters was a legitimate fan of the Dragon Ball franchise and took the role very seriously, viewing Piccolo as a complex, almost Shakespearean villain.

The transformation into Piccolo was the most demanding makeup process on set. Initially, the prosthetic application took a staggering 17 hours. However, this was impractical for filming and caused Marsters difficulty breathing. The team eventually streamlined the process to 4 hours. Marsters actually pushed for Piccolo to look "uglier" and more monstrous than the producers initially intended, believing that the character’s rage from centuries of imprisonment should be reflected in his physical appearance. He was vocal about his desire to honor the fans' expectations of the character's menacing nature.

Eriko Tamura as Mai

Eriko Tamura played Mai, Piccolo’s loyal and lethal right-hand woman. In the film, Mai is a shape-shifter and a master of weaponry. Tamura, a Japanese actress and singer, brought a cold, calculated intensity to the role.

One of the most intense scenes involved a combat sequence between Tamura and Justin Chatwin. During the shoot, Tamura accidentally struck Chatwin’s face harder than intended. While she was initially mortified and apologized profusely, both actors eventually used the energy from the accident to fuel the intensity of the scene, resulting in a more visceral fight sequence.

Supporting Cast and Mentors

The film also featured veteran actors in supporting roles that grounded the supernatural elements of the story.

• Randall Duk Kim as Grandpa Gohan: Kim, known for his role as the Keymaker in The Matrix Reloaded, played Goku's grandfather. His role was crucial in the film's opening act, establishing Goku's training and the mystery of the Dragon Balls.
• Ernie Hudson as Sifu Norris: The Ghostbusters star played a high-ranking martial arts master and former colleague of Roshi. His character provided the group with the "Mafuba" enchantment necessary to seal away Piccolo.
• Ian Whyte as Ōzaru: The massive actor Ian Whyte provided the physical performance for Goku's transformation into the Great Ape, a central plot point during the solar eclipse climax.

Behind the Scenes: Casting Trivia and Production Details

The path to finalizing the cast of Dragonball Evolution was filled with interesting "what-ifs" and production challenges.

Alternative Casting Choices

Before Justin Chatwin was finalized as Goku, several other actors were considered for the role. Most notably, Tom Welling, who was then starring as Clark Kent in Smallville, was a top choice for the studio. Interestingly, James Marsters (Piccolo) had also appeared in Smallville as Brainiac, which would have made for a unique reunion on the big screen. Other directors who were approached during the early development stages included Robert Rodriguez and Zack Snyder, both of whom could have significantly altered the film's aesthetic and casting direction.

The Role of Stephen Chow

While Stephen Chow is primarily known as a legendary director and actor in his own right (Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer), he served as a producer on Dragonball Evolution. Chow is a self-proclaimed lifelong fan of the manga. While he was offered the chance to direct the film, he declined, preferring to direct only his own original stories. However, his influence was felt in the casting of Chow Yun-fat and the inclusion of high-flying martial arts elements that are a staple of his own filmography.

Filming Locations and Visual Choices

The film was primarily shot in Durango, Mexico. Many of the sets, including the interior of the Dragon Temple and Paozu City, were constructed inside an abandoned jeans factory. The use of blue and green screens was extensive, as the production team sought to create a world that looked "realistic" yet otherworldly.

One of the biggest creative debates involved the hair. In the manga, characters are known for their gravity-defying, colorful hair. Director James Wong made the executive decision to avoid wigs to prevent the movie from looking like a "cartoon." This led to the compromise of Justin Chatwin having his hair styled into a subtle, spiky look rather than the extreme silhouette seen in the source material.

The Creator’s Perspective and Cast Legacy

The legacy of the Dragonball Evolution cast is inextricably linked to the reaction of the franchise's creator, Akira Toriyama. Initially, Toriyama encouraged fans to look at the film as a "separate dimension" or a different interpretation of his world. However, after viewing the final product, he was famously dissatisfied with the adaptation.

This dissatisfaction actually served as a catalyst for Toriyama to return to the franchise personally. The lukewarm reception of the 2009 film is often cited as the reason Toriyama decided to get involved with the production of the animated film Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods in 2013, which eventually led to the creation of Dragon Ball Super.

In the years following the release, several cast members and writers have spoken about the experience. Screenwriter Ben Ramsey eventually issued a public apology to the fans, acknowledging that he had failed to capture the spirit of the series. Justin Chatwin also expressed his condolences to fans following Toriyama’s passing in 2024, acknowledging the honor it was to step into such an iconic role, regardless of the film's critical reception.

Summary of the Cast and Characters

The Dragonball Evolution cast represented an attempt to merge different cinematic worlds—Hollywood, Hong Kong, and Japanese pop culture. While the film did not achieve the status of the manga it was based on, the actors involved were dedicated professionals who underwent significant physical and technical transformations to bring these legendary characters to life.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Cast

Did Justin Chatwin wear a wig for the role of Goku?

No, Justin Chatwin did not wear a wig. His hair was naturally styled and held with products to achieve a spiky look that was more grounded than the anime version.

Who was the voice of the Dragon in the movie?

The dragon, Shenron (referred to as Shenlong), was a CGI creation and its presence was more of a mystical force than a speaking character in the way he is portrayed in the anime.

Why wasn't Krillin in the movie?

The production decided to focus on a smaller group of core characters for the first film. Krillin was omitted to simplify the narrative, though there were rumors he would have appeared in a potential sequel.

How long did it take to apply Piccolo's makeup?

At the start of production, the makeup for James Marsters took 17 hours. This was later reduced to a 4-hour process to allow for a manageable filming schedule.

Was Stephen Chow supposed to direct the movie?

Yes, Stephen Chow was the first choice to direct Dragonball Evolution. While he declined the director's chair because he wanted to focus on his own original scripts, he remained on the project as a producer.

Where was Dragonball Evolution filmed?

The majority of the film was shot in various locations across Mexico, including Durango and Mexico City, with some special effects work done in Canada.

Did Akira Toriyama have a say in the casting?

According to reports, Toriyama's suggestions and creative input were largely rejected by the studio during the production process, which contributed to his later public dissatisfaction with the film.