Characters Who Deserve Their Own Dragon Ball Super Movie
"Goku who?"
Thanks to "Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero," the world now knows that a "Dragon Ball" movie can star a character outside of Goku's family tree — or Vegeta's, for that matter — and still be a resounding success. While Gohan and Pan are two major characters in the movie, it's Piccolo who drives the plot forward, finally graduating from major supporting character in "Dragon Ball" movies to starring role.
With Piccolo proving that he can carry his own film — a fact that was in little doubt with his many fans — it's only natural to ponder who else would make a great "Dragon Ball" movie lead. As compelling as Goku and Vegeta can be, there are so many other interesting and just plain fun characters in the franchise also deserving of a spotlight, and Piccolo just might have opened the door for them. So pull out that Supreme Kai crystal ball and peer inside to see just who is deserving of their own "Dragon Ball" movie next.
Uub
Goku is often merciful to foes who give him a good scrap, so it's not too surprising that he asks King Yemma to bring back Kid Buu as a nice person after the Saiyan destroys him. The young man born from that request, Uub, first appears at the very end of the "Dragon Ball" manga, where he fights Goku in the World Martial Arts Tournament before they fly off to train together. That said, Uub has chronologically shown up earlier in "Dragon Ball Super," both in small cameos and in a big way when the Grand Supreme Kai (in Buu's body) helps draw out his power to give Goku a recharge.
Being Goku's chosen fighting heir, Uub would essentially start the next chapter of the "Dragon Ball" saga if made a "Dragon Ball Super" movie star. Though it's not impossible to base a movie around him before he meets Goku, it makes much more sense to do so after, when he's already gotten some training in handling the awesome power inherited from his Kid Buu days.
An Uub movie could finally show fans what happens after "Dragon Ball Z" and have Uub forge his own path, although there's no reason why Goku and his other martial arts friends can't appear in supporting roles. Further, even though "Dragon Ball GT" uses Uub extensively, creator Akira Toriyama would still be able to take the character in a completely different direction, given that "GT" isn't canon to the rest of the lore.
Pan
Pan is an undeniable scene-stealer in "Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero," and as adorable as you'd expect the three-year-old child of Gohan and Videl to be. She's no slouch in the strength department, either, as she's shown taking down several armed Red Ribbon Army soldiers singlehandedly. By the end of the movie, she even adds conscious flight to her repertoire of talents.
Given her prominence in "Super Hero," another movie featuring Pan seems just about inevitable. So why not make her the star? Pan could team up on a new adventure with her mentor Piccolo and her parents, or even Uub, who would be around her age — perhaps even generating some friendly competition between them. Alternately, Pan can make friends who are new to the "Dragon Ball" world, forging a path of her own much like her grandfather, Goku, did. Either way, a feature would no doubt focus on her development as a fighter — perhaps even having her become a Super Saiyan at a young age, like her uncle Goten.
Yamoshi
Yamoshi is one of the most legendary characters in the "Dragon Ball" universe, despite only having seconds of screen time. As Akira Toriyama explains in Saikyō Jump (via Kanzenshuu), that's the name of the very first Saiyan to become a Super Saiyan God. The character has caught on quickly among fan circles, with many mistakenly believing he's the Saiyan that Goku fights in the first teaser for the 2019 "Dragon Ball Super" movie (via Kanzenshuu) — a character since revealed to be a revamped Broly.
With the undeniable hunger fans have to learn more about Yamoshi, a "Dragon Ball Super" movie centered around him is bound to generate interest. Toriyama already seems to have the story pretty well worked out, so it would just be a matter of writing the script and adding all the details, including what Yamoshi and the five Saiyans who help him transform are like. Given how "Battle of Gods" establishes that Yamoshi and his friends eventually lose their battle against the Saiyans who don't share their noble ideals, the story would likely be a tragedy akin to "Bardock: The Father of Goku" — a possible reversal for Toriyama, who has said in Daizenshuu 6 (via Kanzenshuu) that "Bardock" was "the kind of story '[he] absolutely wouldn't draw' if it were [him]."
Android 18
Android 18 is very quick to make an impression when she first appears. Not only is she the first female fighter to appear in "Dragon Ball" in a while, but she quickly proves her mettle by besting Super Saiyan Vegeta, who is quite possibly the most powerful "Z Warrior" at the time. Though at first a villain, 18 soon reforms and marries Krillin, whom, as Akira Toriyama explains in Daizenshuu 7 (via Kanzenshuu), she finds refreshingly "earnest and straightforward."
18 has been a major "Dragon Ball" supporting cast member ever since. While she does not train or fight regularly, she is still said to be stronger than Krillin in "Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F,'" thanks to her cybernetic alterations keeping her in top shape. It wouldn't be difficult making her the lead of a "Dragon Ball Super" movie, and in fact, it's already more or less been done, as she's the main protagonist of the Android 21 arc in the "Dragon Ball FighterZ" video game.
A "Super" movie starring 18 could simply adapt that story with certain modifications, or tell a new arc with the character, possibly giving her a mechanical power upgrade in the process. It could also shed some light on her pre-Android past — while Toriyama has revealed in "Dragon Ball Full Color" Vol. 6 (via Kanzenshuu) that her name before becoming an Android was "Lazuli," not much else has been revealed about her origins.
Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu
They've been recurring members of the cast since all the way back at the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament in "Dragon Ball." Yet how much do we know about Tien and Chiaotzu, really? Other than being trained as assassins by Crane Master Shen, there is much about the duo's past that remains a mystery. Is Tien indeed a hybrid between humans and three-eyed aliens who once came to Earth, as Daizenshuu 4 states (via Kanzentai)? Was Chiaotzu once royalty, as he's depicted as being in the non-canonical "Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure"? And could Chiaotzu be a supernatural being, or rather a Jiang Chi, as the fan contributors of the "Dragon Ball" Wikia speculate?
A movie could go a long way in answering these and other questions about the two characters. Tien and Chiaotzu could perhaps run into other members of their respective species, such as their family members or enemies whom they'd have to defeat. Furthermore, as Akira Toriyama has suggested in the first issue of the U.S. "Shonen Jump" magazine (via Kanzenshuu), Tien's third eye might have once given him powers akin to those of a god. Perhaps those powers can be restored in the film, giving him a power-up analogous to Piccolo's in "Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero."
Future Trunks and Mai
Sure, Future Trunks and Mai have no world to go back to when the Omni-King destroys it in "Dragon Ball Super." Yet thanks to them and (in the anime) Whis traveling back in time to have Beerus stop Zamasu early, a new timeline is created, which Trunks and Mai decide to call their new home. The only issue, of course, is that a version of themselves already lives in that timeline, making Trunks and Mai's existence a bit repetitive — which perhaps might even make them feel, over time, like they're redundant.
Luckily, that "redundancy" can easily be fixed. A "Dragon Ball Super" movie starring Future Trunks and Mai could show them trying to establish a new purpose for themselves. Furthermore, it could draw from the video games for inspiration and make Trunks into "Time Patrol Trunks." As in "Dragon Ball Online" and "Dragon Ball Xenoverse," Trunks and Mai could watch over time together and visit many different points of "Dragon Ball" history, allowing for cameos of familiar characters throughout various moments in their martial arts careers.
It would be a great way to bring in many fan favorite concepts from the games, as well, such as the Supreme Kai of Time, Towa and Mira, and the Time Breakers. Perhaps it could even open the door for official canon appearances of "Super Dragon Ball Heroes" characters, or make "Dragon Ball GT" an official canon timeline.
Android 17
Android 17's return during the final battle against Kid Buu in "Dragon Ball Z" is somewhat of a surprise, as many thought he died when Cell, who had absorbed him, self-destructed. Yet return he does, and after a long hiatus, the character finally plays a major role in the Tournament of Power and (to a lesser extent) Moro arcs. The "Dragon Ball Super" manga even explains just how he returns, revealing that a wish from Shenron brought him back to life.
While the Red Ribbon Army reappears in "Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero," Android 17, despite being one of their creations, does not. The next movie could remedy that by making him the star, placing him at the center of a brand new Dragon Ball adventure. He could go on an adventure with his sister Android 18, for example, or even the Cell Juniors revealed to be living on his nature park in a "Dragon Ball Super" bonus chapter.
Alternately, the movie could be a team-up film with his ex-rival Piccolo, especially now that the Namekian once again has strength comparable to Goku's (via Screenrant) and therefore 17's, as well. Speaking of which, a 17 movie could explain just how he got so much stronger during the years after he was revived, and finally reveal his oft-mentioned, but not-yet-seen family.
Yamcha and Puar
Puar and Yamcha are two of Goku and Bulma's oldest friends in the "Dragon Ball" saga. Though they become pretty prominent members of the supporting cast, the two characters eventually start fading into the background, especially after Yamcha officially "retires" from martial arts near the end of "Dragon Ball Z." Yamcha, in fact, has gained a certain notoriety for his past defeats, with even "Dragon Ball Super" and "Super Dragon Ball Heroes" poking fun at the character as a result.
Yet there are those out there who miss the days when Yamcha was a serious fighter, and would love to see him return to that life and grow in strength. Making him and his flying cat pal the stars of a "Dragon Ball Super" movie could do just that, as well as fill viewers in on a lot of things never explained about Yamcha, like what his origins are, how he decided to become a desert bandit briefly, and what motivated him to become a baseball player. Should Tien appear also, perhaps he and Yamcha could finally make the video game fusion Tiencha (a.k.a. Yamhan) canon.
Majin Buu and Mr. Satan
Many years before "Battle of Gods," Akira Toriyama once said in "Daizenshuu 4" (via Kanzenshuu) that a return to "Dragon Ball" on his part might not have starred Goku, but instead the candy-loving Buu and the man who saved his life, Mr. Satan.
That's never come to pass, but that doesn't mean the comical duo can't at least headline a future "Dragon Ball Super" movie. While the film can have plenty of comedy, it could also have the two face a pretty monumental threat that their unique talents are particularly suited for. It would be a long overdue spotlight for Buu, who despite his great power, has only really played a big fighting role in the Moro arc of "Dragon Ball Super" and the anime version of the Zeno Exhibition Match. If the movie is set after "Dragon Ball Z," perhaps a young Uub can also play a part, especially given that Buu meets him during the Moro arc's final chapters.
Videl
The world may think her dad's the champion of Earth, but Videl's the one with the real power. Already a talented martial artist with abilities just slightly above those of humans, Videl learns flight from Gohan in "Dragon Ball Z," which very much comes in handy during her vicious battle with the magic-enhanced Spopovich.
Videl's energy training never goes beyond flight, however. She also seems to have given up her old role as protector of Satan City in "Dragon Ball Super," though she reveals in "Super Hero" that she's become a combat sports instructor. Still, one wonders how far she could have gone if she'd kept going with her ki training. Enter a new "Dragon Ball Super" movie, which could have Videl explore her potential further, either by using the Dragon Balls to unlock her hidden power or through the slower route of training. Perhaps she and her daughter Pan could team up on an adventure?
Goten and Trunks
Remember these two? Goku's second son and Vegeta's first are touted as the next generation of fighters when Majin Buu shows up, yet by the end of "Dragon Ball Z," both are portrayed as teenagers who have largely lost interest in fighting. That likely explains their reduced role in "Dragon Ball Super," where their fight scenes are few and brief.
"Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero," however, shows that even as teens, Goten and Trunks are game for a little adventure once in a while. Why not explore that further in a movie, where the two encounter a threat just too big for them to slack off on? Could a Super Saiyan God or even a Super Saiyan Blue Gotenks be on the table? Or perhaps new transformations for Goten and Trunks in general, as they've only ever been shown as Super Saiyan 1s when they're not fused? They can't become Super Saiyan Gods on their own, as they haven't had god ki training, but they could theoretically use the Super Saiyan God ritual to briefly access the form.
Every Dragon Ball superhero
"Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero" definitely lives up to its name, particularly through Dr. Hedo and his superhero androids Gamma 1 and 2. Yet as superhero centric as it was, two notable crimefighters do not appear in costume: Great Saiyaman and Great Saiyawoman (or "Great Saiyaman No. 2" in Japan). That's pretty surprising, considering how their alter egos, Gohan and Videl, both appear in the movie, with Gohan in particular playing an enormous role.
Now that Hedo and Gamma 1 have officially joined the side of heroes, "Dragon Ball Super" can make its next film an epic superhero team-up for the ages. A new threat very similar to Western-style supervillains, or even those common in superhero-themed manga like "One Punch Man," can rear its head and inspire Gohan and Videl to don the "Saiyasuits" once more and recruit Hedo and Gamma 1 to save the day. Perhaps Pan can join them and make her superhero debut as the new Great Saiyagirl or Great Saiyakid. Even Piccolo could be talked into taking on a superhero costume — after all, he does already wear a cape. Of course, this being Akira Toriyama, the movie is bound to be as parodic as it is action-packed, which is exactly as it should be. Maybe even Sourman, aka Suppaman, from "Dr. Slump," can cameo?
The Galactic Patrol
First introduced in the "Jaco the Galactic Patrolman" manga, the Galactic Patrol enters the "Dragon Ball Super" era when Frieza's resurrection prompts Jaco's return to Earth. Since then, the organization has shown up plenty in "Dragon Ball Super," providing valuable information and help against well-known cosmic threats. While Jaco is perhaps its most famous member, the "Dragon Ball Super" manga has introduced another named Menus, a former Angel who helps Goku get a better handle on Ultra Instinct.
While the Galactic Patrol has mostly served as supporting characters in "Super," they could be promoted to star status in the next "Dragon Ball Super" film. Given how many threats in "Dragon Ball" come from space anyway, it wouldn't be hard to introduce a novel enemy, or revisit an old foe in a new way. Of course, the Galactic Patrol could recruit familiar "Dragon Ball" friends from Earth to lend a hand, including those who don't get a lot of screen time these days like Tien and Yamcha. But it would also be fun just to see how the comical Jaco and the more serious Merus interact with each other.
Krillin
As far as movies go, Goku's had plenty of times at bat: why not give his best friend a chance? Though a frequent presence in "Dragon Ball" films, the closest Krillin's gotten to a true starring role is "Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle," though even then, it's clear that Goku is the true lead. The first 11 "Dragon Ball Z" movies, meanwhile, treat Krillin as a gag character, downplaying his cleverness as a fighter so he can be taken down by foes in comical ways.
Luckily, Krillin's done a bit better in the Akira Toriyama-scripted "Dragon Ball" movies, including "Super Hero," where he helps defeat Cell Max. Given Toriyama's clear fondness for the character (even if he does playfully poke fun at him a bit), a film where Krillin's the main protagonist doesn't seem too far-fetched. The feature could perhaps revisit Krillin's days at Orin Temple by having one of his fellow monks show up as a powerful foe, or maybe a case he's investigating as a cop could lead him to a perpetrator who's much stronger than the ones he normally encounters.
Naturally, 18 could join him on his new adventure, and perhaps even Gohan as the Great Saiyaman, if things take a more comical route. A movie could also find a way to give Krillin a new power-up, by bringing back his so-called "Selflessness State" from "Dragon Ball Super" Episode 76, or awaken his deeper layers of power with Shenron or the Older Kai's help.