As Goku's Legacy Grows, Dragon Ball Is Planning to "Continue for Decades"
Dragon Ball is one of the most successful IPs in history, ranking alongside franchises like Fortnite and The Lord of the Rings in terms of total earnings throughout its history. Very few anime and manga series can compare to the 40 years of widespread success enjoyed by Dragon Ball, and its popularity only continues to surge with every new anime production and video game released.
The series' activity has slowed somewhat over the last year, due in large part to the passing of creator Akira Toriyama in March 2024, which devastated the anime community worldwide. A rights dispute following the tragedy put the Dragon Ball Super manga on a long hiatus, which is finally ending in the February 2025 issue of V Jump, signaling a return to action for the franchise. Questions arose about Dragon Ball's future without Toriyama at the helm, though the series' producer has recently confirmed the future is bright for Goku and friends.
Dragon Ball Producer Claims the Series Isn't Going Anywhere
The Highly Successful Franchise Plans to "Continue for Decades"
In an interview conducted by MANTANWEB with Dragon Ball producer Akio Iyoku, the ongoing Dragon Ball Daima was discussed along with future plans for the title. When asked about what the series might have in store, Iyoku responded, "Anime and games can't be made that quickly, it takes time... There's no doubt Dragon Ball will continue for decades to come." Given the continuous success of the franchise, it likely won't come as a shock to fans that Dragon Ball will continue its activity.
However, for a period of time following the passing of Akira Toriyama, the future of Dragon Ball was uncertain. The legendary artist breathed life into the series, and though he no longer had sole control over the IP's direction, he remained heavily involved with both the Dragon Ball Super manga and any anime productions in the works. Iyoku has confirmed the series will continue on, though, and fans can breathe a little easier knowing they haven't seen the last of Dragon Ball.
Dragon Ball Has More in Store Over the Coming Years
The Series' Producer Has Already Hinted Towards Future Projects
Though Dragon Ball has no plans of slowing down, Iyoku made it a point to mention that creating new works takes time. Nothing has been confirmed for release following the completion of Dragon Ball Daima, though the producer has already hinted towards new projects in production. Recent reports from Toei Animation confirmed two unnamed anime films scheduled for 2026, and many fans have pointed towards both Dragon Ball and One Piece as the two likeliest possibilities. Iyoku, in another interview from January of this year, told fans to keep an eye out for a major announcement in 2025.
Dragon Ball is one of anime's most successful franchises ever, and plans to continue its activity for the foreseeable future. The series has a spotty history without Akira Toriyama in control, but fans will undoubtedly be excited about the endless possibilities ahead. Dragon Ball Daima is set to conclude in the coming weeks, and is the perfect medicine for those waiting patiently for future announcements.
Source: MANTANWEB
- Created by
- Akira Toriyama
- First Film
- Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
- Latest Film
- Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
- First TV Show
- Dragon Ball
- First Episode Air Date
- April 26, 1989
- Current Series
- Dragon Ball Super
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku's never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
