Since its last movie reveal in 2018 at San Diego Comic Con (SDCC), it’s no surprise additional details of the next Dragon Ball movie shown at this year’s SDCC. Not only did we see Hironobu Kageyama singing the famous Dragon Ball Z‘s theme “Cha-la Head Cha-la” but three guest made a special appearance on the online panel: Masako Nozawa (voice of Son Goku), Akio Iyoku (executive producer of the Dragon Ball series and editor for Akira Toriyama), and Norihiro Hayashida (producer of TV animation and movies for the Dragon Ball series including Dragon Ball Super: Broly).

During the panel, new character art revealed for the first time, showcasing updated looks to Piccolo, Krillin, Pan in kindergarten, and a new character that may play a key part in the upcoming film. Additionally, fans got to see a new visual of Piccolo’s home and apparently he has a mailbox. While not noticeable at first, the new visuals for Piccolo and Krillin follow closer to the original style. For example, instead of the colored skin for Krillin’s eyes, they are now white. Pan’s designs showcase the movie takes place a few years later since the events of the last film, Dragon Ball Super: Broly.

Piccolo redesign, showcased at SDCC 2021 panel.

Pan in kindergarten, showcased at SDCC 2021 panel.

New character art, first time shown at SDCC 2021 panel.

Krillin’s updated look in a police uniform, showcased at SDCC 2021 panel.

About 22 minutes into the panel, a teaser released to showcasing a CGI look and feel of Goku and his movements. While Goku’s movements look pretty smooth, there’s not much to see yet on the art direction of the film. It’s safe to say that the art won’t continue from the Broly film, which had a unique style from any previous animated Dragon Ball films.

Goku animated in the new Super Hero teaser trailer.

When asked how involved Akira Toriyama was with the new movie, Akio Iyoku had the following to say:

Toriyama has written the original story, script, and also the character designs. He’s deeply involved in the story structure, of course, the character design, and every detail of the dialog.

While Akira Toriyama wasn’t available to be on stage, he had the following message that was read during the panel:

An all new movie since Dragon Ball Super: Broly is in the making! Just like the previous movie, I’m heavily leading the story and dialog production for another amazing film. I really shouldn’t talk too much about the plot yet, but be prepared for some extreme and entertaining bouts, which may feature an unexpected character. We’ll be charting through some unexplored territory, in terms of the visual aesthetics to give the audience an amazing ride, so I hope everybody will look forward to the new movie!

Based on the visuals given, fans may wonder if the movie will revolve around Piccolo, Pan more than Goku and Vegeta. We’ll have to wait a little longer on a new trailer. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero lands in theaters in 2022.

Source: San Diego Comic Con