‘Dragonball Evolution’ Writer Apologizes to Fans for the Poorly Received Film

If you’re among the legion of “Dragon Ball” fans disappointed by 2009’s “Dragonball Evolution,” the film’s screenwriter has a message for you: he’s sorry. Ben Ramsey was interviewed by Derek Padula of the Dao of Dragonball fan site for a book called “USA DBZ,” calling the almost universally disliked live-action adaptation of the beloved manga “a very painful creative point” in his life and expressing serious remorse for the way it turned out. Find his full comments below.

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“I knew that it would eventually come down to this one day. Dragonball Evolution marked a very painful creative point in my life. To have something with my name on it as the writer be so globally reviled is gut wrenching. To receive hate mail from all over the world is heartbreaking. I spent so many years trying to deflect the blame, but at the end of the day it all comes down to the written word on page and I take full responsibility for what was such a disappointment to so many fans. I did the best I could, but at the end of the day, I ‘dropped the dragon ball.’

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“I went into the project chasing after a big payday, not as a fan of the franchise but as a businessman taking on an assignment. I have learned that when you go into a creative endeavor without passion you come out with sub-optimal results, and sometimes flat out garbage. So I’m not blaming anyone for Dragonball but myself. As a fanboy of other series, I know what it’s like to have something you love and anticipate be so disappointing.

“I hope I can make it up to you by creating something really cool and entertaining that you will like and that is also something I am passionate about. That’s the only work I do now.

Best,

Ben.”

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“Dragonball Evolution” boasts a 14% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and made $57.5 million worldwide against a budget of $30 million. Akira Toriyama, creator of “Dragon Ball,” has said he doesn’t even consider it part of the franchise.

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