FAQ for
"Dragon Ball" (1986/I)

There are conflicting reports on whether this is based upon the "King Piccolo" storyline from early volumes of the "Dragonball" manga and anime or if this is adapted from the beginning of the "Dragonball Z" saga; current information suggests the former. Here is a summary of what is known so far: Twentieth Century Fox with comedian Stephen Chow (Shaolin Soccer; Kung Fu Hustle) will produce the live-action movie "Dragonball." James Wong (X-Files; Final Destination), will direct. Justin Chatwin (War of the Worlds) will portray Goku. James Marsters (Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is cast as Piccolo. Ariel Shaw is the special FX director. The film will reportedly start filming in Mexico in January, 2008 for a worldwide release on August 15th, 2008. Filming is expected to finish in March. About 85% of the film will be shot in Durango, Mexico. Locations include the Mexiquillo Forest, Marley Ranch, Hacienda la Providencia, La Joya Ranch, Laguna Seca de Santiaguillo and a forum from a Convention Center in the Culture Institute. Production will move to Estado De México for some shots at the volcano Nevado de Toluca. No announcement has been made on the film's budget.