Honestly, if you've been scrolling through TikTok or YouTube lately, you’ve probably seen some "official" trailer for a new Dragon Ball Z film that looks suspiciously like a high-budget Hollywood blockbuster.
It’s usually got a title like Legacy of the Saiyan or Ultimate Awakening. The visuals are crisp, the character designs look hyper-realistic, and the comments are flooded with people asking for the release date.
Here is the cold, hard truth: those aren't real.
Most of what you are seeing right now is the work of incredibly talented AI video creators using tools like Luma or Hailuo AI. They're fun to watch, sure, but they aren't coming from Toei Animation.
But does that mean there is no new Dragon Ball Z film in the works for 2026? Not necessarily. We are actually at a very weird, pivotal crossroads for the franchise that has nothing to do with fan-made AI clips and everything to do with the actual future of Goku’s story.
The Genkidamatsuri 2026 Factor
The biggest reason everyone is talking about a 2026 release window is an event called Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri. It’s scheduled for January 25, 2026, at the Makuhari Messe in Japan.
Now, why does this matter to you?
Because Toei Animation is livestreaming this thing globally in both Japanese and English. They don't usually do that for minor updates. When the studio goes through the trouble of a worldwide simultaneous broadcast, they’re usually preparing to drop a "Spirit Bomb" of an announcement.
Rumors from industry insiders—most notably French leaker Sophian Leg and the @DbsHype account on X—suggest that 2026 is the target for a major theatrical project.
Whether it’s officially branded as a "Z" film or carries the "Super" moniker is still up in the air. But following the massive box office success of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero in 2022, the four-year gap leading into 2026 fits the studio’s historical production cycle perfectly.
Why the "Z" Label is Still Hanging Around
You might wonder why people are still searching for a new Dragon Ball Z film instead of Dragon Ball Super.
It’s mostly nostalgia, but there is a creative reason too. Dragon Ball Daima, the final project Akira Toriyama was deeply involved in before his passing in March 2024, actually takes place in the timeline between the defeat of Kid Buu and the start of Super.
Because Daima effectively functions as a "Z-era" story, it has reignited interest in that specific aesthetic. Fans are hungry for that classic, grit-heavy 90s feel.
There is also a persistent rumor that the next theatrical project might be a "full from-scratch remake" of older arcs or a film that adapts the un-animated manga chapters like the Moro Arc or the Granolah the Survivor Arc.
If they go the remake route, it would likely lean heavily on the "Z" branding to pull in the older audience that hasn't kept up with the newer transformations.
The Post-Toriyama Era
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Akira Toriyama’s passing changed everything.
Dragon Ball Daima wrapped up its 20-episode run in February 2025. It was a beautiful, lighthearted adventure that felt like a return to the series' roots. But now that it’s over, the franchise is in uncharted territory.
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Toei Animation and Shueisha (the publisher) are now tasked with deciding how to continue the legacy.
Current reports suggest a few possibilities for a new Dragon Ball Z film or series:
- The Toyotaro Connection: Toriyama’s protege, Toyotaro, has been the hand behind the Super manga. Many believe the next film will be a direct collaboration with him to ensure the "Toriyama feel" stays intact.
- The CGI vs. 2D Debate: After the 3D animation of Super Hero, fans are split. Insiders suggest the next film might return to the high-end 2D "Sakuga" style seen in Dragon Ball Super: Broly, which remains the gold standard for most of the community.
- The "Vegeta Movie" Rumor: There has been a lot of noise about a film focusing on Vegeta’s past or his training on Planet Yardrat. While this would be a dream come true for many, it remains unconfirmed as of early 2026.
What You Should Actually Watch Out For
If you want to know what's real, stop looking at the trailers with the "Realistic Goku" thumbnails.
Instead, keep your eyes on the January 25, 2026, livestream.
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That is where the actual roadmap for the next two years will be laid out. We are likely looking at a teaser for a late 2026 or early 2027 theatrical release.
Is a new Dragon Ball Z film coming? The demand is too high for it not to happen. The franchise just hit a milestone of 10 million units sold for the Kakarot video game, and the 40th-anniversary momentum isn't slowing down.
The most realistic scenario is a theatrical announcement that bridges the gap between the end of Daima and the eventually-to-return Dragon Ball Super anime.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Mark Your Calendar: Set an alert for the Genkidamatsuri livestream on January 25. That’s your source of truth.
- Vet Your Sources: If a trailer has a title like Wrath of the Saiyans or Blood of the Saiyan Prince, check the channel. If it’s "AI Digital Studio" or similar, it’s a fan concept, not a leak.
- Follow the Official Site: The Dragon Ball Official Site is now the primary hub for global news. They’ve been much better about posting English updates simultaneously with Japanese ones.
- Revisit the Manga: If you’re tired of waiting for the new Dragon Ball Z film, the Dragon Ball Super manga has two massive story arcs (Moro and Granolah) that haven't been animated yet. They feel much more like "Z" than anything we've seen in years.