Since the release of the well-intentioned but disastrousDragonball Evolutionin 2009, fans ofDragon Ballhave been starved for a live-action reboot that both pays homage and does right by the manga-turned decade-spanning franchise. Of course, there are many factors that will go into crafting an entertaining and authentic live-action revival, most importantly the characters, and though many scrutinizing eyes will fall uponthe actor slated to play Goku, I’d argue his friend and ally, Bulma, is just as key to getting the film right—and I know just the actress for the role.
Launched into stardom for her role as Nymeria Sand inGame of Thrones,Jessica Henwick holds the perfect combination of intensity and brazennessto nail a live-action performance of Bulma, whose appearance inDragon Ball Evolution(which just scored a quiet win on IMDb)was both rushed and uncharacteristically bland in contrast to her dynamic animated counterpart. Recently, Henwick has seen success in acclaimed productions such asGlass Onionand Apple TV’sSilo, andher prior experience portraying on-page heroinessuch as Coleen Wingin Marvel’sIron Fistshows she has far more than what it takes to deliver a faithful, jaw-dropping, and iconic performance as Bulma.
Jessica Henwick Would Be Perfect As Bulma In A Live-Action Dragon Ball Movie
Henwick Is Both An Excellent Physical And Emotional Actress
As an actress, Jessica Henwick bears striking similarities to Bulma through her defining traits as a fierce and vibrant performer, particularly in her role as “Bugs” in 2021’sThe Matrix Resurrections. Furthermore, Henwick possesses boththe boldness and confidence to pull off many of Bulma’s more audacious looks and outfitsthroughout both the anime and manga (not to mention Jessica Henwick has rocked blue hair before as the aforementioned Bugs without it looking uncharacteristic or out-of-the-ordinary).
More important than this, however, is Henwick’s strength as both a physical and emotional presence as well. InIron FistandThe Defenders, Henwick got to show off her action prowess in several well-choreographed fight scenes while delving into more dramatic territory in the scenes surrounding her relationship with Danny Rand, aka “Iron Fist” (Finn Jones).These acting chops are essential for a faithful live-action performance of Bulma, whose strong loyalty and protective nature make her far more than simple comic relief throughout Goku’s action-packed and high-stakes adventures.
Why Dragonball Evolution Got Bulma Wrong In Live-Action
The Film Watered-Down Bulma’s Character
Perhaps the greatest sin of 2009’sDragonball Evolutionisits blatant disregard of established looks and character traitsin favor of topical and poorly-aging 2000s archetypes, nowhere more apparent than in Emmy Rossum’s role as a dull and diluted version of Bulma. This isn’t to cast shade on Rossum as an actress, of course, as her performances inThe Phantom of the Operaand the Emmy-award-winning seriesShamelesshave proven her talent beyond a doubt. Rather, it’s an indictment of the screenwriter’s watered-down portrayal of one ofDragon Ball’s most iconic characters, which criminally relegates Bulma’s colorful nature to a few blue highlights.
Dragonball Evolutionco-stars Justin Chatwin and Emmy Rossum both went on to star inShameless.
Luckily, the Bulma seen inDragonball Evolutionhasn’t come to define the franchise,as the 2009 film was in some ways a creative blessing forDragon Ballin the years following its release. Nevertheless, Rossum’s performance left many fans wanting more from the character, and while “What-if?” sentiments dominated online forums discussing Bulma and the rest of theDragonball Evolutioncast over the past 16 years, enough time has now passed that we, asDragon Ballfans, can once again confidently hold hope for a live-action reboot that does both the character and the series justice—and we know just where to start in casting.
