Justin Chatwin

In 2009, Chatwin landed the lead role of Son Goku in Dragonball Evolution, adapting Akira Toriyama's popular manga for live-action cinema. He described it as the most physically demanding role of his career to date, undertaking serious martial arts training and maintaining a strict diet with no sugar and carbohydrates. Despite his commitment to the character, the film faced harsh critical reception; reviewers faulted the screenplay, dialogue, and action sequences, with some feeling he was miscast in the role. The film's poor box office performance halted plans for sequels, ending what could have been a franchise.

Chatwin has worked across film and television, taking on diverse roles that showcase his range as an actor. Prior to Dragonball Evolution, he appeared in The Invisible, a supernatural thriller remake, followed by several independent projects. He also performed in stage productions, drawing praise for his nuanced work despite the material's constraints. In 2024, following Akira Toriyama's passing, Chatwin publicly expressed regret about his involvement with the film, acknowledging the criticism the adaptation faced.