Dragon Ball stands as a global phenomenon, transcending its Japanese origins. The franchise spans manga, TV shows, action figures, and video games. Its iconic characters like Goku and Vegeta inspire fans worldwide. A new theme park in France promised to celebrate this legacy.
Yet the project faces a significant hurdle.
France’s $7 Billion Dragon Ball park faces a licensing problem
France and Saudi Arabia unveiled a $7 billion plan for three theme parks near Paris. One park, promoted as a Dragon Ball Z attraction, generated immense excitement. Qiddiya Investment Company, a Saudi sovereign wealth fund subsidiary, leads the development. The project aims to create 22,000 jobs and cover 500,000 square meters. However, reports indicate Qiddiya lacks licensing rights from Japanese rights holders.
(251127) — NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 2025 — The balloon of Goku is seen during the
2025 Macy s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, the United States, on Nov. 27,
2025. The traditional Macy s Thanksgiving Day Parade brought holiday cheer to
New York City on Thursday morning, as giant character balloons floated above
Manhattan in one of the United States most watched holiday events. ) U.S.-NEW
YORK-THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE ZhangxFengguo
(251127) — NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 2025 — The balloon of Goku is seen during the
2025 Macy s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, the United States, on Nov. 27,
2025. The traditional Macy s Thanksgiving Day Parade brought holiday cheer to
New York City on Thursday morning, as giant character balloons floated above
Manhattan in one of the United States most watched holiday events. ) U.S.-NEW
YORK-THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE ZhangxFengguo
French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman championed the deal. Both leaders share a passion for Dragon Ball Z, with Macron owning original artwork. The announcement during Macron’s state visit drew global attention. Yet Le Monde revealed Qiddiya has not secured permission to use Dragon Ball branding. This omission leaves the park’s headline concept unconfirmed.
The park’s design includes over 30 attractions across seven themed areas. Construction will take years, with openings staged over time. Macron compared the project’s ambition to Disneyland Paris. Valérie Pécresse, president of the Paris region, celebrated Goku’s arrival. Without licensing approval, the park’s Dragon Ball identity remains uncertain.
The licensing uncertainty comes at an interesting moment for the franchise, which continues to attract audiences worldwide.
Battle of Gods proves Dragon Ball still has global power
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods surged to Netflix’s global Top 10 in late 2025. The film, Akira Toriyama’s first deeply involved Dragon Ball movie, attracted 1.8 million views. It ranked sixth among Non-English Films, standing as the sole anime in the list. The movie also entered Top 10 charts in Peru, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and South Africa.
Credit: Toei Animation
Credit: Toei Animation
Released theatrically in 2013, Battle of Gods introduced Beerus, the God of Destruction. Toriyama overhauled the script, transforming Beerus into a cat-like deity. The film expanded Dragon Ball lore with the Super Saiyan God concept. Its Netflix debut in December 2025 reignited global interest. The streaming success highlighted Toriyama’s enduring influence.
The movie earned $50 million worldwide, dominating Japan’s box office. Toriyama’s involvement marked a turning point for the franchise. His work on Battle of Gods paved the way for Dragon Ball Super and Daima. Fans celebrated the film’s resurgence as a tribute to Toriyama’s legacy. The 40th anniversary event in January 2026 promised new revelations.
What do you think about the proposed Dragon Ball theme park in France? Would you visit if the licensing deal goes through? Let us know in the comments.
