Whatever Happened To The Concept Of Vegeta Being The Protagonist For Once?

[theherodjl]

I thought I remember hearing about Vegeta possibly getting the chance to be the protagonist of his own movie/tale somewhere, is that still ever going to happen?

[GodVegetto91]

Most likely in this current ongoing Moro Arc. Almost everything points towards it. Though nothing really is certain in Dragon Ball.

[Psajdak]

At this point, as far as anime is concerned, I think Toei simply doesn't want to leave out Goku, most likely because of Masako Nozawa.

Besides, let us be honest, even if DB is Goku's story, ever since he appeared, Vegeta was getting huge amount of attention compared to the other characters, to the point of him becoming more relevant than even Gohan, and nowadays, if you pay attention to post 2010 new content, Vegeta is almost always around as Goku is.

[DragonBallFoodie]

Wasn't Vegeta favoured a lot in the past few films? Battle of Gods, Resurrection F, Broly? He can't outdo Goku, but he has equal footing at least.

[It_Is_Ayna_You_Flips]

Vegeta is a protagonist. He gets almost as much screen time as Goku and most of the actual character arcs/moments of growth are given to him. And while Goku is still the one who makes the majority of the world changing decisions, Vegeta is the one usually depicted as dealing with the fallout or at least reacting to it on an emotional level.

[Matches Malone]

I think fans need to pay attention to the wording Toriyama used.

"In the events of there being another movie, I'd like Vegeta to be the hero". That statement has been true since RF, as it was Vegeta who beat down Freeza, but nowhere in that statement does Toriyama say he'll take Goku out of the picture, thus Goku getting the kill to remain relevant to the story. Before RF, Vegeta was always second to Goku, but now he's equal, making him a protagonist, but not the sole protagonist.

We can of course argue about Vegeta's role not being as big as Goku's, but he has without a doubt gotten a major upgrade compared to his pre-RF days. If Goku's role in the story is a 10, then Vegeta's is a 9.

[theherodjl]

That's just the thing, if Toriyama wanted Vegeta to be the hero then Vegeta would actually save the day. To have Vegeta be apart of the plot but not be the hero at the end of the day isn't Vegeta being the protagonist, merely a protagonist. Goku could still be involved with the story but he doesn't necesarily have to be the solution like he usually is depicted as. Goku said he isn't a "hero of justice" so they should stop putting him in that functional role for at least one arc.

[Matches Malone]

Goku said he isn't a "hero of justice" so they should stop putting him in that functional role for at least one arc.

We'll have a better idea in 2 weeks, but it looks like Vegeta will be the hero of the Moro arc, or at least the main one.

[theherodjl]

We'll have a better idea in 2 weeks, but it looks like Vegeta will be the hero of the Moro arc, or at least the main one.

I certainly hope so. Vegeta is typically the guy who just warms-up the villain for Goku or finishes off Goku's sloppy-seconds.
That sounded way more sexual than I intended...

[chongjasmine]

I like Vegeta, felt he has the most character development.
Changed from a complete villain to a good father and husband.

[Akyon]

I'll be genuinely surprised if this ever actually happens.

Goku will be the one to take down Moro despite all the build up because that's the status quo.

Vegeta will almost definitely do something really impressive, he may even briefly outshine Goku, but I can't see it being anyone but Goku actually beating Moro because status quo is king.

[Matches Malone]

Goku will be the one to take down Moro despite all the build up because that's the status quo.

The status quo that everyone working on the franchise won't let go of is easily the biggest thing holding modern DB back from reaching its full potential.

[Akyon]

Goku will be the one to take down Moro despite all the build up because that's the status quo.

The status quo that everyone working on the franchise won't let go of is easily the biggest thing holding modern DB back from reaching its full potential.

Completely agree. The franchise could be far more interesting if we got some better twists.

At current even with everyone getting spotlight moments, which are great btw (I really don't want Dragonball to be just Goku) it ultimately has come down to the same old formulaic storytelling for arc after arc and what little tension or intrigue the show has, which is little to begin with thanks to death being meaningless to begin with, is removed.

[SupremeKai25]

There probably will be some twist with Moro at the end. Hopefully it'll be better executed and received than the twist at the end of the Zamasu arc. I don't even think Moro will be defeated classic DBZ style with a ki blast that disintegrates him, he might get a more original ending. Maybe going back to prison or something.