The plot would have Son Goku (played by an Asian martial artist) training with his grandfather since young age until his grandfather dies of a disease (not sure what. The specific disease doesn't have a big role in the plot). In a final conversation with his grandfather, Goku promises to get stronger. Goku still continues with his training but is defeated by a mysterious martial artist (playing a role similar to Jackie Chun in the manga. There would be a more original name than Jackie Chun, though) that challenges Goku to meet him in the "Strongest Under the Heavens" tournament. Searching for a way to become stronger than the martial artist that defeated him, Goku would eventually meet Master Roshi and train under him.
After successfully completing his training with Master Roshi, Goku would enter the tournament and excel all the way to the final match. Despite putting up an excellent fight against the martial artist that defeated him earlier, Goku narrowly loses the match. The two would then put their differences aside and have respect for each other as martial artists, promising to fight again.
There'd be quite a few characters playing similar roles as ones from early arcs in Dragonball competing in the tournament, like Yamcha, Nam (or King Chappa), Mai (she wouldn't be working for Pilaf), Pamput and later ones like Jewel, Killa and Wild Tiger. Chi-Chi would be a childhood friend Goku whom he meets again in the tournament. Yajirobe would also appear as a childhood friend of Goku's whom he keeps some contact with through the years. I don't think Bulma would have a place in the film and I think it'd be too early to have characters like Tao Pai Pai and Tien. A Krillin like character could appear, but as a caucasian that helps Goku meet Master Roshi.
The film would be very realistic for a Dragonball release, removing any of fantasy elements. No seven Dragonballs, no Eternal Dragon, no aliens, no anthromorphic animals and no Ki blasts. Goku would be a human and might have a Dragonball as a souvenir from his grandfather. That would be the only Dragonball to appear in the film.
What are your thoughts? I could actually see this performing adequately in the box office and even getting good reviews if done right. It could be the next big action martial arts film. And it reminds me of Rocky, one of my favorite films of all time.
