Dragonball Evolution is a 2009 American live-action film adaptation of the Dragon Ball media franchise being produced by 20th Century Fox. The story centers around the adventures of the lead character, Goku, around his 18th birthday. The film began development in 2002, and is directed by James Wong and produced by Stephen Chow. It was released in Japan and several other Asian nations on March 13, 2009, while it will not be released in the United States until April 8, 2009.