The Writer of 'Dragonball Evolution' Has Apologized for His "Flat out Garbage"
“To receive hate mail from all over the world is heartbreaking.”
In a rare admission of error, the writer of critically panned 2009 live-action adaptation Dragonball Evolution has offered an apology to Dragonball fans for “dropping the Dragon Ball.” Ben Ramsey, whose work garnered a mere 14 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, gave the heartfelt apology when approached for a comment by Dragonball fan Derek Padula for his upcoming book, USA DBZ. The apology was then published in full on Padula’s website:
I knew that it would eventually come down to this one day. Dragonball Evolution marked a very painful creative point in my life. To have something with my name on it as the writer be so globally reviled is gut wrenching. To receive hate mail from all over the world is heartbreaking. I spent so many years trying to deflect the blame, but at the end of the day it all comes down to the written word on page and I take full responsibility for what was such a disappointment to so many fans. I did the best I could, but at the end of the day, I ‘dropped the dragon ball.’
I went into the project chasing after a big payday, not as a fan of the franchise but as a businessman taking on an assignment. I have learned that when you go into a creative endeavor without passion you come out with sub-optimal results, and sometimes flat out garbage. So I’m not blaming anyone for Dragonball but myself. As a fanboy of other series, I know what it’s like to have something you love and anticipate be so disappointing.
To all the Dragon Ball fans out there, I sincerely apologize.
I hope I can make it up to you by creating something really cool and entertaining that you will like and that is also something I am passionate about. That’s the only work I do now.
Best,
Ben
While all of the blame cannot fall squarely on Ramsey’s shoulders, given the corporate nature of getting a film made in Hollywood, this rare and honest admission may help many fans close what is seen as the lowest chapter in the canon of the Dragonball franchise. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
