Update, 9/19/18:

Dragon Ball Super: Broly, the twentieth film in the Dragon Ball franchise, has a premiere date. The film will debut on January 16, 2019. Funimation CEO and president Gen Fukunaga said in a release, “From its updated art style to the assembly of canon characters new and old, Dragon Ball Super: Broly is sure to please fans. Creator Akira Toriyama’s imagination and masterful storytelling truly shine through in this exciting new movie.”

Original post:

When the first Dragon Ball Super movie hits theaters later this year, it will bring with it a villain fans haven’t seen in quite a while. The movie will mark the return of Broly, the fan favorite bad guy who was created in 1993 for Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan. The character has only made one other anime appearance to date, in the following year’s Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Second Coming (not counting his clone in Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly), leading the fan community to question his place in the canon. But some of that uncertainty may be put to rest thanks to this new story—aptly dubbed Dragon Ball Super: Broly—by franchise creator, Akira Toriyama. The trailer:

Via Toei Animation, Toriyama released a brief statement confirming the return of Broly (all the while admitting that he had largely forgotten that he provided the designs for the character). Toriyama went on to say that although he rewatched the original Broly movies in preparation for the project, he will be reimagining the character for the Dragon Ball Super continuity. He also promised an epic showdown between Broly, Goku, and Vegeta.

The BROLY story that Akira Toriyama wants to tell. #DragonBallSuper pic.twitter.com/5chcsx4al1

— Toei Animation (@ToeiAnimation) July 9, 2018

As conceived in his initial appearance, Broly was “the Legendary Super Saiyan,” and he was thought to be the most dangerous member of the Saiyan race. Broly was so overpowered that even Goku’s Super Saiyan form could barely keep up with him.

Dragon Ball Super: Broly will also explore the origins of the Saiyan race, but most of the story details are still under wraps. It will be released in Japan this December, with a North American release likely to follow in early 2019.

Are you excited about the long overdue rematch between Broly and Goku? Let’s discuss in the comment section below!

Image: Toei Animation