The absence of Gohan in the latest installment of the Dragon Ball franchise, titled Dragon Ball Daima, has sparked discussions among fans and cast members alike. Kyle Hebert, the English voice actor for Gohan, recently shared his insights during an interview at the Anime Pasadena convention held on November 8-9, 2025. Hebert suggested that Gohan’s lack of presence in Daima may have inadvertently shielded him from the chaos that engulfed other characters, including Goku.
Hebert pointed out that since Dragon Ball Daima occurs before Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Gohan had not yet discovered his Beast transformation. In the opening episode, a character references Gohan’s whereabouts, stating, “He’s studying.” This line implies that Gohan was focused on his scholarly pursuits rather than joining the fray, allowing him to avoid the fate that befell Goku and others. Hebert noted, “I had just one flashback line in the opening episode, which was a cool nod to his past, but yeah — he’s off doing his scholar thing.”
Gohan’s Potential Transformation and Absence Explained
Hebert speculates that had Gohan appeared in Daima, he would have been transformed into a child due to the wish made by the character Gomah. Gomah’s wish was to revert all fighters who battled Majin Buu into their younger selves, a change that would have likely included Gohan as well. Despite the chaos, Gohan’s recent marriage and ongoing academic commitments underscore the idea that his absence from the series was not only logical but perhaps beneficial.
The decision to exclude Gohan from Dragon Ball Daima appears to hinge not solely on plot considerations but also on strategic storytelling. While the anime claims Gohan is preoccupied with his studies, it is widely believed that the proximity of Daima to Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero influenced this choice. The earlier film prominently featured Gohan, showcasing his new form and significant character development. Producers likely aimed to avoid overexposing the character immediately after such a pivotal storyline.
The Bigger Picture: Gohan’s Role in Dragon Ball
Gohan’s absence allowed other characters, notably Goku and Vegeta, to tackle the challenges presented by Gomah and the series’ antagonists independently. The storyline of Dragon Ball Daima revolves around Goku and his allies being shrunk to miniature forms, embarking on a quest in the Demon Realm to restore their original sizes. This shift in focus provided Gohan the space he needed for personal growth and to nurture his new relationship.
The Dragon Ball franchise has a history of fluctuating character focus. Akiro Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, previously positioned Gohan as a potential main protagonist before diverting attention back to Goku. This trend reflects the ongoing balancing act within the series of spotlighting its expansive cast while managing character development.
Released in October 2024, Dragon Ball Daima has captured the imagination of fans, offering a fresh narrative while maintaining ties to established character arcs. As discussions about Gohan’s absence continue, it is clear that his storyline remains a vital component of the franchise’s enduring appeal.
The Anime Pasadena event not only showcased fan enthusiasm but also highlighted the ongoing evolution of beloved characters within the Dragon Ball universe. As fans eagerly await further developments, Gohan’s journey as both a scholar and a warrior remains a focal point for future narratives.
