Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary: New Anime, Games, and a Hans Zimmer Theme Revealed

The Dragon Ball franchise proved its power is still growing exponentially at the Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri event, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a barrage of major announcements. From long-awaited anime and mysterious games to a theme by Hans Zimmer, the January 25, 2026, event at Japan’s Makuhari Messe showcased an ambitious future, making it clear the universe is entering one of its most dynamic eras yet.

The Centerpiece: New Dragon Ball Super Anime Series

The heart of the celebration was a one-two punch of anime news that sent shockwaves through the fandom. After years of fan speculation and hope, the manga’s celebrated Moro arc is finally getting the animated treatment. Titled Dragon Ball Super: The Galactic Patrol, the series is officially in production for a planned release in 2027. This arc, which pits Goku and Vegeta against a magic-wielding, planet-consuming sorcerer, is widely regarded as one of the most compelling post-Battle of Gods storylines, making its adaptation a landmark moment for the franchise.

Perhaps even more intriguing for anime-only fans is the simultaneous announcement of Dragon Ball Super: Beerus. Scheduled to air on Fuji TV in fall 2026, this project is described as an “enhanced version” remake of the original Dragon Ball Super arc that reintroduced the God of Destruction, Beerus. Producer Akio Iyoku hinted that this means more than a simple re-airing; expect upgraded graphics, refined animation, and potentially new scenes that expand on the story. As voice actor Koichi Yamadera (Beerus) noted, this is a chance to revisit the saga that reignited the modern anime with the polish it deserves. Together, these announcements ensure that the anime pipeline will be full for years to come, bridging the gap between revisited classics and thrilling new chapters.

Next-Gen Gaming: From AGE 1000 to Sparking! Zero DLC

While anime set the stage, the gaming announcements delivered their own brand of seismic energy. The biggest mystery came in the form of a new game project set in the AGE 1000 era. Details were deliberately scarce, but the reveal was profound: the game’s world-building and character foundations were laid by the late, great Akira Toriyama himself. This suggests a deeply canonical and potentially lore-expanding adventure far removed from the timeline of Goku and Vegeta. The full unveiling is slated for Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2026 in Los Angeles this April, with a planned release in 2027, making it one of the most anticipated reveals in Dragon Ball gaming history.

For players seeking more immediate action, the news for Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero was equally substantial. A “massive” DLC pack is scheduled for summer 2026, promising to significantly expand the already colossal roster. Confirmed new characters include fan-requested heavy-hitters like Super Android 17 and the original Demon King Piccolo, alongside new stages, game modes, and a theme song by the iconic Hironobu Kageyama. As an immediate treat, a free DLC titled “Mission 100” hits PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam on January 26, 2026, with Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions to follow. Producer Jun Furutani stated this is just the beginning of their long-term support plan for the hit fighting game.

A Legacy Celebrated: The 40th Anniversary Special & Event Highlights

Beyond the specific project reveals, the event was a masterclass in honoring legacy while forging ahead. The emotional core was a special 40th Anniversary Video directed by Naoki Miyahara. While highlights from the series’ history played, the video delivered a monumental piece of news: the theme song, “Infinite Future,” was composed by none other than Hans Zimmer. The involvement of the Oscar-winning maestro behind scores for The Dark Knight and Dune is a staggering testament to Dragon Ball’s cultural reach, elevating its celebration to a cinematic spectacle.

The celebratory atmosphere was palpable, embodied by the presence of the legendary Masako Nozawa, who received a thunderous ovation. The event also served as a launchpad for future community gatherings, notably announcing the Dragon Ball FighterZ Masters Showdown tournament at the upcoming Games Battle Hour. This tournament will feature eight elite competitors, including reigning champion GO1, ensuring the competitive scene remains a vibrant part of the ecosystem. As producer Masayuki Hirano summarized, the goal was to thank fans for 40 years and show them the path to the next 40.

From the animated return of galactic threats and divine rematches to video games exploring uncharted millennia and a score from Hollywood’s finest, the 40th-anniversary event was a declaration. It proved Dragon Ball’s vitality is not rooted in mere nostalgia, but in a relentless drive to evolve. With key dates like Games Battle Hour 2026 and the fall 2026 anime premiere on the horizon, the franchise has successfully used this milestone not as a finale, but as a powerful new starting point. The message from the 40th-anniversary stage was unmistakable: Dragon Ball's spirit of adventure is charging up for its next, even more powerful, form.