For years, fans have been waiting for Dragon Ball Super Season 2. Since the series ended in 2018 after the Tournament of Power arc, excitement has only grown stronger. The Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Super Hero movies gave hope that a new season was close, but it still has not arrived. So, why is there such a long delay, and what would Toei Animation need to finally bring Season 2 to life?
How Dragon Ball Has Always Worked With Its Source Material
One of the biggest reasons Dragon Ball Super has not returned is the gap between the manga and anime. In most cases, anime adaptations need enough manga chapters before production begins. The Super manga continued long after the anime ended, with arcs like Moro the Planet-Eater and Granolah the Survivor adding new stories that fans are desperate to see animated. However, Toei Animation may be waiting for the manga to move further ahead before adapting it. This helps prevent filler episodes and gives the story a smoother flow, which modern audiences now expect.
When we look at past anime series, such as Attack on Titan or My Hero Academia, studios often pause production for years to gather enough material and plan major improvements. This same rule applies to Dragon Ball Super. The team likely wants to avoid rushing the story like before and ensure that the animation matches the high standards set by the recent movies.
The Role of Toei Animation and Production Schedules
Another reason for the delay is production. Toei Animation handles many major projects at the same time. Besides Dragon Ball, they also work on One Piece, Digimon, and multiple movie projects. The studio’s schedule has been packed, especially with One Piece reaching its most important arcs and requiring top animators. Toei’s staff cannot focus on Dragon Ball Super Season 2 until enough team members and resources are free to give it the attention it deserves.
Animation today takes longer and costs more than it used to. The Super Hero movie introduced new CGI animation techniques that took time to perfect. If Toei wants to use similar technology or even mix CGI with traditional animation for Season 2, it needs months of testing and planning. The company also knows that fans have high expectations. After the amazing visuals of the Broly film, anything less would disappoint the community.
The Issue of Rights and Global Planning
Another factor could be licensing and distribution. Dragon Ball is one of the biggest anime franchises in the world, and every release involves global planning between companies like Toei, Shueisha, and Bandai. Deciding where and how the new season will stream or air worldwide can take time. Deals must be made with platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, or other networks. These steps are slow but necessary to make sure the series reaches fans everywhere at the same time.
The Material That Could Make Season 2 Great
When Dragon Ball Super finally returns, it already has plenty of story material ready. The Moro Arc would be a perfect starting point. This villain was one of the most dangerous enemies since Majin Buu, combining magic and raw power to push Goku and Vegeta beyond their limits. Fans would also love to see the Granolah Arc, which dives deeper into Saiyan history and introduces characters with deep emotional stories. Finally, the manga has been teasing the next big threat — Black Frieza, a form that could surpass even Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego. Bringing all of this to screen would make Season 2 one of the most exciting anime comebacks in years.
What the Fans Want and What Toei Must Deliver
Fans do not just want more battles; they want a story that moves the characters forward. Goku has already mastered Ultra Instinct, but how far can he take it? Vegeta has his own form, Ultra Ego, showing his pride and new approach to power. Season 2 could explore how both evolve and what that means for their rivalry and friendship. At the same time, the universe has many gods, angels, and other warriors who have not yet had their full stories told. Season 2 could connect those threads and make the Dragon Ball world feel even bigger.
Toei Animation must also balance nostalgia with progress. The classic feeling of Dragon Ball Z should remain, but fans expect cleaner animation, better pacing, and deeper emotional moments. If Toei achieves that balance, Season 2 could become a new golden era for the franchise.
Final Thoughts
The wait for Dragon Ball Super Season 2 has been long, but it might be worth it. Between production challenges, animation technology, rights deals, and careful story planning, Toei Animation seems to be taking its time to deliver something truly special. Once enough manga material is ready and the studio completes other projects, the return of Dragon Ball Super will likely become one of the biggest anime events in history. Until then, fans can look forward to more hints and theories about what 2026 might bring for Goku, Vegeta, and the universe they continue to protect.
