Toei Animation, a key rights holder for Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise, has released an official statement addressing recent claims about a Dragon Ball Z-themed amusement park being built in France. The company asserts that “neither Toei Animation nor any other rights holders have authorized any licenses for this matter, nor are they aware of any such initiatives.”
The news regarding this project surfaced last week, following an announcement from the Élysée Palace that France and Saudi Arabia were teaming up on a $7 billion theme park project, slated for construction northwest of Paris. Reuters noted that the concept was first discussed during a 2025 meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, both of whom admire Akira Toriyama’s creations.
Although no launch date had been confirmed, the project seemed to be progressing steadily. However, it appears the French Dragon Ball theme park is lacking a vital component – proper licensing. In its recent clarification, Toei Animation reveals that the concept imagery and videos featured in news reports were actually taken from the announcement of a Dragon Ball-themed amusement park planned for Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia. This particular theme park was revealed on March 22, 2024 with full authorization from Toei Animation and other involved parties.
In contrast, the situation differs for the new theme park under development in France. According to the latest statement, Japan’s Dragon Ball rights holders have not only failed to grant a license for this endeavor but were also completely unaware of its existence until now.