Anime Pasadena, 2025, was packed with unforgettable moments, but few carried the heart and hype of the Dragon Ball: Son of Trunks Series Finale Screening and Q&A Panel. Fans gathered on Saturday to witness the highly anticipated conclusion of the live-action fan series. Before the screening, Earthcore Media surprised the audience with an exclusive first look at their upcoming project, Sonic the Hedgehog: Metal Mania.
Presented by Eddie Posseh, the teaser was revealed as a special preview for fans. Also, the project is in support of the Child’s Play Charity. The crowd quickly erupted with excitement, setting the tone for what would become one of the most emotionally charged panels of the convention.
The Long Awaited Finale:
Created by Colin Bass, and directed by Chelton Perry, Son of Trunks takes place in a fractured future timeline, following Vehan, the half-Saiyan, half-Angel son of Trunks, as he battles to protect what’s left of the Earth while discovering his true potential. Before starting, Bass reflected on the project’s humble beginnings.“We actually premiered the trailer at Anime Pasadena two years ago,” he shared. “It’s been non-stop since. It feels amazing to finally put a bow on it.”
Joining Bass on stage were Jason Faunt (Trunks), Brennan Mejia (Uub), Chelton Perry (Director), Christopher Hollingsworth (Android 13), DJ Rivers (Piccolo), and Siena Bella (Pan); a star-studded lineup of creators, performers, and dreamers who put their heart and soul into the series.
Episode 3: “Vehan Rises”
As the Android Army closes in, Vehan must confront his father’s legacy, the death of his mentor, and the celestial power awakening within him. The finale delivers a stunning balance of heart and intensity that blends emotional storytelling with explosive combat scenes. Witness the final battle and the rise of a new legend.
You can now watch the full Dragon Ball: Son of Trunks series on YouTube.
Finding Heart in a Superpowered World
Known by fans as the Red Power Ranger from Time Force, Jason Faunt reluctantly admitted this was his first real step into the Dragon Ball universe. “I was very unfamiliar with this world, to be honest,” he stated. “But I try to personalize every role that I play, and the father-son relationship is very big in my work. That connection made it easy for me to love the role of Trunks.”
Director Chelton Perry echoed the sentiment, highlighting that same emotional core as his favorite part of the project. “My favorite moment was filming the father-son scenes with Jason,” Perry emphasized. “It was such an amazing aura on set. It felt so real, like they were actually father and son. That’s when it hit me how special this series really was.”
The panel had its share of laughter too, especially when Christopher Hollingsworth recalled his unplanned stunt moment. “I came to the set just for promo photos,” he said, grinning. “Then I saw this soft mountain and told Colin, ‘You should punch me off of it. I’ll do a double twist.’ One take later, we had it. Not planned, but perfect.”
Casts’ Favorite Moments from the Finale
Each cast member shared their favorite moments from the final episode, giving fans a peek behind the scenes:
Chelton Perry praised the Vehan vs. Super 17 (played by Nico Abiera) battle: “That comeback moment, the hero rising again, is always satisfying.”
Christopher Hollingsworth loved the Piccolo energy blast scene, calling it “a true homage to the source material,” and highlighted the unique angel-Saiyan hybrid transformation as “a bold, fresh idea.”
Siena Bella brought levity, imagining Pan’s future: “She’s probably dyeing her hair again and planning a family outing with everyone — maybe some karaoke.”
Colin Bass himself pointed to Vehan’s final power-up: “That slow-mo Celestial Saiyan scene, that’s my favorite. After everything Vehan’s gone through, that was the moment he became who he was meant to be.”
Themes of Legacy and Hope
At its core, Son of Trunks isn’t just about fights or transformations, it’s about family, resilience, and growth. The father-son reunion between Trunks and Vehan, combined with Vehan’s Celestial Saiyan awakening, served as a symbolic “passing of the torch” to a new generation of heroes.
Faunt summed it up perfectly: “The good guys won, but it’s more than that. Everyone grew — and that hope carries the story.”
The Power of Creativity: Fans as Artists
During the Q&A portion, one fan asked what it takes to create a fan film like Son of Trunks. In response, DJ Rivers offered an insightful perspective that resonated with both the cast and audience. He explained that projects like this go beyond simple fan creations, they’re a form of artistic expression. “It’s not necessarily a fan film,” Rivers said. “It’s art. It’s people coming together to tell stories they care about and to share something they love.”
His words reminded everyone that creativity has no limits and that fans should feel inspired to create their own stories, films, and projects. After all, Son of Trunks itself began as a spark of imagination between friends who simply wanted to celebrate what they love.
A Fitting Finale and a Celebration of Creativity
As giveaways wrapped up and fans thanked the team, there was a sense of gratitude in the air. What began as a grassroots project between friends had evolved into something bigger, a heartfelt tribute to the beloved Dragon Ball’s enduring spirit and the fans who keep it alive.
Bass closed the panel with a message that resonated beyond the convention floor:
“We’ve grown together making this. And even though this story ends, its energy — that light — keeps going.”
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