Since its debut in 1989, Dragon Ball Z has become one of the most iconic anime series in history. With its intense battles, legendary transformations, and unforgettable characters, Akira Toriyama’s masterpiece has left a lasting mark on pop culture.
However, behind these legendary scenes lie incredible stories about the voice actors and the recording process. One of the most astonishing anecdotes is about Gohan’s scream during his transformation into Super Saiyan 2 in the Cell saga.
The Context: Gohan’s Legendary Transformation
The Cell Saga is one of Dragon Ball Z’s most beloved story arcs. It features a wiser and more reserved Goku, who gradually steps back to let his son, Gohan, take center stage. Unlike other Saiyans, Gohan has always been reluctant To Fight, yet he possesses an immense hidden power.
Everything changes when he faces Cell, a terrifying enemy who absorbs other beings to evolve. After a long tournament orchestrated by Cell, Gohan is forced into battle against the Cell Juniors, vicious creatures tormenting Goku’s friends.
But the real trigger happens when Android 16, a kind-hearted cyborg, sacrifices himself to encourage Gohan to fight. In his final words, he tells Gohan:
“It’s okay to love nature, birds, and animals… but sometimes, you have to fight to protect them.”
Right after saying this, Cell mercilessly crushes Android 16’s head, shattering Gohan’s last hope for peace.
At that moment, everything erupts and Gohan, overwhelmed by rage and grief, undergoes the legendary Super Saiyan 2 Transformation in one of the most unforgettable moments in anime history.
But what truly made this scene legendary was the incredible scream of Gohan’s transformation.
The Story: Gohan’s Scream That Pushed His Voice Actress To The Limit
In the original Japanese version of the anime, Masako Nozawa, the legendary voice actress of Goku, Gohan, and Goten, had to deliver this scream in a single take to capture the full emotional intensity of the moment.
According to various sources and interviews, the scream lasted almost 30 seconds, an insane amount of time for a voice actor. Masako Nozawa put everything she had into expressing Gohan’s explosion of power and emotion.
The result? She almost passed out in the recording studio!
The vocal strain was so intense that she felt dizzy and completely exhausted after finishing the take. The sound engineers and other voice actors had to help her recover.
Despite the difficulty, this legendary scream was kept in the final version of the anime, becoming one of the most intense moments in Dragon Ball Z.
Why Is This Scene So Important?
This transformation wasn’t just another power-up—it was a major turning point in Dragon Ball Z.
- It Was The First Time Someone Other Than Goku Became The Strongest Warrior In The Universe.
- It Showcased A Completely Different Gohan, transitioning from a timid boy to a fearsome warrior.
- It Was One Of The Most Emotionally Charged Moments In The Series, where all of Gohan’s frustration and pain exploded into raw power.
Even years later, this scene remains a reference in anime history, and Masako Nozawa’s unbelievable effort proves how physically demanding voice acting can be.
A Legacy That Lives On
Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 Transformation remains one of the most iconic moments in Dragon Ball Z. Even though his character was pushed aside in later arcs, his fight against Cell is still one Of The Most Celebrated Battles In The Franchise.
Many voice actors and anime professionals cite Gohan’s scream as one of the most impressive vocal performances in anime history.
DRAGON BALL Z – The Incredible Story Behind Gohan’s Scream That Almost Made His Voice Actress Faint
Table of Contents
Since its debut in 1989, Dragon Ball Z has become one of the most iconic anime series in history. With its intense battles, legendary transformations, and unforgettable characters, Akira Toriyama’s masterpiece has left a lasting mark on pop culture.
However, behind these legendary scenes lie incredible stories about the voice actors and the recording process. One of the most astonishing anecdotes is about Gohan’s scream during his transformation into Super Saiyan 2 in the Cell saga.
The Context: Gohan’s Legendary Transformation
The Cell Saga is one of Dragon Ball Z’s most beloved story arcs. It features a wiser and more reserved Goku, who gradually steps back to let his son, Gohan, take center stage. Unlike other Saiyans, Gohan has always been reluctant To Fight, yet he possesses an immense hidden power.
Everything changes when he faces Cell, a terrifying enemy who absorbs other beings to evolve. After a long tournament orchestrated by Cell, Gohan is forced into battle against the Cell Juniors, vicious creatures tormenting Goku’s friends.
But the real trigger happens when Android 16, a kind-hearted cyborg, sacrifices himself to encourage Gohan to fight. In his final words, he tells Gohan:
“It’s okay to love nature, birds, and animals… but sometimes, you have to fight to protect them.”
Right after saying this, Cell mercilessly crushes Android 16’s head, shattering Gohan’s last hope for peace.
At that moment, everything erupts and Gohan, overwhelmed by rage and grief, undergoes the legendary Super Saiyan 2 Transformation in one of the most unforgettable moments in anime history.
But what truly made this scene legendary was the incredible scream of Gohan’s transformation.
The Story: Gohan’s Scream That Pushed His Voice Actress To The Limit
In the original Japanese version of the anime, Masako Nozawa, the legendary voice actress of Goku, Gohan, and Goten, had to deliver this scream in a single take to capture the full emotional intensity of the moment.
According to various sources and interviews, the scream lasted almost 30 seconds, an insane amount of time for a voice actor. Masako Nozawa put everything she had into expressing Gohan’s explosion of power and emotion.
The result? She almost passed out in the recording studio!
The vocal strain was so intense that she felt dizzy and completely exhausted after finishing the take. The sound engineers and other voice actors had to help her recover.
Despite the difficulty, this legendary scream was kept in the final version of the anime, becoming one of the most intense moments in Dragon Ball Z.
Why Is This Scene So Important?
This transformation wasn’t just another power-up—it was a major turning point in Dragon Ball Z.
Even years later, this scene remains a reference in anime history, and Masako Nozawa’s unbelievable effort proves how physically demanding voice acting can be.
A Legacy That Lives On
Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 Transformation remains one of the most iconic moments in Dragon Ball Z. Even though his character was pushed aside in later arcs, his fight against Cell is still one Of The Most Celebrated Battles In The Franchise.
Many voice actors and anime professionals cite Gohan’s scream as one of the most impressive vocal performances in anime history.