Dragon Ball Daima has become the subject of a censorship controversy in France after viewers noticed that Mr. Popo had disappeared from the anime’s television broadcast, even though his dialogue could still be heard. The changes were spotted when the series premiered on French television channel Gulli on November 4, 2026.
According to French publication Journal du Geek, scenes featuring the character were either removed or reframed to keep him out of view. Some shots were zoomed in or altered, while his voice remained audible in certain conversations. Viewers also reported similar edits in the second episode, making the omission difficult to miss.
The unusual treatment quickly attracted attention on social media, where fans questioned why the character’s appearance had been removed without cutting his dialogue.
Why Mr. Popo Has Become a Controversial Dragon Ball Character
Mr. Popo has been part of the Dragon Ball franchise for decades as the attendant of Earth’s Guardian, first Kami and later Dende. However, his appearance has attracted criticism because some viewers consider his dark skin, exaggerated facial features, and red lips reminiscent of racist caricatures.
The character’s design has also been defended by fans who interpret it through religious and mythological imagery, including comparisons with Mahakala. However, that interpretation does not establish an officially confirmed explanation for Akira Toriyama’s design.
This is not the first time the franchise has altered Mr. Popo’s appearance for an international broadcast. During the American television airing of Dragon Ball Z Kai in 2010, the character was recolored blue. More recently, Germany’s Toggo Plus reportedly removed him from its Dragon Ball Daima broadcast in August 2026. GamePro also reported that the German version retained his dialogue despite hiding him visually.
French Broadcast Removes Mr. Popo Despite His Role in Daima’s Story
The French edits are particularly notable because Dragon Ball Daima explores aspects of Mr. Popo’s background through its journey into the Demon Realm. The character’s origins receive additional attention during the series, making his removal a noticeable change for viewers watching the television version.
Neither Gulli nor Toei Animation Europe has publicly explained who ordered the edits or provided an official reason for the decision. However, the similar treatment in Germany has raised questions about whether the changes were coordinated by the anime’s European distributor rather than made independently by individual broadcasters.
Fans who want to watch the original version do not necessarily have to rely on the edited television broadcast. All 20 episodes of Dragon Ball Daima are available in France through streaming services including Crunchyroll and Netflix.
For now, the reason behind Mr. Popo’s removal remains unclear, but the French broadcast has added another chapter to the long-running debate surrounding the character’s design and its presentation to international audiences.
