For years, fans have debated whether Gohan should have remained the main character after the Cell Games. It’s a tempting what-if—the quiet scholar with hidden rage stepping into his father’s shoes to defend the Earth. And let’s be honest: the moment he snapped and unleashed Super Saiyan 2 was the most iconic transformation in the series for many of us. It felt like a passing of the torch.

But that torch? It was fumbled.

Was It Ever the Plan?

Some fans believe Toriyama originally intended for Gohan to replace Goku as the lead. And while that’s never been 100% confirmed, the writing in the Cell Saga certainly feels like a setup. Goku dies, says goodbye, and entrusts Earth to Gohan. That’s not a small gesture—that’s narrative weight. Then came the Buu Saga.

The High School Sidestep

Now, I don’t think Gohan was outright mishandled in the Buu arc, but if the goal was to make him the central protagonist, they missed some key beats. The Great Saiyaman phase, while funny and lighthearted, deflated the momentum Gohan built during the Cell Games.

• He wasn’t training seriously
• He was juggling high school life and superhero antics
• His role in the early Buu Saga battles felt more passive than pivotal

It felt like we were watching a supporting character get too much screen time rather than a lead stepping into greatness.

Ultimate Gohan: The Last Hope That Wasn’t

Then came Ultimate Gohan. This was the payoff. No Super Saiyan needed. A transformation powered purely by potential. For a moment, it seemed like the series was back on track—Gohan was stronger than ever, ready to end things without needing fusion or backup. And then he lost. Just like that, the buildup unraveled. It was shocking, not because Gohan lost, but because it felt like the story gave up on him right when he was standing tall. After that, Goku returned, powered up, and closed the arc himself.

Gohan in Dragon Ball Super

Even in Super, we see flashes of what Gohan could be. A few days of training, and he goes toe-to-toe with Goku in Super Saiyan Blue. That’s not just nostalgia. That’s power. That’s potential. But again, he’s treated like a powerful ally, not the lead. Had Gohan stayed the main character?

• The story might have focused more on intellect and strategy
• We may have seen more emotional development than power scaling
• And most of all, we might have had a protagonist who wasn’t obsessed with fighting, but fought because he had to

Why It Still Matters

Gohan represents something different in Dragon Ball: restraint, kindness, and potential that isn’t tied to obsession. His arc touches on something that Goku never really faces—the idea of stepping away from fighting, and choosing a different kind of strength. And that’s why fans still ask this question. Even though Goku came back and took the spotlight, there was a real chance for Gohan to lead. And honestly? That story would have been worth watching. Until Next Time.