How would you go about adapting Dragon Ball?
Sagas adapted? Cast? Director?
By not making it.
It was adapter perfectly already, the filler screaming only added to the intensity.
To a movie, I'm assuming?
Trilogy of movies. King Piccolo Saga, Saiyan Saga, Frieza Saga. Adding elements from other sagas to keep it consistent with the show.
Try to be as faithful to the anime as possible. Age Goku up to be a bit more relatable in the Piccolo Saga, but no highschool bullshit. Maybe make him 17 or 18.
Puppetry and effects from the Jim Henson Creature Shop. Think a more modern looking Dark Crystal in terms of visuals with brighter colors.
Really attempt to replicate the feeling of Dragon Ball in live action. Keep the setting and tone as close to the original as possible.
Title them:
Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball: The Frieza Saga
Maybe tease the cell saga at the end of the third movie as some fan service, but never follow up on it. I think a trilogy ending with Frieza would work the best structurally