The prospect of Cell appearing in the upcoming movie Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero has been the subject of fan speculation for some time now. Ever since it was confirmed that the Red Ribbon Army would be playing a major role in the film’s proceedings, the notion that the iconic insectoid villain could return has been an undercurrent running through discussion of the movie.
This theory was compounded by the confirmation that Son Gohan, Cell’s personal nemesis, will be Super Hero's protagonist, as well as the producers teasing the appearance of an as-of-yet unseen character.
Things got even more suspicious when a double-page spread in V-Jump showcasing new Dragon Ball Heroes cards that tie in to the film included an in-game screenshot of Gohan fighting Cell. While none of these provide a definitive confirmation of Cell appearing in Super Hero, they were enough to stoke the flames of speculation leading up to the movie.
And now, courtesy of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero's newest trailer, the chances of the vermillion villain rearing his head have increased yet again. This trailer ends on a shot of the Red Ribbon Army's new lead scientist, Dr. Hedo, panicking as a mysterious machine activates.
The scene is accompanied by the caption ''The Birth of the Ultimate Evil''. Super Hero’s official plot summary confirms the presence of an ''ultimate evil weapon'' in the Red Ribbon base, with Gohan specifically lured there by the villainous militia for unknown reasons.
If nothing else, this newest trailer seemingly confirms that the yet-unseen character is a villain, which narrows down the possibilities considerably -- with Cell by far the most likely candidate. The film already heavily features Red Ribbon androids Gamma #1 and #2, created by Hedo, the successor of Cell’s creator Dr. Gero.
As such, it’s highly probable the ''ultimate evil'' the machine in question houses is another android -- one that Hedo is unable to control, given his panic. A design of his predecessor would fit the bill for this, with Cell being the most viable contender.
Cell’s presence would also justify the trap set for Gohan. As is, the Red Ribbon Army has little motive to take down Gohan -- it was Goku who thwarted them in the original Dragon Ball -- and if they wanted revenge for Gero’s death, then Android 17 would be the target as Gero’s killer.
Gohan’s only real connection to the Red Ribbon Army is through Cell, given he's the one who ultimately killed the villain. As such, the arthropodic antagonist might be the one truly pulling the strings, given he more than any other character has the motivation to get revenge on Goku’s first son.
Given how the Gammas are targeting those closest to Gohan, such as Pan and Piccolo, it’s clear that whatever the Red Ribbon Army’s scheme is, it’s personally targeted at Gohan. Whether or not Cell himself is involved, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is sure to facilitate some major development for Gohan and put him through his toughest battle since the Cell Games.
