Netflix’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the immensely popular anime and manga series, One Piece, is finally setting sail. Collaborating with Tomorrow Studios, Netflix has enlisted the expertise of Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the One Piece manga, who serves as an executive producer for the project. This exciting announcement was initially made in July 2017 by Hiroyuki Nakano, the editor-in-chief of Weekly Shōnen Jump, in honor of the manga’s 20th anniversary. After six years of anticipation, fans can mark their calendars for the release date of August 31, 2023.
Ahead of Netflix’s Global Fan Event, Tudum, I had the chance to catch a glimpse of the long-awaited trailer and speak with some of the major players in the series.
The trailer for One Piece successfully captures the essence of the source material and showcases the beloved Straw Hat Crew. The first season will cover the “East Blue” arc, the first significant storyline from both the manga and anime. This choice ensures that fans will get to relive the iconic moments and journey of the crew from their humble beginnings. The trailer gives each of the crewmembers a moment to shine from Nami’s boa staff skills to Zoro’s three-sword style, and, of course, Luffy’s gum-gum rocket! The nautical world is brought to life with dazzlingly detailed ships (the Going Merry definitely looks seaworthy!) and exceptional costume work. Not to mention they somehow made the familiar foe, Buggy the clown, even more menacing. Clown makeup never looked so scary. Altogether it perfectly encapsulates the fun and adventurous spirit that has endeared millions of fans to the series worldwide.
Iñaki Godoy, who brings the spirited Monkey D. Luffy to life, shared his deep admiration for the One Piece series, having immersed himself in the anime after filming the first season (he’s on episode “400 something”!). He highlighted the transformative impact playing Luffy has had on him saying, “He pushes me to have fun and to enjoy myself.” Godoy continued, “As I got older it sometimes became harder to have fun. The pressure can get to you and make you think, ‘I will not do good’, insecurities, etc. But then this character Luffy comes into my life. He reminded me why I wanted to act in the first place. It’s because I love it and it brings me joy. Playing Luffy really inspired me and it really made me be a better version of myself. Every time I play Luffy it makes me smile.”
When asked if he has a straw hat from the show Godoy said, “Oh, man! I do have some straw hats, but not from the show. Maybe I should have taken one from the set. Unlike Luffy, I am a little bit afraid of stealing stuff”.
Emily Rudd, who portrays Nami, expressed her enthusiasm for playing the role and her connection to the character’s determination and strong personality. “There’s something about playing a girl that has, or appears to have, all her shit together” Rudd added. “She has such a fun energy. The dynamic is incredible, not just in the anime and manga, but with these guys [the cast]. It was so easy and effortless and I feel like that’s how I feel about playing Nami. I’m like ‘Of course!’ It’s the first role I’ve ever felt like I was truly made to play.”
Mackenyu shares a similar love for his character Roronoa Zoro, sharing, “I play the green-haired, three-sword guy, who holds one in his mouth. Easy. Simple. I love him. Been one of my favorites since I was a kid.”
Preparing for these beloved roles was no easy feat. Taz Skylar, portraying Sanji, shared his experience while filming, and how his dedication to the role as the crew’s chef had a rigorous training regimen. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It started with an hour a day [of training], we then did two, then went up to three, then we needed an extra trainer. We had a full kitchen on the production lot and they brought a chef in that I would rehearse dishes, plating, cooking skills, and knife skills,” Skyler said. “We’d cook huge batches of food and take it to everybody while wearing the chef outfit. Every single one of the fights is mine. That was one of my goals going into this, it was great.”
Skylar also highlighted Sanji’s romantic nature and his deep care for the people and things he values. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with his castmates and develop genuine bonds while bringing this multifaceted character to life.
The Straw Hat Crew’s notable sniper Usopp, played by Jacob Gibson, shared his insight on the character’s motivation. “He’s a storyteller, some would call him a liar. He uses stories to bring laughter to people. He’s on a mission to find bravery and I think that’s something I know a lot about. He is maybe the least fighting equipped of the crew, but he’s the best dancer,” Gibson said.
The entire cast shared their excitement and gratitude for being part of the live-action adaptation of One Piece and emphasized their commitment to staying true to the original source material while infusing their unique interpretations into their performances.
As the release date approaches, fans around the world eagerly await the opportunity to embark on a new adventure with their favorite pirates. With the combined efforts of the cast, Netflix, Tomorrow Studios, and the creative vision of Eiichiro Oda, viewers can expect an exciting and faithful adaptation that captures the high seas spirit of the beloved series.
ABOUT ONE PIECE:
Based on Japan’s highest-selling manga series in history by Eiichiro Oda, ONE PIECE is a legendary high-seas adventure unlike any other. Monkey D. Luffy is a young adventurer who has longed for a life of freedom since he can remember. Luffy sets off from his small village on a perilous journey to find the legendary fabled treasure, ONE PIECE, to become King of the Pirates! But in order to find the ultimate prize, Luffy will need to assemble the crew he’s always wanted before finding a ship to sail, searching every inch of the vast blue seas, outpacing the Marines, and outwitting dangerous rivals at every turn.
Starring Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji, ONE PIECE is a live action pirate adventure created in partnership with Shueisha and produced by Tomorrow Studios and Netflix. Matt Owens and Steven Maeda are writers, executive producers, and showrunners. Eiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein, and Becky Clements also executive produce. Previously announced cast includes Vincent Regan, Ilia Isorelýs Paulino, Morgan Davies, Aidan Scott, Langley Kirkwood, Jeff Ward, Celeste Loots, Alexander Maniatis, McKinley Belcher III, Craig Fairbrass, Steven Ward, and Chioma Umeala. Additional cast to be announced.
Noah Reed is a reviewer, host of the A Bite Of podcast with his husband, and an avid horror fan. His day job is as a marketing coordinator for public libraries in NY.
