September 15, 2023

Netflix’s One Piece Renewed For Second Season

Peter Paltridge anime, Eiichiro Oda, Netflix, One Piece 18

Before we begin, everyone, a bit of an apology. For months I’ve been snarking about the impending existence of a live-action One Piece show, insisting such a thing could never work. Then the first season came out two weeks ago, I watched it, and…..I liked it?

But in my defense, what was I supposed to think coming in? Netflix’s track record with adapting anime into real-people shows is abysmal. They flubbed on Cowboy Bebop, which is a much more grounded concept than One Piece, so how could they possibly get One Piece right? ….Well, somehow, they DID, and I think it has a lot to do with creator Eiichiro Oda playing a personal role in the show’s development.

Netflix has officially ordered a second season of their version of One Piece, and Oda himself delivered the news via transponder snail in the video below. Oda oversaw the scripts, the sets, and the casting. The guy he hired to play Luffy, Iñaki Godoy, really does feel like Luffy, and Emily Rudd makes for a spot-on Nami. Usopp feels a bit off, but I can live with it. The greatest challenges, though, may be yet to come. The first five pirates have joined the Straw Hat crew, and next in line would be…a talking reindeer who can change his shape and is a skilled doctor. How on Earth can they pull off Chopper?

Before they tackle that problem, though, they have to get everything else in order. Oda mentions it will “still take awhile to get the scripts ready,” even though most are outlined, and then there’s the fact that no one can show up on set due to the Hollywood strike. Becky Clements, president of Tomorrow Studios (the production company that handles the show), says “somewhere between a year and 18 months, we could be ready for air,” but that sounds pretty darn optimistic.

All eight episodes of Netflix’s One Piece Season One are viewable now on the service, and…I actually recommend you watch them. Who woulda guessed?

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anime-icon Sep 16, 2023 #1

I've been burnt by live-action anime before, but Netflix's One Piece got me invested. I can't wait to see how they handle the next challenges. !I was ready to be disappointed, but Netflix's One Piece pleasantly surprised me. The changes make it fresh, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next season. Time to binge-watch Season One again!

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Tom23 Sep 16, 2023 #2

"I absolutely love the One Piece live action, and there are so many reasons why! Firstly, it respects the source material in a way that many adaptations simply refuse to do. Take a look at Dragon Ball Evolution; it completely disrespected Goku's character by changing him into a Caucasian teenager who gets bullied in high school – it's downright unwatchable.And those Resident Evil movies? They introduced this self-insert fanfiction character as the lead instead of sticking with the original heroes from the games. It's frustrating! But with One Piece, they didn't add any new, cringy characters. They stayed true to the important ones and cast actors who not only look like the characters but also fit their ethnicity descriptions.This adaptation is seriously one of the best I've ever watched. And the best part? It's enjoyable even for people who aren't fans of the anime. They've made it accessible without alienating us hardcore fans. Iñaki Godoy as Luffy? Absolute perfection! They've got it spot on

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Mai Sep 16, 2023 #3

I really appreciate how Oda played a significant role in this project, overseeing everything from the script to the casting. It's why people's reactions to the show range from being tolerance to downright obsessed in a positive way. I consider it one of the finest adaptations I've ever witnessed.

And when it comes to the cast, their dynamic is remarkable. They've developed such a strong bond that they've become genuine friends outside of the show. This camaraderie both on and off-screen truly shines, highlighting the dedication and talent of the team behind this adaptation.

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FeroNeno Sep 16, 2023 #4

I really love how they've brought the characters to life in a realistic way without resorting to crazy, cheap cosplays. It's impressive because in Japanese productions, they might exaggerate features like Usopp's long nose, and in other Hollywood showrunners who are not fans, they could totally change the characters. But this adaptation strikes a great balance, keeping it visually appealing and faithful to the source material.P

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Seb Sep 16, 2023 #5

I'm kinda bummed about some missing characters, like Johnny and Yosaku. They brought some laughs to the original story.

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Sherman Sep 16, 2023 #6

Being a big fan of the show Imperfects, Iñaki Godoy's performance was truly impressive. It was disheartening when Netflix canceled the show. However, I'm overjoyed that he's been given a second chance, and this time his show successfully made it past the first season! Season 2 is on the horizon, and I'm eagerly looking forward to witnessing more of Iñaki's talent in action. Exciting times ahead!

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Paco1 Sep 16, 2023 #7

I hope Nico Robin maintains her captivating allure in season 2. It's frustrating to see female characters being de-sexualized in live-action adaptations just to appease feminists. Let's hope for a faithful and appealing portrayal in the upcoming season!

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PADAM PADAM Sep 16, 2023 #8

Curious about how they'll adapt Tony Chopper in Season 2 without making him seem out of place. His anthropomorphic reindeer form presents a unique challenge for live-action. It'll be interesting to see how they tackle this character in the upcoming season.

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JeffraGray Sep 16, 2023 #9

Netflix skipped minor characters, like Johnny, Yosaku, and Gaimon because they kinda felt unimportant also its impossible to adapt 1000 episodes

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