After what feels like a century of waiting, the iconic anime and manga series, One Piece, is finally getting its shot at the live-action treatment on Netflix. With an amazing run in the anime and manga worlds, it’s almost astonishing that it took this long for the swashbuckling adventures to be given a real-world twist. Since its explosive debut on July 22, 1997, in an issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump, the high-seas epic has captured the hearts of fans around the globe. Boasting over 1,000 chapters spread across 95 volumes, the manga has been a cornerstone of the anime and manga world for decades.
The live-action was revealed by Hiroyuki Nakano in July 2017, the news sent ripples of anticipation through the fandom. So, let’s take a look at what we’ve gathered about Netflix’s daring venture.
When is One Piece Live-Action Coming on Netflix?
One Piece is about to drop anchor on Netflix’s shores on August 31, 2023. So get ready to plunge headfirst into this exhilarating voyage that fans have been yearning for. It’s shaping up to be one hell of an adventure!
Netflix is also pulling out all the stops ahead of the streaming debut of One Piece. They’re rolling out fan screenings in 10 cities worldwide, kicking off in Los Angeles on August 24, then making their way to Paris on August 29. The excitement keeps rolling on August 30 with screenings in Jakarta, Tokyo, Milan, Metro Manila, followed by Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, and Bangkok on August 31. German fans won’t be left out either, with a special virtual event slated for August 31. Cosplay buffs, this is your time to shine – don your best pirate gear, as Netflix guarantees two hours of thrilling events and caps it off with the pilot episode screening.
What’s One Piece About?
One Piece is set in an alternate Earth, caught in the tumultuous throes of the Golden Age of Pirates. It’s a cutthroat world where only the mightiest pirates stand a chance at snagging the legendary ‘One Piece’, a treasure left behind by the infamous Gol D. Roger.
Enter Monkey D. Luffy, a spirited lad with dreams as big as the open sea. After chomping down on a devil fruit that morphs his body into rubbery awesomeness, Luffy sets off from Foosha Village, East Blue, on an epic journey to claim the title of Pirate King.
We’re in for a treat, as Season 1 is bringing us face to face with beloved characters like the three-sword-wielding Roronoa Zoro, Nami the reformed thief turned navigator, Usopp the budding brave-heart, and Sanji, the charming chef with an eye for the ladies.
One Piece Official Trailer
On June 18, 2023, we finally got the first trailer for the live-action series. The minute-and-a-half video gives a good view of the action and humor that the new show is about to deliver. Check it out:
One Piece Live-Action Cast
In November 2021, the cast was announced. While we’ve covered a comprehensive overview of the entire One Piece cast and characters. Let’s dive into the main ones.
We’ll see Mexican talent Iñaki Godoy taking the helm as the spirited Monkey D. Luffy, the charismatic captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. Joining him is the talented Mackenyu Arata, who’s set to bring the fearless Roronoa Zoro, the crew’s second-in-command, to life.
The vivacious Emily Rudd, recognized from Fear Street Part Two: 1978, is all set to navigate the high seas as Nami, the skilled ship’s navigator. Grey’s Anatomy‘s own Jacob Romero Gibson will be trading scalpels for sniping as he embodies the sharpshooter Usopp.
Last but not least, the dashing Taz Skylar will be turning up the heat as the charming and womanizing chef Sanji, completes the dynamic crew lineup.
Who is Making One Piece Netflix Live-Action?
At the heart of the series is Tomorrow Studios, the powerhouse behind its production. Steering the ship as the showrunner for One Piece is Steven Maeda. His impressive career includes being part of awesome shows like The X Files, Lost, Lie to Me, Helix, and Day Break.
The writing crew for One Piece includes mix of Diego Gutierrez, Matt Owens, Allison Weintraub, Ian Stokes, Lindsay Gelfand, Laura Jacqmin, Jason Cho, Damani Johnson, and Tom Hyndman all contribute their talents. And when it comes to the first episode, it’s in the capable hands of director Marc Jobst. He’s known for directing episodes of Netflix’s Daredevil, The Punisher, and The Witcher.
How Many Episodes Does One Piece Have?
The first season will have 10 episodes. We’ve got a sneak peek at the episode titles.
| Episode 1 | Romance Dawn |
| Episode 2 | An old friend of mine |
| Episode 3 | Captain of 8,000 men |
| Episode 4 | Cooks of the sea |
| Episode 5 | A frog in the well |
| Episode 6 | Arms and sharks |
| Episode 7 | Tangerine grove |
| Episode 8 | The Maw of the Shark |
| Episode 9 | The end and the beginning |
| Episode 10 | Grand Line |
One Piece Behind the Scenes
Fans were in for a treat on August 21 as Netflix released a behind-the-scenes video. The video offered a glimpse into the dedicated efforts of the cast and crew as they brought the adaptation to life.
Where is One Piece filmed?
Originally scheduled to begin filming at Cape Town Film Studios in the summer of 2020, One Piece‘s production encountered a hiatus following the January 2020 announcement because of COVID-19 outbreak. The cameras were ultimately turned back on in March 2021 and fast forward to August 2022, and filming is completed.
Should We Expect Season 2 of One Piece Netflix Live-Action Adaptation?
There is yet to be any announcement of a second season. However, things are looking up for the One Piece live adaption. Early verdicts are in, and they’re looking good. Remember those not-so-great live-action versions of Death Note and Cowboy Bebop? Well, One Piece is flipping the script with heaps of praise. What does that mean for the fans? A season 2 could be in the cards. With over 20 years of One Piece greatness, there’s a sea of stories to explore. If this debut season rocks the boat, get ready for more epic pirate tales to come.
