Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, recently shared insights into the production of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of his beloved manga.
According to Oda, his demands during the production of One Piece Live-action Season 2 has lead to challenges for the show’s team.
The author admitted that he has been involved in various aspects of production, including the script and the cast. And his hands-on approach has led to show’s team, including showrunner Matt Owens and executives at Netflix and Tomorrow Studios pulling out their hair in frustration.
“But whether it’s the script or the cast, I continue to insist on this or that, which makes Matt the showrunner go ‘Aaarrgh!’ and Netflix go ‘Noooo!’ and Tomorrow Studios goes ‘Whaaaat’ as they all pull their hairs out,” Oda commented.
Despite these challenges, Oda expressed appreciation for the team’s dedication to staying true to his vision.
He further highlighted that the team has made a verbal pledge not to release the show until he is completely satisfied with it. This commitment was made despite it not being part of the official contract, which Oda appreciated.
“Just as with last season, they’ve gone out of their way to promise that they won’t put the show out until I’m satisfied. This isn’t in the contract, you know. It’s a verbal pledge.
I hope you can appreciate how amazing and determined they are for keeping their word. And they’ve certainly proven their ability to bring this world to the screen. I just can’t wait to see it!“
The first season of the live-action adaptation was marked by close collaboration between Oda and the production team. As they prepare for future seasons, Oda meticulous involvement should leave long time fans of the franchise relieved.
Oda’s message to fans also revealed that new cast members for season 2, including Vivi and Chopper, will be announced starting from Aug 21, 2024.
Cast members who have joined season 2 till now includes:
- David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3
- Jazzara Jaslyn as Miss Valentine
- Camrus Johnson as Mr. 5
- Daniel Lasker as Mr. 9
- Clive Russel as Crocus
- Werner Coetser as Dorry
- Brendan Murray as Brogy
- Callum Kerr as Smoker
- Julia Rehwald as Tashigi
- Rob Colletti as Wapol
- Ty Keogh as Dalton
Additionally, Joe Tracz has also joined the team as the new writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Matt Owens.
One Piece Live-Action Season 2 is set to air in 2025.
Season 1 of the series premiered in Netflix on Aug 31, 2023.
Netflix is exclusively streaming the series, produced by Tomorrow Studios, a partnership between producer Marty Adelstein and ITV Studios.
The first season of the series was the most watched title on Netflix in the second half of 2023.
Source: One Piece Staff on X