Just how close is Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ show to the original manga?
Avast, anime lovers! The high seas have spoken and Netflix answered the call with the much-anticipated trailer for the live-action adaptation of One Piece! Twitterati has been abuzz, with some fans cheering and others being more reserved – it’s been a tidal wave of emotions since the trailer set sail last Saturday during Netflix’s fan event in São Paulo, Brazil.
Based on the sensation from the Land of the Rising Sun, One Piece was originally a manga by Eiichiro Oda that later conquered the waves as a wildly popular anime. The new show brings to life the adventures of Luffy, the rubber-bodied captain, and his quirky crew of the Straw Hat Pirates as they search for the mystical treasure called ‘One Piece’.
Luffy, played by the enigmatic Iñaki Godoy, takes us on board with his infectious spirit. “Ever since I was a kid, the sea has been calling. So, I’m setting out to follow my dreams. I’m gonna be king of the pirates,” he declares in the trailer. Buckle up, mateys, because the high seas adventure is about to get real! Let’s take a look at how the early critics are taking the new series.
Anchors up!
This adaptation is led by the dynamic duo Matt Owens and Steven Maeda. Besides Godoy’s Luffy, the Straw Hat Pirates feature a star-studded cast including Mackenyu as the swordsman Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as the savvy navigator Nami, Jacob Romero Gibson as the sharpshooter Usopp, and Taz Skylar stepping into the shoes of the suave Sanji.
Twitter has been a treasure trove of reactions. From fans like @PazzIguess who was over the moon seeing the cast talk about their characters to @Sxmureye who tweeted about being unexpectedly hyped for the show. It’s clear that the One Piece live-action adaptation has already made a splash!
Don’t think this venture was an overnight success. Tomorrow Studios, the maestros behind Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop adaptation, initially raised the Jolly Roger for One Piece live-action back in 2017.
Uncharted waters
One Piece first cast off as a manga in July 1997 and the anime followed suit in October 1999. Being one of the bestselling manga series ever, it’s no wonder the world has been eagerly watching the horizon for this live-action adaptation.
In this high seas saga, Luffy’s rubbery abilities make him a force to be reckoned with. Along with his diverse crew, they’ll face villainous adversaries and navigate stormy seas in their quest for the coveted treasure. Eiichiro Oda, the man who started it all, expressed in a letter to fans how the cast and crew from various countries are aflame with passion for One Piece.
What’s more, One Piece has an all-star ensemble including Vincent Regan, Ilia Isorelýs Paulino, Morgan Davies, and many more. Brought to you by Tomorrow Studios and Netflix in partnership with Shueisha, this live-action pirate spectacle is written and executive produced by Matt Owens and Steven Maeda. Eiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein, and Becky Clements are also on board as executive producers.
One Piece is scheduled to embark on its voyage on Netflix on August 31st.
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