Raimonds Lauzums
July 19, 2023
Netflix's One Piece Live Action Series | Trailer Overview | FAQs
Get insights on the cast, episode length, language options, and what to expect from this exciting Netflix series! Premiere date: August 31, 2023!
>By: Jose D. Pernalete
One Piece is one of the longest-running and most, and arguably the most successful manga series of all time. Spanning over 20 years at a near constant rate, both the manga and the anime adaptation have been in the top 10 in the popularity charts every year.
Even right now a lot is going on in the series, the anime getting near the heavily awaited 'Gear 5' episode, and the manga diving into some of the most complex moments we’ve seen in the story. But, there’s something else going on for One Piece fans that could represent a before and after moment for the series.
This upcoming event has many fans of the series nervously worried, and others incredibly excited. We are talking of course about the Netflix live-action adaptation of One Piece.
We are well aware of the reasons for concern regarding the arrival of this live-action adaptation. So lets engage in a discussion surrounding the primary concerns and frequently asked questions about this highly anticipated live-action rendition.
Is Netflix's One Piece Live Action adaptation a Movie or a Series?
This One Piece live-action adaptation is a series and not a movie. They hope to cover at least the East Blue saga in the first season, even though it’s supposed to be composed of just about ten episodes.
One thing we do have to mention here is that it is one of the biggest budgets Netflix’s ever given per episode for any of their productions. It is is one of the most expensive shows ever made, at around $18 million per episode. Of course, it is still lower than shows like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power at around $58 million per episode. But it is still more than the $100 million or so spent on the anime (including all 14 movies), over the last 20+ years.
Who is the Cast in Netflix's One Piece Live-Action Series?
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Luffy (Iñaki Godoy)
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Zoro (Mackenyu)
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Nami (Emily Rudd)
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Usopp (Jacob Romero)
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Sanji (Taz Skylar)
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Shanks (Peter Gadiot)
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Buggy (Jeff Ward)
After a prolonged period without significant updates on the show, apart from leaked set pieces and alleged screenshots, Netflix has finally unveiled a complete trailer for their live-action adaptation of One Piece.
This marks the first occasion where we were able to witness the cast in character. However, it should be noted that only the initial members of the crew were showcased, as the first season is reportedly focused solely on the East Blue saga.
Of course, as this was the first actual trailer, the main focus was put on the Straw Hat crew. There were some changes from the anime / manga regarding their clothing (nothing too major), removing Usopp’s iconic big nose as well as Sanji’s curly eyebrow.
How Long Will Netflix's One Piece Live-Action Series Be?
This is a very valid concern for anyone whose ever heard of One Piece, as the series is famously long. Adapting such a series episode by episode would be impossible in a live-action scenario, thus the Netflix show will need to make some changes.
As of now, Netflix has only ordered the production of one season of 10 episodes, and we can assume the episodes will be an hour long. With that in mind, we know that the first season will cover the entirety of the East Blue Saga, and even in the trailer, we can see that they’ve already taken some liberties with the order of the events and character appearances.
Will Netflix's One Piece Live-Action Series Be In Japanese?
Because One Piece is a Japanese anime, most fans enjoy watching it in its original language and using subtitles as needed. With that being said, the live-action series is a production created in North America, and the show will be entirely produced in English as the main language.
However, there is good news for the fans: it has been officially confirmed that the show will have a Japanese dub featuring the original One Piece anime cast. So you'll be able to hear the familiar voice of Luffy, even when portrayed by Iñaki in this live adaptation. Additionally, we also know that the show will be dubbed with the anime voices for the most part in Spanish.
What to Expect from Netflix's One Piece Live-Action Series?
One Piece fans have good reason to both look forward to and temper their expectations for Netflix's upcoming live-action adaptation. Netflix's track record with anime adaptations has been uneven at best, as seen with the ill-fated live-action versions of Death Note and Cowboy Bebop that failed to capture the magic of the original stories.
However, every adaptation is different and there are promising signs for this version of One Piece. The involvement of series creator Eiichiro Oda gives hope that the adaptation will remain faithful to the story and characters he created. Oda's direct involvement can provide guidance to represent his work faithfully on screen.
The One Piece adaptation also has a sizable budget, allowing for impressive visual effects, production design, and creating the vast world of the Grand Line. Combined with a talented cast of actors who will bring cherished characters to life, the series has the ingredients for a successful transition to live action.
The passion and dedication of the writing team also bodes well. When creators genuinely care about honoring the original work, there's a better chance the adaptation will capture its heart and soul. If the writers can deliver a faithful and captivating plot, fans may finally get a satisfying live-action version of One Piece.
While nothing is certain, the fundamentals are there for a good adaptation. Fans should feel optimistic but withhold judgment until it premieres. Judge the show on its own merits, appreciating the efforts to bring this beloved story to life. Enthusiasts have an important date to remember: August 31, 2023. That's when the highly-anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved series will finally make its debut on Netflix.
Regardless of the final product, the journey itself could still bring joy if fans approach it with balance. There will be highs and lows, but the heart and spirit that fans love will undoubtedly shine through. So get ready to embark on an adventure full of laughter, tears, and the indomitable spirit of One Piece, coming soon to Netflix!
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