Anticipating the Revamped One Piece Anime: 10 Thrilling Additions from Netflix and Wit Studio

The announcement of Netflix and Wit Studio's upcoming remake of the One Piece anime, dubbed The One Piece, has stirred up a mix of anticipation and unease among fans. The decision to retell the epic journey of the Straw Hats came as a surprise to many, but it is seen as a fitting way to honor the anime's 25th anniversary.

While Wit Studio has a successful history with series like Spy x Family and Attack on Titan, there is widespread concern about the production of the anime, particularly the reported use of AI, which has been met with skepticism by some.

One Piece remake to feature a new animation team, a whole new style, and more

The upcoming adaptation of One Piece marks a historic moment as the first anime to receive a second adaptation while the original series is still ongoing. This new version is set to bring a fresh twist to the beloved tale, and fans are eagerly anticipating the changes. Although specific details are currently scarce, here are ten exciting aspects to anticipate.

1) Better animation

From The One Piece announcement video (Image via Wit Studio/Netflix/Shueisha)

Netflix and WIT Studio's upcoming remake of One Piece is set to feature a significant upgrade in animation quality compared to the original series by Toei, which first adapted the manga nearly 25 years ago. Thanks to technological advancements, viewers can expect a noticeable improvement in the visual appeal of the new episodes compared to the older ones, which have become less enjoyable to watch due to their outdated animation. However, as animation continues to improve, there's a possibility that the overall viewing experience may suffer.

One Piece pledges to deliver improved fight sequences, as demonstrated by WIT Studio's skill in executing intense and impactful scenes. The previous fight scenes leading up to Luffy's battle against Katakuri and the Wano arc are now viewed as lacking, making this enhancement a welcome change. Nonetheless, there are serious concerns about the studio's potential use of AI for animation, given their past use of this technology.

2) Seasonal releases

Zoro and Franky from the iconic One Piece anime (Image via Toei)

The drop in the standard of Toei Animation's One Piece can be credited to its weekly airing schedule. The never-ending workload puts tremendous pressure on the animators, often leading to a compromise in the animation quality in order to meet deadlines. In contrast, the remake by Netflix and WIT Studio has a more specific focus for now: to reimagine the East Blue Saga.

This remake is expected to follow a seasonal release pattern. If this approach proves successful, it would be beneficial for both the creators and the viewers. Firstly, it would facilitate better planning and execution of the narrative for future installments. Secondly, it would provide much-needed respite to the animators, allowing them to deliver higher-quality animation.

3) Compact episodes

Jinbe as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei)

With a seasonal release schedule, particularly when the manga has already progressed beyond 1100 chapters, there is no longer a concern for the creators to maintain a significant gap between the manga and anime. The original anime has frequently struggled with the constant fear of catching up too quickly with the manga and then facing a shortage of source material to adapt.

Anime viewers are often frustrated by the practice of stretching a small portion of the manga to fill an entire episode, leading to drawn-out and tedious fight scenes. This issue can be resolved with the seasonal release format, providing a more enhanced viewing experience. For example, less than one chapter may be adapted for an episode that lasts more than twenty minutes, interrupting the pacing of fight scenes with the reactions of every character present.

4) No fillers

Usopp in the G-8 arc as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei)

Toei Animation’s One Piece is renowned for its minimal filler episodes, with fans universally praising their quality. The G-8 arc, a filler arc that occurs directly after the Straw Hats’ return from Skypiea, is especially adored.

Nevertheless, not all viewers eagerly anticipate these fillers and recap episodes, opting instead to concentrate on the main plot. Ultimately, whether one elects to watch these non-canon episodes is a matter of personal preference, but it is important to acknowledge that the additional content can occasionally be aggravating for fans.

The idea of a more efficient series is certainly attractive to many. With the Straw Hats’ journey being so lengthy and still ongoing in the manga, a condensed series would be ideal.

5) New Voice Actors

The One Piece anime features Sanji, a character voiced by the talented Mayumi Tanaka, who has been voicing the character Luffy since the anime’s inception.

The remaining members of the Straw Hat Pirates are voiced by Kazuya Nakai (Zoro), Akemi Okamura (Nami), Yuriko Yamaguchi (Robin), Hirata Hiroaki (Sanji), Kazuki Yao (Franky), Ikue Ootani (Chopper), Kappei Yamaguchi (Usopp), Cho (Brook), and Katsuaki Hoki (Jinbe). It is possible that The One Piece could bring in new voice actors, offering viewers a fresh and hopefully satisfying experience.

6) Correction of inconsistencies

Shanks as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei)

The One Piece series has transformed into a sprawling adventure, originally intended to be much shorter. Oda has continually added new elements to the plot, resulting in occasional inconsistencies and abrupt transformations in key character personalities, like Robin and Trafalgar Law. To create a more coherent narrative, certain aspects, such as the most powerful Devil Fruit and the lack of widespread knowledge about Haki, could be rectified.

7) A fresh soundtrack

Brook as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei)

Toei Animation has consistently excelled in producing high-quality soundtracks for the One Piece anime, including iconic themes like Binks’ Sake. With Netflix and Wit Studio taking on the task of remaking the series, they will likely create new music to meet the high standards set by the original scores.

8) Better character designs

Nami as seen in the anime (Image via Toei)

Oda has faced criticism for his limited portrayal of female characters in his drawings, often depicting them as either young and attractive or old and unappealing. The younger female characters lack diversity and often resemble Nami.

However, the new anime adaptation presents an opportunity for the production team to introduce greater diversity and variation in the character designs.

9) Less fan service

Robin as seen in the anime (Image via Toei)

Many in the anime community have voiced their displeasure with the excessive fan service in One Piece, particularly due to Oda's exaggerated portrayal of female characters. Oda's original art style was quite different, and a potential series remake could address these concerns by toning down these elements and portraying characters like Sanji in a more appropriate manner.

10) Characterizing Luffy better

Luffy as seen in the anime (Image via Toei)

Shonen manga readers often complain about the lack of depth in main characters. Even One Piece fans have expressed disappointment in Luffy's character development. Despite some growth, Luffy remains one-dimensional, focused on fighting, eating, and sleeping. However, with WIT Studio and Netflix planning to deviate from the original in their remake, there is hope for a more well-rounded protagonist. If they can improve the protagonist, it could be a win-win for both creators and the audience.

The remake offers a chance to update the story, potentially attracting a younger audience. In addition, with Toei's faithful adaptation of the series, Netflix and Wit Studio's unfaithful adaptation may be exactly what is necessary in today's world.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am both excited and skeptical about the upcoming One Piece anime remake by Netflix and Wit Studio. On the one hand, I am thrilled about the prospect of seeing my favorite manga series brought to life with improved animation and a more faithful portrayal of the characters. The promise of seasonal releases and concise episodes also addresses some of the pacing issues that have plagued the original anime.

On the other hand, I am concerned about the use of AI in the animation process. While AI has the potential to revolutionize the anime industry, I worry that it could lead to a loss of the unique artistic style and charm that make One Piece so special. I also hope that Netflix and Wit Studio will remain true to the original story and characters, and not make any drastic changes that alienate long-time fans. Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about this remake and will eagerly await more information and trailers to see if my concerns are alleviated.