Breaking News: Netflix's One Piece Unveils 3 Potential New Straw Hat Pirates

Warning: spoilers ahead for One Piece.

Summary

Netflix's live-action One Piece hints at three future members of Luffy's crew.

Chopper is foreshadowed as the next addition, with Luffy realizing the crew needs a doctor after Zoro is injured.

While season 2 is expected to introduce two new members of the Straw Hat crew, the arrival of another may be delayed until a later season due to the show's pacing and storyline.

Luffy is still in the early stages of recruiting his growing Straw Hat Pirates, but Netflix's live-action adaptation of One Piece is already foreshadowing the addition of three more members. Following the structure of Eiichiro Oda's original One Piece anime and manga, the East Blue saga serves as the starting point for Monkey D. Luffy's crew in the live-action series. In the first eight episodes filled with adventurous exploits at sea, Luffy is accompanied by the skilled swordsman Roronoa Zoro, the resourceful navigator and thief Nami, the deceptive marksman Usopp, and the athletic chef Sanji.

Netflix's One Piece Sets Up Chopper As The Next Straw Hat In Season 2

Chopper, the next Straw Hat to join Luffy's crew, is introduced in the original One Piece story as a reindeer who takes on the role of the ship's doctor. In Netflix's live-action TV show, his arrival is subtly hinted when Zoro sustains a serious injury during his battle with Dracule Mihawk. As Luffy becomes lost in his thoughts, Nami and Usopp recognize the urgency of finding medical assistance for their wounded comrade. Determined to help Zoro, Luffy utters the words, "We need a doctor," setting the stage for Chopper's eventual addition to the crew.

One Piece Also Teases Nico Robin & Jinbe (But When Will They Join?)

It is clear that Iñaki Godoy's character emphasizes the importance of finding a nearby doctor to assist Zoro, but the way he becomes lost in thought indicates that Luffy is contemplating the need for a permanent doctor on board the Straw Hat crew. Zoro's condition serves as a stark reminder to Luffy that venturing the Grand Line will inevitably entail more injuries to his friends, and the absence of a doctor among the crew could lead to disastrous consequences. This crucial narrative element sets the stage for Luffy's request to Chopper to join the Straw Hats as both a doctor and an emergency food source in One Piece season 2.

After Chopper, the next official member of the Straw Hat crew as per the One Piece canon is none other than Nico Robin. The upcoming Netflix adaptation also hints at her anticipated appearance. Prior to meeting Luffy, Zoro has a run-in with an agent affiliated with Baroque Works, an organization that Vice-Admiral Garp touches upon in One Piece season 1. It seems likely that Baroque Works will have a significant role in One Piece season 2, and since Nico Robin is among the group's most wanted criminals, it is highly probable that she will make her debut soon, even if she doesn't immediately join forces with Luffy. In addition to Nico Robin, the introduction of Baroque Works will also bring Vivi, an honorary member of the Straw Hats, into the unfolding narrative.

In Netflix's One Piece ending, a fish-man named Jinbe is teased as the newest canon member of the Straw Hat Pirates. Arlong mentions Jinbe as a Warlord of the Sea, adding intrigue to this mysterious character. Although no additional information is given, this nod to Jinbe serves as an anime Easter egg for devoted One Piece fans. It is worth noting, however, that Jinbe is unlikely to join Luffy's crew in the near future, unlike Chopper and Nico Robin who are hinted to appear in One Piece season 2 of the Netflix series. In fact, Jinbe's physical appearance in the show would likely occur around season 5 of the Netflix adaptation. Furthermore, it is anticipated that Jinbe become a fully-fledged crew member around chapter 1000, which would correspond to approximately season 10 or 11 in the live-action adaptation should Netflix continue with the series.

One Piece's Biggest Live-Action Challenge Is Rapidly Approaching

Neither Nico Robin nor Jinbe should present a major visual effects challenge for One Piece if either of them were to join Luffy's crew in season 2 and beyond. The adaptation of Luffy and Buggy's shape-shifting Devil Fruit powers in season 1 of the Netflix series demonstrates that Nico Robin's ability to sprout limbs in unexpected places can be realistically achieved in live-action. In the same way, season 1 of One Piece has already shown that live-action fish-men, like Arlong and his followers, are feasible. However, Chopper poses a significant obstacle - one that is quickly approaching if the talking reindeer is indeed Luffy's next recruit.

Tony Tony Chopper, as an anthropomorphic animal who displays emotions and stands on hind legs, will require a substantial improvement in One Piece's CGI. Hollywood has proven its capability to create lifelike anthropomorphic animals in live-action films such as Detective Pikachu, The Mandalorian, and Guardians of the Galaxy, seamlessly integrating these unique and charming creatures into real-world settings. The real question is whether Netflix's budget for One Piece will be sufficient to achieve the same level of authenticity and realism for Chopper. An inadequately executed, visually unappealing portrayal could not only ruin Chopper's character, but also potentially disrupt the dynamic established by the Straw Hat crew in season 1 of One Piece.

One Piece is currently streaming on Netflix.

One Piece Manga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast.