Exclusive: Inside the Epic Live-Action One Piece Adaptation - Unveiling the Game-Changing Alterations that Captivated Eiichiro Oda

Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for Netflix's One Piece!

Summary

Steven Maeda successfully persuaded Eiichiro Oda to implement alterations to the live-action One Piece series, which involved the early introduction of characters and the reorganization of storylines. These modifications were implemented to establish a stronger foundation for the adaptation and enhance the significance and prominence of particular characters.

Maeda and the co-showrunner made these decisions with the intention of benefiting the future of the show and setting up storylines for potential future seasons, despite some fans having reservations about the changes. Steven Maeda reveals how he successfully convinced Eiichiro Oda to allow certain alterations for the live-action adaptation of the popular manga, One Piece. This project is Netflix's third foray into the realm of anime/manga, following the controversial Death Note movie and the short-lived Cowboy Bebop series, both of which faced criticism for deviating from their source materials. In contrast, Oda's extensive involvement in the development of One Piece has proven to be advantageous, as the show has received predominantly positive reviews from both critics and audiences.

Prior to the show's premiere, Maeda exclusively spoke with Screen Rant to discuss his work on the live-action adaptation of One Piece. When asked about changes made to the original material, Maeda acknowledged that most of the changes were aimed at creating a more solid structure for the adaptation. However, he admitted that convincing Oda, the original creator, to accept some of the changes was a bit challenging. While Oda was initially hesitant about certain alterations, they were able to find a middle ground and modify the source material accordingly. One significant change involved moving certain story elements forward that originally happened in later chapters. For instance, they brought in characters like Garp, Koby, and Helmeppo earlier, and introduced a Marine pursuit of the Straw Hats from episode 2 onwards. This change was necessary to maintain a sense of high stakes and to establish an organized and formidable presence that constantly pursued Luffy. Another important change was bringing forward the appearance of Arlong, who originally appeared in the Arlong Park chapters. However, they convinced Oda to introduce Arlong earlier in the Baratie storyline, replacing Don Krieg as the primary antagonist of the first season. Overall, this change was successful and effectively served the narrative.

Editor's Note: This content was produced amidst the strikes of 2023 by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), and the highlighted show would not have come into existence without the dedication of the talented individuals from both unions.

Everything One Piece Season 1 Changed From The Manga

While Oda aimed to stay true to his source material and critics have largely praised its faithfulness, some changes were made for the live-action adaptation of One Piece. As mentioned by Maeda, certain recurring characters took on more significant roles earlier than in the original material. For instance, Vice Admiral Garp, who was introduced in chapter 92 of the manga and episode 68 of the anime, appears earlier in the live-action series. Furthermore, the fishman pirate Arlong, who made his debut in Chapter 69 of the manga and episode 31 of the anime, is now part of the Baratie arc in the live-action show. Moreover, Nami's allegiances to him are subtly hinted at rather than being a complete plot twist.

Even the initial scene of the live-action series undergoes several alterations from its source material. For instance, Garp presides over Gold Roger's execution, with the presence of Shanks, Mihawk, and Smoker. Additionally, Nami's introduction is advanced in the show compared to the anime or manga. She appears in the Shells Town arc and displays her skills as a proficient fighter against the Marines, just like Luffy. Notably, various characters and storylines, such as Jango, Kuro's hypnotist accomplice, the Usopp pirates, and the journey to the Island of Rare Animals, are omitted.

Although some of these changes may impact the immediate impact of the narrative, the decisions made by Maeda and co-showrunner Matt Owens appear to be focused on ensuring One Piece's potential for the future. Maeda previously clarified that the inclusion of Easter eggs in the series aims to set up storylines for season 2 and beyond. An example of this is when Zoro confronts Mr. 7, a member of the Baroque Works. While it may take time for these future plans to be confirmed, considering Netflix's decision-making process based on several weeks of viewership data, it is evident that Maeda and his team approach these changes with careful consideration.