Exclusive Insights: Unveiling the Genius Behind One Piece's Manga Adaptation Through Director Marc Jobst's Epic Journey!

Summary

Netflix's live-action One Piece adaptation brings Eiichiro Oda's iconic franchise to a new medium with a joyous adventure and epic scale set pieces.

Director Marc Jobst emphasizes the significance of collaborating closely with Oda for the adaptation and identifying the ideal cast for the show. The casting procedure included selecting actors who possess a heartfelt presence, genuine warmth, and strong chemistry, as well as the physicality required for handling the action sequences. Lead actor Kiki particularly stood out for impeccably embodying Luffy's optimistic nature.

Embark on an exciting new journey as Eiichiro Oda's beloved franchise, One Piece, sets sail in a live-action adaptation on Netflix. Join Monkey D. Luffy, a pirate with big dreams, as he is accompanied by the skilled swordsman Zoro, the clever thief Nami, the lively sniper Usopp, and the talented chef and fighter Sanji. Together, they travel to the Grand Line in search of the fabled treasure known as the One Piece, with hopes of becoming the next King of the Pirates.

Led by the talented Iñaki Godoy, the ensemble cast of One Piece includes Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero Gibson, Taz Skylar, Vincent Regan, and Morgan Davies. With Oda's involvement, Netflix has finally found success in adapting anime to a live-action format, delivering an exhilarating adventure, compelling character development, and breathtaking spectacles.

Marc Jobst Breaks Down Netflix's One Piece

Screen Rant: I'm very excited to talk with you. You are a TV legend and have been a part of some of my favorite shows, especially Hannibal, I adore that show still to this day.

Marc Jobst: Wow, what an amazing show! It's incredible to see One Piece on network television, specifically NBC!

The ride that One Piece takes you on is filled with energy and pure joy. I'm curious, how did they approach you to join the team, and what aspect of the project really ignited your interest to become a part of it?

I have enjoyed a long and productive partnership with Netflix for many years. In the early stages, when they only had House of Cards and Daredevil, I had the opportunity to work on Daredevil and explore some truly innovative ideas. Despite the craziness of the single-shot stairwell sequence we shot, Netflix fully supported our vision and encouraged us to experiment. After Daredevil, I went on to direct Luke Cage and The Punisher, and then joined the team to bring The Witcher to life.

When the opportunity to work on One Piece arose, Netflix was intrigued to see my approach. As I read the scripts, I was struck by their completeness and their ability to capture the joyful and optimistic spirit of the manga. At the time, I was receiving scripts with apocalyptic themes, reflecting a dark world. So, encountering an IP that radiated sunshine and positivity was exactly what we needed. I knew I had to take on the challenge.

Of course, it had an abundance of drama, which is ingrained in my background as a theater director for numerous years, and subsequently, working on highly intense human dramas in both the UK and Europe. Furthermore, the action presented itself distinctively compared to the typical Marvel action or the action we had previously shot on The Witcher. This aspect was incredibly invigorating for me as I pondered, "How can we push the boundaries of action to encompass a slightly different, somewhat more One Piece-like essence? What will set it apart and unequivocally identify it as One Piece?"

I love how the action seamlessly blends the fantastical elements of its world with intense, hand-to-hand combat. Did you have prior knowledge of the manga or anime before being approached for the show, or did you immerse yourself in them once the opportunity arose?

Marc Jobst: I fully immersed myself, man. Once you read those scripts and realize it's going to be a live-action adaptation, you go back to the manga and witness the mind-blowing events depicted there. Then you look at the anime and think, "Wow, it's even crazier!" However, we had to figure out how to translate that level of insanity into live-action, where our physical abilities are inherently constrained. The characters possess superhuman skills, but it's a challenge to accurately portray the 2D world in human proportions.

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So, it seemed to me that Steve Maeda, the showrunner, and Matt Owens, the co-showrunner, did an excellent job in grounding the show in something relatable. Our main goal was to create something distinct from the manga and the anime. We wanted to offer fans of One Piece a variety of options to enjoy. We didn't want to take over, but rather coexist and complement the existing material. We faced the challenge of bringing dimension to characters originally depicted as two-dimensional. This required exceptional writing and careful casting to find actors who are warmhearted, open-hearted, believable, and lovable.

Speaking of casting, how involved are you in the process as a director for a show like this? Of course, the creators may already have someone specific in mind.

Marc Jobst emphasizes the importance of his theater background when shooting action shows, as it allows him to bring a sense of realism to two-dimensional characters. His collaboration with Marvel has been successful due to their shared focus on casting. This led to the decision to cast a global ensemble, resulting in the evaluation of thousands of actors. The aim was to find performers with heart, warmth, and potential chemistry, as creating a connection with the audience is crucial for the success of One Piece. Marc Jobst also reveals his approach of granting actors ample audition time, engaging in extensive scene work lasting between 20 to 30 minutes.

Then, in addition to that, I desired physical actors who not only possessed acting skills and the ability to convey drama in emotional scenes, but also had the capacity to handle some of the action. This was especially important for me because of the way I wanted to shoot action sequences for One Piece. I envisioned capturing these scenes in lengthy, uninterrupted shots that seamlessly transitioned from one sequence to the next, while involving different actors throughout. However, if we were constantly compelled to substitute the actor with stunt doubles, achieving this vision would be impossible. This valuable lesson was learned during my collaboration with Henry Cavill on The Witcher.

I appreciate your efforts in going the extra mile, as the entire cast of this show is absolutely incredible. I truly fell in love with all of them. Was there a particular character that you found challenging to find the perfect fit for?

Marc Jobst: Well, Luffy was definitely the most difficult character to cast, as he is the driving force behind the show and represents unwavering positivity. He advocates for having dreams and believing in oneself, inspiring others to embrace their true selves and helping them grow. When Kiki and Iñaki auditioned, we instantly knew they were the ones. They made us all laugh with their audacious and unconventional performance. They exuded a certain charm and confidence that aligns perfectly with Luffy's character. The reason why I consider Luffy the hardest to cast is because maintaining that level of positivity on screen can sometimes become overwhelming, but he never crossed that line. He consistently radiated warmth and good intentions.

Additionally, Emily Rudd shines as Nami and has openly expressed her fandom for the show even before being cast. When discussing with her, it was interesting to know if she incorporated any elements from her own fandom into her role that were not part of the original scripts.

Marc Jobst: It's a fascinating question. Emily approaches her work with a sense of spontaneity, and I never felt that she brought any preconceived notions into the room. She always responded in the moment, which is a blessing for a director. When she stepped into a scene with another actor, she listened and responded without saying, "Oh, I don't think Luffy would do that, or Sanji would never." She simply embraced the moment and reacted to it. I never even knew if she had prepared for the scenes beforehand. If she did incorporate her knowledge into her preparation, it never hindered our work on set. Working with Henry Cavill on The Witcher, for example, he is a huge fan of the series and a passionate gamer, but the truly talented actors allow their passion to enhance their performance without overshadowing it.

I hope she gets all the love she deserves for her work in the show, as with everybody.

Marc Jobst: Emily's beauty is evident, but what sets her apart is the depth she brings to her character, Nami. Our intention was not just to have beautiful actors, but to find those with beautiful spirits. This intangible quality cannot be manufactured on screen; it is something the screen recognizes and the film discovers within the actors. Every actor we cast possesses that extra element, and it was crucial for Nami to have someone with depth in their soul, in order to make the character multidimensional.

Eiichiro Oda had a significant involvement in the show. How was your experience working with him and ensuring the authenticity of his source material?

Marc Jobst is the ultimate source of inspiration for us. It would be illogical not to consult him, as he is the creator of something that the entire world, particularly fans of One Piece, adores. It would be foolish not to involve him in every decision we make, ensuring that we remain honest and respectful towards his work. Although adaptations from manga to live-action require some adjustments, he has always been understanding and encourages us to stay true to the essence of his incredible creation. He has been a guiding force throughout the show, a remarkable collaborator who shares our determination to achieve perfection in honoring his vision.

I'm glad to hear that the show has piqued your interest, even without prior knowledge of the source material.

Marc Jobst: That's so cool. Oh my God, Grant, sign your life away, man. There's 22 years of it! [Laughs]

I need to get started on it! For my last few questions, I actually wanted to shift the focus away from One Piece. We've already discussed some of your previous shows, and I'd like to explore them further. You've collaborated extensively with Henry Cavill on The Witcher, as you mentioned earlier, and his time on the show is now coming to a close. How did you react when you heard this news and discovered the new direction they would be taking with the show?

Marc Jobst: Well, let me tell you, Henry has completed three series, and these are demanding productions to work on, you know, they're massive in scale. Henry meticulously executes every single stunt, not even allowing a hand double for a close-up shot of a hand grabbing a sword. Normally, you would bring in a stand-in while Henry films another scene elsewhere, but he adamantly refuses that. As a result, the results are truly exceptional. We have the privilege of collaborating with an extraordinary athlete who dedicates hours before and after shooting, even after already working for 12 hours, and who genuinely cares about the quality of his work.

Throughout three seasons, I joined the show in its first season, which involved filming in multiple countries. This required us to travel with the entire team, practice and learn the stunts. One memorable scene was the swordfight in the pilot episode, which was a lengthy one-shot sequence. The swords used were not sharp but were heavy enough to cause serious harm if mishandled. To ensure precision, a camera operator dedicated four weeks solely to rehearsing the fight sequence. This allowed them to perfect the camera angles and capture the action without any cuts.

Additionally, during the swordfight with Renfri, we would pause intermittently to capture the intense eye contact between the characters. This was crucial in conveying the tension and deciding whether the scene would lead to a passionate kiss or a deadly outcome. The process took a toll on our lead actor, but after three seasons, I trust his decision to move on if he feels he has accomplished what he can for the show.

The job seems challenging, but it is rewarding. Marc Jobst's unwavering dedication and determination to achieve perfection is truly remarkable. His mindset pushes everyone involved to strive for greatness, never settling for mediocrity. We all share the same goal - creating something extraordinary rather than just settling for something good.

You all did an incredible job throughout the duration of that show. I still need to catch up on season 3, though I have reservations because I anticipate getting emotional when Cavill departs.

Marc Jobst: Without experiencing joy, you wouldn't feel the pain, my friend.

What is it like for you to finally see Daredevil, Elektra, and The Punisher returning to the screen? Earlier, you mentioned reflecting on your time with these characters as part of the Netflix universe, and how you were a big fan. It's exciting to know that Marvel is bringing them back on Disney+. Daredevil is getting his own show, while The Punisher will be a part of it. As for Luke Cage, there hasn't been any official news yet, but I'm hopeful for his return. It must be satisfying for you to see these characters, whom you helped bring to life, getting another chance to captivate a new generation.

Marc Jobst expressed his enthusiasm for the great stories that superhero shows enable them to tell and how they resonate with the audience. He believes that the best superhero stories are allegorical and reflect our world and the aspiration to become something greater. Marc and the team feel that there is more to explore in the Marvel Universe and create new content. They are inspired by the actors they have worked closely with and are grateful for the opportunity to continue telling these stories. Personally, Marc is excited to see more of Charlie Cox's outstanding performance as Daredevil.

Marc Jobst described Charlie as another impressive physical athlete, comparable to Henry Cavill. During the filming of a scene in the first episode of season three, Charlie's character had endured a disastrous situation where a building collapsed on him. As part of his recovery process, he was performing a series of exercises in the chapel of a church. While observing these exercises, Charlie suddenly decided to attempt a handstand and even proceeded to do push-ups while in that position. This display of strength and skill left Marc in awe, as he marveled at Charlie's abilities. [Laughs]

That's amazing, showcasing his talent for fight scenes. Have you spoken with Marvel or do you hope to return to their world, whether it be Daredevil, Luke Cage, or someone else?

Marc Jobst: Well, I've been extremely busy with One Piece. It's a show that demands a lot, especially when it comes to visual direction, CGI, sound, composition, and more. I've been completely focused on that and haven't had the opportunity to reach out or have any discussions. Plus, I doubt they would reach out to me anyway, who am I? [Laughs] So no, we haven't talked about that yet.

About Netflix's One Piece

ONE PIECE, the best-selling manga series in Japanese history by Eiichiro Oda, offers an extraordinary high-seas adventure. The story revolves around Monkey D. Luffy, a young adventurer who has yearned for a life of freedom since childhood. Determined to become the King of the Pirates, Luffy embarks on a dangerous quest from his humble village in search of the legendary treasure known as ONE PIECE. However, achieving his goal requires Luffy to gather his dream crew, locate a suitable ship, navigate every corner of the expansive ocean, evade the Marines, and outsmart formidable adversaries at every twist and turn.

Explore our collection of One Piece interviews!

Director Emma Sullivan

One Piece begins streaming on Netflix on August 31.

Source: Screen Rant Plus

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.