Summary
Loguetown was not skipped in the live-action One Piece adaptation; it was saved for season 2 due to a reduced episode count, keeping the focus on preserving its quality.
Loguetown holds great significance in the manga as it marks the conclusion of the East Blue Saga. It is anticipated that Loguetown will be featured at the beginning of season 2, introducing Captain Smoker and setting the stage for the crew's journey into the Grand Line. Commencing season 2 with Loguetown allows the live-action series to delve into and showcase each arc of the manga, while also leaving room for future storylines, ensuring a bright future for the show.
One Piece showrunner Matt Owens has confirmed that the popular Loguetown Arc from the manga was not skipped in the live-action Netflix adaptation. In a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) on r/television, Owens explained that Loguetown was intentionally saved for One Piece season 2 to ensure its quality, as the first season covered all the arcs in the East Blue Saga except for Loguetown.
When Will The Straw Hats Visit Loguetown In Season 2?
Never skipped! Loguetown wasn't featured in season 1 due to a reduction in our episode count. Trying to squeeze it in would not have done justice to the content or the story it needed to share space with. Loguetown is not "cut," it simply hasn't been reached yet!
Loguetown marks the conclusion of the East Blue Saga in the manga series, as Luffy and his crew make their way to the Grand Line. This significant stop also becomes the starting point of their encounter with Captain Smoker, a determined Marine officer who is set on the pursuit of the Straw Hat Pirates into the treacherous Grand Line. Foreshadowing his introduction, Smoker can be seen in the ending of One Piece season 1, gazing at a Wanted poster showcasing none other than Luffy himself.
Since Loguetown directly follows the Arlong Park Arc in the manga, it is likely that the location will appear at the beginning of One Piece season 2. This will provide an opportunity to introduce Smoker's role in the live-action show and explain how Luffy's crew reaches the Grand Line. It also allows for season 2 to mainly focus on the storylines in the Arabasta Saga, the first Saga to feature the Grand Line.
By starting season 2 with Loguetown, it gives the opportunity to explore each arc of the manga in the live-action adaptation. Due to the length of the Arabasta Saga, it may not be fully covered in season 2, leaving room for future storylines in the show. With new and exciting adventures on the horizon in Luffy's quest, season 2 of One Piece has the potential to surpass the greatness of season 1.
Source: Matt Owens (via u/netflix)/Reddit