Netflix's One Piece Showrunner Unveils Shocking Secrets and Teases Epic Fan Reactions from Season One

This article contains spoilers for the live-action adaptation of Netflix's One Piece. As fans engage with the series, one of the showrunners has speculated on the most controversial change that was made from the original manga.

One Piece is the most popular manga in recent memory, with sales records spanning over a decade and consistently ranking in the top five to this day. Created by Eiichiro Oda and published by Shueisha, there have been discussions about a live-action adaptation for quite some time. Many believed it would be challenging to translate the cartoonish nature of the characters and their unique abilities, particularly the Devil Fruits power system, into a more realistic medium. Despite these concerns, Netflix approved the adaptation with creator Oda closely involved.

The premiere of the Netflix show received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. They praised the show's impeccable casting choices and its faithful adaptation of the source material. However, series showrunner Steven Maeda predicts that fans of the original manga series will be most intrigued by a particular change that was made. In an interview with Variety, Maeda revealed that the decision to focus on the character of Arlong as the main villain in the first season instead of Don Krieg will undoubtedly spark endless discussion. While Don Krieg plays a significant role in the early manga adventures, the live-action series swiftly sees him defeated by the formidable swordsman Dracul Mihawk, who holds the title of the strongest swordsman in the One Piece world.

"We made these decisions, with Oda's blessing, to bring Arlong to Baratie earlier than in the manga," Maeda revealed. This was done to intensify the build-up towards the last two episodes, making Arlong the main antagonist of the first season. Bringing Arlong, a widely recognized early villain in the series, forward also allowed us to accomplish more within the limited 8-episode first season. Although Don Krieg is an interesting adversary in his own right, his diminished role does not greatly impact the overall story, a sentiment shared by Oda.

Thanks to decisions like these concerning Don Krieg and Arlong, the One Piece adaptation has successfully disproven the notion that it is as misguided as previous live-action anime adaptations on Netflix. While some fans may still express discontent with the changes, the fact that Oda approved these sacrifices must be taken into account when evaluating the potential impact on the overarching narrative. Although it will undoubtedly be a controversial change, even in this aspect, the One Piece series surpasses the more casual approach of previous anime adaptations in altering the source material.

Fans eagerly awaiting the second season of the live-action One Piece adaptation on Netflix can rest assured that the odds of a renewal are promising. Showrunners Maeda and Owens have approached the project with a sensible and respectful mindset, potentially ensuring a successful and long-lasting adaptation similar to the original source material. Catch the first season of the live-action One Piece now on Netflix.

Source: Variety

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.