One Piece Insights: Exclusive details on Manga Creator Oda's Involvement revealed by Director & Editor!

Summary

Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, has an "overarching presence" on the show and all creative decisions go through him, even to the extent of reshooting scenes.

Oda's role in the live-action adaptation is crucial for ensuring that the show meets fans' expectations, and the team highly values his approval. Unlike his involvement in the anime, Oda's participation in the adaptation goes beyond just being present; he also has influence over creative choices that defy conventional television norms.

The creatives behind Netflix's live-action One Piece reveal the significant involvement of Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the source material, in the show. This adaptation of Oda's beloved manga follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate who assembles a crew in search of the eponymous treasure to become the King of the Pirates. Iñaki Godoy takes on the role of Luffy, supported by Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Jacob Romero Gibson, Taz Skylar, Vincent Regan, and Morgan Davies.

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant for the release of One Piece, Emma Sullivan and Tessa Verfuss discuss Oda's involvement in the live-action adaptation. The director and editor emphasize his "overarching presence" on the show, confirming that all creative decisions had Oda's input and even mentioning instances where certain scenes were reshot based on his insistence. Read more about Sullivan and Verfuss' insights below.

Emma Sullivan: Oda had complete control over the extent of our freedom. An example of this was when we filmed a scene with Kuina and young Zoro fighting. Oda watched it and requested a reshoot without the Kendo masks. So, we returned to Cape Town and filmed it again. The second version was better and met his satisfaction. Oda played a significant role in every aspect. It is a highly imaginative intellectual property, and our constant goal was to do it justice and visually convey his stories effectively, within the guidelines of the show.

Tessa Verfuss: Because Oda had such a significant influence on the project, our team understood the importance of receiving his feedback and making any necessary adjustments to ensure his happiness. Without his approval, it would be impossible to deliver the show in a way that pleases the fans.

You may find yourself eager for that particular step, holding your breath. Having previously collaborated with Netflix, I was accustomed to reaching their standards; it was just part of the process. You are accustomed to the rhythm and receiving feedback from the studio. However, [he possesses] a much greater presence and personality, despite not being familiar with television production like us TV professionals.

While he has experience with anime, this project holds a different significance for him. Our typical TV approaches might be challenged by his suggestions, prompting us to reconsider our methods. It's like switching gears and approaching the task from a fresh perspective. If it means searching for alternative footage, exploring different techniques, or revisiting the work for him, we are prepared to do so.

Editor's Note: This piece was originally crafted amidst the strikes orchestrated by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) in 2023. The television program discussed in this article owes its existence entirely to the concerted efforts of the talented writers and actors affiliated with these two unions.

Oda's Involvement Is Already Paying Off For Netflix's One Piece

Oda's involvement in the live-action One Piece has been extensively documented during its development cycle. The creator himself has been actively participating in the promotion of the adaptation. Sullivan's recollection of the need to reshoot Kuina and young Zoro's fight aligns with a letter released by Oda for the show's San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panel. In the letter, he mentioned that he insisted on reshooting certain scenes as he believed they were not up to par. Furthermore, Oda recently disclosed some of his guidelines for the adaptation, expressing his commitment to only sharing truthful information about the series.

Early reactions to One Piece were overwhelmingly positive, with journalists praising its faithfulness to the original source material's story and its ability to capture the vastness of its fantasy world and epic fight scenes. This praise has generated even more anticipation among long-time fans for its upcoming premiere, in stark contrast to the skepticism surrounding Netflix's adaptations of Death Note and Cowboy Bebop.

Considering this level of anticipation, it will be interesting to see if One Piece can achieve the same level of success in terms of viewership. Unlike Cowboy Bebop, where the creators had already planned out season 2 storylines, there is no information yet about the future direction of the new adaptation. The creators may be waiting to see if another season is ordered or if the show meets the same fate as the canceled Cowboy Bebop. With over 1,000 manga chapters and anime episodes released so far, fans can only hope that Eiichiro Oda's involvement ensures a similarly long-lasting success.

One Piece begins streaming on Netflix on August 31.

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.