One Piece Showrunner Steven Maeda: Behind The Scenes, Anime Adaptations & Chopper Revealed!

Warning: Spoilers for One Piece live-action and manga!

Summary

Steven Maeda, the showrunner of Netflix's One Piece Live Action series, skillfully brings the cherished manga series to life with an exceptional cast and a narrative that stays true to the original storyline. Iñaki Godoy's portrayal of Luffy is essential to the success of the show, as his unwavering positivity and genuine nature truly embody the essence of the character.

The adaptation ingeniously incorporated structural changes, notably by prominently featuring characters such as Koby, Helmeppo, and Garp, resulting in a highly satisfactory television experience that also subtly introduced the concept of haki.

Steven Maeda, the mastermind behind Netflix's One Piece Live Action series, has achieved the unimaginable. Not only has he demonstrated that a live-action adaptation of an anime can succeed, but he has achieved this feat with one of the most beloved (and arguably one of the greatest) manga series of all time. Boasting an impressive background in writing and producing for acclaimed shows like X-Files, LOST, and CSI: Miami, Maeda's latest creation has taken the streaming giant by storm, effortlessly claiming the top spot on Netflix's viewership charts and maintaining its dominance weeks after its highly-anticipated premiere.

One Piece, considered as one of the most successful live-action anime adaptations in media history, captivated audiences with its first season. The show, based on Eiichiro Oda's beloved story about super-powered pirates, maintained the emotional storylines, epic action, and charming humor that the franchise is renowned for worldwide. Given Netflix's track record of adapting beloved anime series, fans were understandably anxious. However, thanks to the collaboration between series creator Eiichiro Oda, showrunner Steven Maeda, and his team, the bar for adaptations has been raised significantly, while also attracting millions of new fans to experience One Piece, one of the greatest stories of our time.

For OPLA's first season, Steven Maeda was joined by Matt Owens as showrunner and writer. The initial eight episodes, released on August 31, quickly became Netflix's most popular show in over 46 countries. On September 14, a special video featuring Oda himself was released, announcing the greenlighting of season 2 of One Piece Live Action. Prior to the official announcement, Steven Maeda joined Screen Rant to discuss cut stories from the first season, his favorite character, Tony Tony Chopper, and the biggest mystery of the One Piece series that Maeda is eagerly looking forward to unraveling along with the fans.

Editor's Note: This interview took place amidst the strikes of 2023 by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA, and the show featured in this article owes its existence to the hard work of the writers and actors from both unions.

Steven Maeda Talks One Piece Season 1 & Beyond

Screen Rant: Previously, you've discussed the overwhelming sense of hope that emerged when actor Iñaki Godoy was finally discovered amidst your search for the perfect Luffy performer. In light of this, we're curious to know what exactly Iñaki showcased during his audition that set him vastly apart and ultimately secured him the coveted role of Luffy.

Steve Maeda: Iñaki was an incredible discovery for us and our casting team. We searched extensively around the world to find the perfect cast, especially for the role of Luffy, as he holds such significance. If Luffy fails as a character, the entire show would suffer since he is the driving force behind everything. Iñaki was such a wonderful find that I genuinely cannot think of any other backup option who could have matched his talent.

What made him stand out was how he truly embodied the spirit of Luffy - a relentless optimism that didn't come across as annoying or insincere. Many of the actors we considered had a sharper and more cynical approach, which made them sound like salesmen rather than individuals who genuinely believed in what they were saying. The key to Iñaki's portrayal of Luffy lies in his unwavering sincerity, a quality that naturally emanates from him as a young man.

When discussing his dreams, our intention was to avoid making it sound childish or appealing to everyone. It was crucial for the actor to truly believe in it and convince the audience. Even skeptical characters like Zoro and Nami had to be convinced without feeling like he was trying to sell them something. I believe that's what made Iñaki's portrayal so sincere.

One notable absence in the first season of One Piece were animal characters like Richie the Lion, and the beloved dog Shushu, who guarded the pet store during Buggy's attack. Fans, including myself, certainly missed Shushu.

Steven Maeda shares an untold story about Shushu that differs from the manga version. It was ultimately excluded from the final version and was never filmed. The story featured a unique interaction between Shushu and Zoro. However, the decision was made to prioritize Zoro's presence with Luffy and Nami while facing Buggy. Although the team would have liked to include the Shushu story, they believed it was more important for Zoro to be involved in the main storyline. Steven Maeda, who personally loves Shushu and owns three terriers, has a sentimental attachment to the Shushu story.

What is it about Tony Tony Chopper, the anthropomorphic reindeer doctor, that makes him your favorite character in the fantastical world of One Piece?

Steven Maeda: Firstly, it's truly an extraordinary and larger-than-life creation. A talking reindeer with aspirations of becoming a doctor and the ability to change sizes, it's a concept that could only be conceived by Oda-san and successfully fit within the story's context.

Moreover, I am captivated by Chopper's backstory. The characters' histories play a significant role in shaping their personalities, allowing us to understand the source of their pain, anger, goodness, and even sweetness. The Chopper story resonates with me deeply, especially considering the presence of human characters alongside an adorable talking reindeer. The combination is simply delightful.

I understand that talking about Chopper's adaptation is not possible, so I won't press you too hard on that. However, I'm curious about your thoughts on computer-generated characters versus animatronic characters for bigger series. Can you also share some series that you believe have successfully tackled this challenge?

Steven Maeda: It's always a difficult decision. To give an example, we were determined to incorporate as much practical effects as possible in the show, mainly for budget reasons. CG is a daunting and costly option. Considering the grand and eccentric nature of the world, we wanted the show to have a grounded feel.

The Fishman characters, for instance, were a deliberate choice to not be rendered in CGI or depicted as towering figures measuring eight or twelve feet tall. This decision was primarily motivated by the significant amount of time and financial resources that would have been required. Instead, our approach was to focus on practical effects as much as possible, while allowing room for minor enhancements like gill movements to enhance the authenticity. This endeavor always proves to be an immense challenge.

In terms of successful implementations, the character Pogo from Umbrella Academy stands out as an exemplary case. It is believed that they had an actor physically present during filming, and then created a CG character based on their performance. However, achieving such results undoubtedly comes at an exorbitant expense. Although we have yet to explore this avenue for our characters, visual effects play an incredibly prominent role in our show. Determining how to allocate the budget for these effects remains a complex series of discussions.

There were some minor improvements made to the original material. For example, Zoro's reputation was depicted as more infamous in the East Blue compared to the anime or manga. While this could potentially include spoilers for future One Piece story developments, there was a subtle hint towards the concept of "haki" during the scene where Shanks scares away the Sea Beast and loses his arm. Were there any other revisions that you and the writers were tempted to introduce earlier in the story, such as haki or any mention of the Pirate Emperors?

Steven Maeda: When it came to the first season, we deliberately decided not to delve into the concept of haki. We were aware of its existence and wanted to allude to it, which we believe was the right approach. For instance, when Shanks tells the Sea Beast to "get lost" and we see the Lord of the Coast's eyes contract, we had discussions about how much should be conveyed between them. What should be implied without revealing too much about what was happening. The goal was to emphasize Shanks' immense power and hint at something intriguing, without giving away all the details.

In the live-action adaptation of the manga, several key changes were made primarily in terms of structure. One significant change was the inclusion of characters like Koby, Helmeppo, and Garp, which added a new pursuit element to the story. This added complexity was important and necessary. Originally, the manga spanned over 100 chapters, but to adapt it into a satisfying episode of television, we had to carefully consider how to structure it. We ultimately decided to focus on the East Blue saga.

By incorporating Garp, Koby, and Helmeppo into the adaptation, we were able to explore their parallel paths with Luffy, specifically Koby's desire to become a Marine instead of a Pirate. Additionally, we made the strategic decision to introduce Arlong earlier in the story, specifically during the Baratie arc, and exclude the character of Don Krieg. This decision sparked numerous discussions, considering the iconic nature of Luffy's fight against Krieg. However, we felt it was important to place more emphasis on the character of Arlong, as it set the stage for a major confrontation. Hence, we introduced him early and brought him to Baratie.

Regarding the manga, in your previous interview with Screen Rant, you mentioned that you are up to date with the weekly manga. The release of a new chapter creates a unique level of excitement among the manga reading community. Emily Rudd and other members of your team have also disclosed that they were already fans of the series before working on the project. While filming, did you and the crew experience any moments of excitement related to new chapters or anime episodes?

Steven Maeda: Certainly. We would often have conversations about the manga, particularly when significant events occurred. There were extensive discussions when the Wano arc concluded and about Kaido. However, these events are far ahead of our current progress. Nonetheless, being aware of what's happening is beneficial.

When Oda wrote the initial 100 chapters, his knowledge of the future trajectory of the story may have been uncertain. However, it's highly unlikely that he had foreseen every single event that would transpire 25 years later. On the other hand, we as readers have the advantage of knowing and being able to delve into that written material. This knowledge empowers us to suggest toning down certain actions or dialogues in particular scenes, as we strive to avoid conflicting with future narrative developments in the manga. The overarching goal is to maintain a sense of authenticity and continuity within the canon. Despite any alterations or adjustments made along the way, our objective is to ensure that everything coherently coexists within this fictional world.

The presence of context adds another dimension to the humor. As I'm revisiting the series, in episode three, there's a scene where Buggy passionately vents about Luffy. He utters something like, "That annoying rubber hose brat." I couldn't help but think, "Hmm, could that rubber hose mention be a subtle allusion to Gear 5?" Although, I may be stretching it a bit too far.

Steven Maeda: I can't recall if we had that written in the script or if it was actually an improvised line by Jeff Ward (Captain Buggy). However, I believe that moment was more of a lucky occurrence than anything else.

It's amusing how people truly analyze [the series], something we anticipated. To ensure flexibility, we deliberately left room for interpretation. However, individuals are finding significance in various aspects - some intentional, some fortunate, and some quite surprising! In my opinion, everyone brings their own preconceived notions and knowledge of the source material to the show. Embrace it. If you stumble upon something fascinating, whether it's an observation or a thought, explore it further and make it your own.

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Some of the most imaginative storylines in One Piece, such as Thriller Bark, are filled with thrilling zombie encounters, while epic clashes like Marineford rival the scale of battles seen in Lord of the Rings. Then there's Whole Cake Island, with its twisted and surreal Alice in Wonderland-like setting, and Big Mom, a character that seems almost impossible to realistically adapt. Are there any specific species or characters in One Piece that appear later in the story and cause anxiety for you and the writers as we try to conceive of how they can be adapted?

Steven Maeda: Moving forward, the entirety of One Piece fills me with anxiety. Unfortunately, I can't discuss any details at the moment. However, the vast and fantastical world of One Piece presents immense challenges that we will strive to overcome.

While watching the anime with my son, we recently completed the Alabasta arc. It reminded me of how malicious and calculated Crocodile was throughout the story. I'm curious, who is your favorite villain from the One Piece manga and what makes them stand out?

Steven Maeda: I have quite a few favorites, but Buggy the Clown holds a special place in my heart. Buggy begins as a relatively minor threat, but as the manga progresses, he evolves into one of the Emperors with an incredible amount of power. What makes him fascinating is his sense of humor and a deep-seated resentment that fuels his actions. I've always been captivated by Buggy because he believes he is misunderstood. To me, that complexity is what makes him such a compelling character. I'm grateful that we had the opportunity to introduce him and further develop his character in later episodes.

Do you have any favorite fan theories or perhaps your own for the final saga of the One Piece story? I've heard that Oda's favorite might be that Crocodile is Luffy's mom.

Steven Maeda: I've also heard that fan theory. There are definitely a lot of Easter eggs in Loguetown, some more obvious than others. So people can interpret it however they like. The great thing about a show with such a vast array of storytelling and characters is that there's room for it. We could have filled the entire show with Easter eggs, considering all the amazing things that happen in the future.

The goal behind everything shown on screen was to create a seamless and engaging narrative. Our objective is to make it powerful, emotional, and thrilling. As we go along, we can subtly incorporate Easter eggs, such as adding characters to the Wanted posters and the Loguetown crowd. Additionally, we should pay attention to how we incorporate signage.

There is a plethora of visual details on the screen. One significant detail we included was the barrel used for the pledge, which looks identical to the one Luffy uses to abandon his small boat at the beginning. We had extensive discussions about how the barrel ended up on the Going Merry. Ultimately, we decided to embrace the idea of magical realism and have fun with it. It's exciting to have the barrel feature prominently both early on and later in the story, so let's fully commit to it.

Several live-action animated projects, such as a Naruto movie and another Netflix anime adaptation for the My Hero Academia series, have been stuck in development limbo for years. If the success of One Piece Live-Action can be compared to what Iron Man achieved for superhero movies, what guidance can you provide to aspiring showrunners or filmmakers looking to adapt beloved series into live-action?

Steven Maeda: The key advice I've followed throughout this entire process, and one that would hold true for future projects, is to prioritize hiring the right individuals for the job. Of course, this is always a gamble, as there is a delicate balance between adapting a show and considering the unique preferences of the audience.

On one hand, there are dedicated fans like yourself who are extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the show. They anxiously await its release but also worry about the potential pitfalls. They hope for its success but have genuine fears. On the other hand, there are individuals who have no familiarity with the project. The challenge lies in successfully appealing to both groups without alienating either.

Our objective was to ensure that the devoted fans, who seek the same emotional experience they have enjoyed from the franchise in the past, remain satisfied. This differs from a direct adaptation, which nobody desires, and includes individuals who are new to the story. Additionally, the content must be comprehensible to those who haven't read the manga or watched the anime. It needs to be self-contained and not excessively focused on insider knowledge. Therefore, striking the right balance becomes crucial. It is an exceedingly delicate task to satisfy the expectations of fans who are familiar with the story, while still entertaining those who are not.

I ranked the top One Piece anime fights in a Screen Rant list, and the Luffy vs. Lucci fight at the end of Enies Lobby is my personal favorite. The stakes, voice acting, score, and animation all came together perfectly, and it still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. Another memorable moment was when Luffy hit the bell in Skypiea. I'm curious to know, what triumphant moments from the manga stand out to you the most? Also, what are you most excited about adapting?

Steven Maeda: I'd prefer not to discuss any future adaptation plans. One Piece has countless amazing moments, and I don't want to make promises that might not come to fruition. The world of One Piece is vast and filled with wonders, so there are many great moments I'm looking forward to. However, I can't commit to any specific ones at this time.

Understandable. What are your favorite moments from season one?

Steven Maeda: I have several of these moments, and they are usually the ones filled with emotion. One particular moment that I knew would be special if executed properly was the flashback of young Luffy when Shanks gives him the Straw Hat for the first time. We discussed with our director, Mark Jobst, about shooting it exactly as it was in the manga, which we did for a few scenes but not all. It was important for us to capture that same image of Shanks towering over Luffy with the hat tilted and all the details. That moment was significant to us.

There were a couple of surprises as well. I'm happy to say that at the end of episode eight, when the sail drops on the Going Merry for the first time, Nami tells Luffy they have something for him too. And we actually get to witness that moment. Seeing the sail drop together for the first time had a deep emotional impact on me because it signaled that Luffy's dream had indeed come true. Seeing him with the Wanted poster and now having his own ship with the sail descending was truly remarkable.

Another unexpected moment occurred, unplanned but serendipitous, as is sometimes the case. One of our editors skillfully compiled a revised version of the closing barrel pledge, incorporating the younger versions of the characters expressing their dreams. Originally, the script only featured the adult characters sharing their aspirations, which was already impactful. However, when the editor inserted those children silently mouthing the words and revealing their dreams, it was truly remarkable. The effect was so awe-inspiring that I nearly lost my balance in disbelief. I distinctly remember thinking, "This is absolutely lovely. We must include this in the show because it's extraordinary!" The scene gave me goosebumps, and even discussing it now, it continues to send shivers down my spine. It was an utterly remarkable discovery.

Considering the overwhelming praise, including my own, how do you believe you could have performed even better, and how do you envision Season 2 achieving improvements?

We had a generous budget for this show, and it solved many things. However, there were still limitations on what we could afford. One idea I had was to introduce the character of Hachi and have a big fight scene with Zorro. Unfortunately, due to time and financial constraints, we couldn't make it happen. I hope we can include such ambitious elements in the show in the future. Balancing budget and creativity is always a concern.

As a writer and creative person, I had this exciting concept of having Hachi appear and climb up onto the roof. We would shoot inside a room and Hachi would use his tentacles to bring Zoro up for the fight. I even envisioned a spinning room to create the illusion of fighting upside down. However, the cost of bringing this idea to life was way too high. Perhaps we can explore it in a future feature version.

I'm excited for that. Would you be open to sharing other major ideas that you and the writers had for the show but Oda rejected?

Steven Maeda: We were fortunate to have the freedom to tell the story we envisioned. We did have some considerations, such as whether a character would say or do certain things at a specific moment. It was mainly about fine-tuning and ensuring the authenticity of the characters, rather than being outright denied to include certain story arcs.

Oda-san always prioritizes character truth, and his understanding surpasses anyone else's. We greatly valued his expertise and insights on these characters, even if we didn't always see eye to eye. He brought them to life, so we constantly asked ourselves, "Is this true to Zoro's character? Would Nami, Sanji, or Luffy actually say or do this?" It wasn't just about creating something dramatic; we had to consider whether it stayed true to the manga. These discussions were always vibrant and dynamic.

The One Piece manga still has numerous significant plotlines waiting to be unveiled. These include the true nature of the One Piece, the World Government's atrocities during the Void Century, and the long-awaited reunions between Luffy and Shanks, Zoro and Hawkeye, and Brooke and Laboon. Which One Piece plotline are you most eager to see resolved?

Screen Rant: Laboon is perplexing. It's as if we always return to Laboon. But the ultimate question remains: what is the One Piece? The realm of theories captivates fans, contributing to the manga and anime's enduring success. Hopefully, this excitement carries over into the envisioned live-action adaptation. Nonetheless, it remains a captivating decision. There was speculation that we might engage in a discussion with Oda-san to uncover a few details. However, we decided to refrain from doing so because we want to savor the storytelling journey alongside everyone else.

About Netflix's One Piece Live-Action

One Piece, based on the highest-selling manga series in Japan's history by Eiichiro Oda, is an unparalleled high-seas adventure. Meet Monkey D. Luffy, a young adventurer who has yearned for freedom since his earliest memories. Determined to become the King of the Pirates, Luffy embarks on a treacherous journey from his humble village in search of the mythical treasure, One Piece. However, in order to achieve his ultimate goal, Luffy must first gather the crew of his dreams, secure a ship, explore every corner of the vast ocean, outsmart the Marines, and overcome formidable rivals at every twist and turn.

Check out our other One Piece Live-Action interviews here:

Director Marc Jobst

Director Emma Sullivan

Composers Sonya Belousova & Giona Ostinelli

Production Designer Richard Bridgland

Editor Tessa Verfuss

All 8 episodes of One Piece Live-Action season 1 are currently available to stream on Netflix.

Source: Screen Rant Plus