The Fate of One Piece: A Glimpse into the Original Series

Netflix and WIT Studio are collaborating on a new series called THE ONE PIECE, but not everyone is thrilled. After Netflix revealed their plans for a remake of the popular anime at Jump Festa ’24, fans of the original manga and anime have been sharing their mix of excitement and apprehension on social media.

Many believe that One Piece cannot be praised enough, yet despite Netflix's success with original anime series, fans are troubled by past missteps that may harm the reputation of One Piece. Even animation director Hiromi Ishigami has expressed concerns about the upcoming Netflix series.

One Piece director takes to Twitter to voice concerns

On December 17, One Piece Film: Red director Hiromi Ishigami took to Twitter to express his concerns about how the new Netflix series will impact the original One Piece.

放送中のアニメリメイク斬新 どんななるのかな?

— たっとまん (@tatman35) December 17, 2023

The fans of the original anime showed overwhelming support for his comments. Many of them share his concerns and believe that a successful series like One Piece does not need a remake at this time. It would be interesting to see a new approach to the beloved story, but it's disheartening to think that some viewers may never appreciate the incredible work that has been put into the original anime over the years.

Fan reactions to Netflix’s One Piece

Despite Ishigami's excitement about what WIT Studio and Netflix would do with the series, he wasn't alone in his worries. Many fans have also expressed their concerns about it.

The original anime will always hold a special place in the hearts of myself and many others, regardless of the quality of any remakes. It simply cannot be replaced.

The new Netflix series is expected to attract a new fanbase to the world of the East Blue and Monkey D. Luffy, due to the massive size of the One Piece anime and manga.

The remake will start with the East Blue arc, but depending on the new series' success, it may continue beyond that. This has sparked a social media debate among fans about the potential impact of the remake on the original series. Some worry that WIT studio may lure animators away from Toei Animation.

The anime industry is known for its chronic understaffing, low wages, and excessive workloads, so it's understandable that fans have these concerns. WIT's CEO even released a casting call for animators worldwide to assist in capturing the magic of One Piece. The outcome of the Netflix remake debut remains to be seen. It's hoped that this will encourage those who have been hesitant to watch One Piece's 1000+ episodes to finally give it a try. Many are eager to see how it will be adapted.

Content One Piece with modern animation and a fresh take on the source material will bring a new generation into a beloved franchise that’s lasted for decades.

You can watch the current anime adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece manga on Crunchyroll, the live-action film on Netflix, and you can check out our other anime coverage below:

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of One Piece, I am thrilled about the upcoming Netflix series, but I also share the concerns expressed by director Hiromi Ishigami and many fans. One Piece is a beloved and iconic series, and it's natural to feel protective of its legacy. The original anime has been a part of our lives for over two decades, and it holds a special place in our hearts. While I am excited to see a new interpretation of the story, I hope that it will stay true to the spirit of the original and not overshadow its legacy.

I understand the concerns about the potential impact of the Netflix series on the original anime. The anime industry is known for its challenging working conditions, and I hope that WIT Studio will prioritize the well-being of its animators while working on this project. It's important to ensure that the passion and dedication that went into creating the original anime are reflected in the new series. At the same time, I believe that a fresh take on the story has the potential to attract a new generation of fans and introduce them to the world of One Piece.

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.