The Ultimate Compilation of 30 Jaw-Dropping Anime Easter Eggs Unveiled in Netflix's One Piece Live-Action Series!

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Netflix's One Piece season 1.

Summary

The first season of One Piece's live-action adaptation effectively recreates the intricate worldbuilding from Eiichiro Oda's manga series.

The Netflix series cleverly incorporates various Easter eggs from the manga and anime, including character appearances, mentions of specific locations, and subtle nods to iconic moments from the source material.

The live-action adaptation of One Piece remains true to Oda's story and incorporates small details that bring the One Piece world to life in a new format. With numerous anime and manga Easter eggs, including namedrops and surprising cameos, Netflix's live-action One Piece season 1 pays homage to the vast world created by Eiichiro Oda. Despite only covering the first five arcs, the adaptation successfully captures the expansive scope of this unique and iconic world.

26 Young Mihawk, Shanks, & Smoker At Roger’s Execution

Netflix's adaptation of One Piece diverged from the manga in various ways, such as the exclusion of certain characters and the amalgamation of different story arcs. Nevertheless, the series remained true to Oda's original narrative, showcasing its devotion to the source material. Moreover, it cleverly incorporated subtle nods that brought the vibrant world of One Piece to life in the realm of live-action. Whether through special appearances by pivotal characters or the inclusion of lesser-known references, the Netflix's One Piece live-action series boasts an impressive array of 26 anime Easter eggs.

During Gold Roger's execution, younger versions of Mihawk, Shanks, and Smoker make an appearance. For those unfamiliar with One Piece, these characters would later be introduced in the live-action show. However, fans of the story are well aware of the numerous significant characters present during Roger's execution. Additionally, aside from his brief appearance as a child at the beginning, Smoker also appears in One Piece's post-credits scene.

25 Familiar One Piece Ships At The Beginning

24 The News Coo Bird

The opening scene of One Piece sets the stage for a world on the brink of the Great Age of Pirates. Just moments before Gold Roger's dramatic execution, the audience catches a glimpse of some iconic ships, such as Gold Roger's mighty Oro Jackson and Mihawk's sleek paddleboat.

The Morgans’ World Economy Newspaper, widely circulated throughout the world of One Piece by the News Coo., makes several appearances in the live-action series. Similar to its representation in both the manga and the anime, these newspapers are carried and delivered by avian messengers. In Luffy’s memorable introduction scene, he approaches a News Coo. Bird with a heartfelt request to join his crew.

23 “War Continues On Broc Coli Island”

22 Binks’ Sake Plays During Luffy’s Shanks Flashbacks

The newspaper carried by the News Coo bird features an article titled "War Rages On Broc Coli Island." This island, located in the New World, was first introduced in One Piece Chapter #828. At the time of its introduction, the island had already been embroiled in a war for several years. Taking into account the timeskip in One Piece, the timeline aligns accordingly.

In One Piece episode 1's Shanks flashbacks, a version of Binks' sake, a song that exists within the One Piece universe, can be heard. According to One Piece Chapter #486, Luffy first heard Binks' Sake from Shanks' crew. Hence, it was fitting to include it in the Windmill Village flashback. Binks' sake was included in One Piece's OST, specifically the "Binks' Brew" track.

21 Zoro Fights The Original Mr. 7

Zoro's introduction in the live-action One Piece adaptation took a divergent path compared to the original manga or anime. Instead of encountering the pirate hunter in Shells Town, the audience witnesses a captivating fight scene involving Zoro well before his encounter with Helmeppo and Axe-Hand Morgan. Nonetheless, it remains faithful to the canon that Zoro triumphantly battles Baroque Works' original Mr. 7. Subsequently, in the manga, two members of One Piece's Baroque Works engage in a discussion where they recount how Zoro eliminated a previous Mr. 7 who attempted to recruit him into the organization.

20 Mr. 7’s Design Is Based On Oda’s Doodle

The initial portrayal of Mr. 7 was never presented in the One Piece manga or anime, as Zoro eliminated him prior to Chapter 1. Nevertheless, when prompted to depict the appearance of the previous Mr. 7 slain by Zoro, One Piece author Eiichiro Oda sketched a simple drawing. This sketch was published in one of the manga's special segments, and it essentially became the closest representation of the original Mr. 7 within the canon. The live-action rendition of Mr. 7's design drew inspiration from this sketch, serving as one of the most obscure and hidden references in the world of One Piece.

19 Zoro Uses The Oni Giri On Mr. 7

18 Wanted Posters For Cavendish, Foxy, & Jango

: Before the time skip, the live-action version of Zoro exhibits a slightly more serious demeanor compared to his anime counterpart. Unlike Luffy or Sanji, Zoro refrains from vocalizing his finishing moves in the live-action adaptation. However, some of Zoro’s distinct techniques can still be observed. For instance, Zoro employs Oni Giri as his finishing move when confronting Mr. 7.

The wanted posters displayed in Shells Town make reference to several One Piece pirates. Among them, some played significant roles in the live-action adaptation, such as Alvida and Buggy. However, there were also posters teasing characters that have yet to appear on the show or villains that did not make it to the live-action version. Notably, there are wanted posters for Cavendish and Foxy, who only enter the story much later. Additionally, a wanted poster of Jango, who was absent in the Syrup Village episodes, can be found.

17 Luffy’s “Cotton Candy” Line References Chopper

16 “Chibi Buggy” Appears In One Piece Episode 2

: When Luffy is introduced to Buggy's circus, he inquires about the availability of cotton candy. This casual remark likely alludes to Chopper, a character known for his fondness for cotton candy. While Chopper's debut occurs in episode 81 of the anime, the ending of One Piece season 1 coincides with episode 45. As a result, if a second season of One Piece is produced, it won't be long before one of the beloved Straw Hat pirates transitions to live-action.

The adventures of "Chibi Buggy" on the Island of Rare Animals were skipped in season 1 of One Piece. Instead, Buggy was captured by Arlong and ended up accompanying the Straw Hats to Arlong Park. However, a brief live-action appearance of the Chibi Buggy design was shown at the end of episode 2. Buggy, still missing most of his body, looked exactly as he did after the Orange Town arc.

15 Orange Town’s Chouchou Has A Blink-Or-Miss Appearance

Chouchou, the canine inhabitant of Orange Town, makes a fleeting appearance in episode 2 of the One Piece anime, following the heroic rescue by the Straw Hat pirates. However, it is in the animated series where this faithful dog assumes a far more significant role. The Orange Town arc diverges considerably from its live-action counterpart. Unlike the manga, where the Buggy segment transpires in the streets of Orange Town, the live-action adaptation confines this particular storyline entirely within Buggy's circus.

14 Mirror Ball Island’s Funky Bar Is Referenced In One Piece Episode 3

Zoro mentions the Funky Bar when trying to recall where he knows Klahadore from. This bar is situated on the Mirror Ball Island, which was first introduced in One Piece Chapter #135 and later depicted in the Jango's Dance Carnival feature. Consequently, although Jango does not appear in One Piece season 1, his existence is mentioned on two occasions - the wanted poster and the reference to the Funky Bar.

13 Kuro Cutting Luffy References Post-Time Skip Scar

12 Luffy’s Failed Jolly Roger Is Exactly Like The One In The Anime

In One Piece episode 4, similar to the manga and the anime, Kuro and Luffy engage in a brief fight. Despite defeating Kuro, Luffy is not unscathed as he is struck by the Captain of the Black Pirates' claws. It is interesting to note that the pattern of Kuro's attack mirrors the chest scar that Luffy possesses from the post-time skip One Piece storyline.

The design of Luffy's first Jolly Roger remains identical in both the manga and the anime, with the only distinction being the timing of its creation. In the original storyline, Luffy devises a Jolly Roger for the Straw Hat pirates after encountering Usopp. However, in the live-action adaptation, Luffy crafts the Jolly Roger prior to the Syrup Village episodes.

11 Sanji Mentions Loguetown’s Bluefin Elephant Tuna

10 Kong Is Mentioned On The Credits’ Map

In One Piece episode 5, Sanji mentions the Bluefin Elephant while working in Baratie's Kitchen. This remarkable fish, discovered by Sanji in Loguetown, is a unique variety that incorporates ingredients from all over the world. To seamlessly connect the narrative, Loguetown ought to be introduced in the beginning of One Piece season 2, building upon the events of season 1.

Kong, the Commander in Chief of the World Government, is mentioned in the ending credits map of One Piece. Prior to assuming this position, Kong served as the Fleet Admiral of the Marines. His rise to power occurred sometime after the death of Gold Roger and before the start of the One Piece series.

9 Each One Piece Title Card References A Main Character

Each episode of One Piece featured its own unique title card, with season 1, episode 1 showcasing a design based on Luffy and episode 2 featuring a design based on Buggy. These title cards often included references to specific elements from the anime, such as Usopp's distinctive nose and Sanji's iconic eyebrows. Additionally, one of the title cards even paid homage to Sanji's famous "heart eyes."

8 Noland & Jaya Are Mentioned

The legendary Mont Blanc Noland, an admiral with multiple visits to the treacherous Grand Line and an unforgettable tale to share, was mentioned in One Piece season 1, episode 6. In episode 7, One Piece also referenced Jaya, the enigmatic island where Noland discovered a captivating city made of pure gold. The remarkable narrative of Mont Blanc Nolan was originally narrated in the esteemed One Piece Chapter #286.

7 Zoro’s Sense Of Direction Is Manga Accurate

In episode 4 of One Piece, when Zoro and Luffy meet again outside Kaya's house, Luffy questions Zoro about how he was able to locate him. Zoro, however, clarifies that his intention was never to find Luffy but rather to find his way back into the house. Zoro's ability to get lost perfectly reflects the essence of the One Piece manga.

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.