Unveiling Netflix's Epic Journey: Steven Maeda Talks One Piece EP & the Ultimate Balance

Summary

Executive producers Steven Maeda and Matthew Owens made the seemingly impossible adaptation of One Piece to live-action on Netflix a reality.

Steven Maeda tackled the project with an utmost level of professionalism, adoration, and reverence for the original source material, having swiftly developed a fondness for the manga/anime series.

The paramount difficulty lied in striking a delicate equilibrium between appeasing dedicated One Piece enthusiasts and captivating fresh viewers, all the while ensuring the show's overall appeal to both groups. This exceedingly daunting task weighed heavily upon Maeda's shoulders, considering the intense loyalty of the fan base.

Steven Maeda and Matthew Owens, the executive producers behind the live action adaptation of One Piece on Netflix, are responsible for bringing the beloved manga/anime universe to life. Their passion and dedication have defied expectations, as many believed it impossible to adapt Eiichiro Oda's epic saga into live action, especially after the lukewarm reception of Cowboy Bebop.

However, Steven Maeda, known for his fearlessness in the face of challenges, has embraced this task wholeheartedly. With a career spanning over two decades, including notable contributions to TV classics like The X-Files and Lost, Steven approached the daunting task of bringing One Piece to life with professionalism and an immense love and respect for the source material.

Screen Rant had the pleasure of talking to him about One Piece on Netflix and what fans should expect from it.

Steven Maeda Talks One Piece

Screen Rant: What was your first meeting with One Piece?

Steven Maeda was approached by Tomorrow Studios for a meeting regarding their acquisition of the rights to the story and underlying IP. They were seeking a writer to create a pilot script for a show rewrite. After meeting with them and being impressed with the material, Maeda became involved. This happened over four years ago, marking his initial involvement.

Although a fan, Maeda had not delved deeply into the story before. He had only read a few early chapters. However, once he began exploring further, he realized the vastness and extent of the world. He swiftly caught up by reading the first 100 chapters and was captivated by the story. He became determined to be a part of it. Now, he has read up to chapter 1089.

Almost there! What is it about the story that captivates you? Is there something that resonates with you in particular?

Steven Maeda: I found it to be a marvelous fusion, a rarity in today's realm of popular fantasy, intellectual properties, and comics and manga. Though they exist, finding exceptional ones can be challenging. Oda-san's world truly enchanted me. Furthermore, the narrative is beautifully straightforward, centering around a boy who pursues his aspirations and motivates others to do the same.

Luffy's remarkable ability goes beyond his superpower of stretching; he inspires others to remember and pursue their dreams. The story's significance lies in its simplicity and profoundness, making it truly remarkable with its blend of action, world-building, and emotional depth.

What were the primary difficulties in adapting this widely acclaimed narrative, especially one that originates from a distinct medium?

The biggest challenge I encountered was striking a balance. This was evident right from the start when it came to the writing process, determining which stories to tell and how to present them over a season. The original manga was not intended for an eight-episode television season, so I had to reframe it and determine a compelling beginning, middle, and end for the season while incorporating captivating character arcs and motion.

The challenge lay in finding this delicate balance, as well as catering to both the dedicated fans who appreciate every moment and intricate detail of One Piece, and the new fans who are unfamiliar with the show and might be puzzled by the presence of a pink pirate ship and a character with stretchy powers. Therefore, the ongoing struggle remains finding this equilibrium.

By watching the show, it seemed clear to me that you had two objectives. The first one was to create a captivating and enjoyable experience for individuals unfamiliar with One Piece. The second one was to ensure the satisfaction of One Piece fans to the extent that they would not show up at your door wielding pitchforks.

Steven Maeda: Precisely. I have previously worked on successful shows, but none of them possessed a fan base as devoted as that of One Piece. The passion and fear among the fans, afraid that their beloved manga might be ruined, prompted me to feel an immense sense of responsibility towards them.

Before anything was included in the show, it had to receive approval from Eiichiro Oda. I wonder if there was anything that Oda sensei initially wasn't pleased with, but you fought for it because you believed it was essential for the show, and eventually you were able to convince him.

Steven Maeda: There were a few instances where persuasion was necessary. And if there was something that Oda-san strongly disliked, we managed to find a way to alter it. However, there were certain elements that we attempted and successfully incorporated into the show, though Oda-san initially had some reservations.

One of the changes we made was moving certain elements up in the story, ones that originally appeared in later chapters. One example is making Garp a more prominent character in the first eight episodes. We also introduced Koby, Helmeppo, and the Marine pursuit earlier, right from episode 2. This change was significant and necessary in order to maintain tension and prevent the story from feeling like just a fun adventure with different antagonists, villains, and pirates. We wanted to establish an organized and formidable presence that was after Luffy. It was definitely a challenge.

Another change we made was bringing Arlong into the story earlier. Normally, he doesn't appear until the Arlong Park chapters. However, we were able to convince Oda-san to introduce Arlong earlier, having him interact with the characters at Baratie. We sort of swapped him with the Don Krieg storyline, making Arlong the main antagonist of the first season. I believe this change worked very well.

Can you share one idea that Oda rejected for the show but you wish had been included?

Steven Maeda: While there were some limitations on what we could do, we were generally accepting of them. One major restriction was that we were not allowed to alter the backstory or powers associated with the Devil Fruit. We were discouraged from introducing new Devil Fruits or making changes to established canon. Our focus was always on maintaining canon and providing fan service. Without a doubt, the preservation of the Devil Fruit elements and ensuring the purity of character backstories were key considerations.

We went through an elaborate process of creating several different versions of the story before actually starting the writing. Some of these versions strayed further from the manga, while others stayed closer to it. Eventually, we were able to find the perfect balance, creating a high-budget adaptation that remained faithful to the source material, while also adding our unique touch. After all, there's no point in creating a mere replica.

The initial phase of One Piece primarily focuses on introducing the Straw Hat characters, delving into their backgrounds, and informing the fans about their future endeavors. Is there a particular Straw Hat backstory or moment that you personally enjoy the most?

Steven Maeda: I have numerous favorites, and I fought passionately for their backstories due to the high production costs involved. Filming in a new location that won't be revisited is always a costly endeavor. However, I deemed it crucial to incorporate these backstories into the show as they shape the characters. My absolute favorite is the story of Luffy and Shanks and how he acquired that iconic straw hat.

Episode 2 primarily revolves around the significance of that straw hat and how it holds immense importance for present-day Luffy and his adult self. The narrative of how he obtained the hat closely follows the manga, with some scenes being replicated frame by frame. I was elated that the actors executed it exceptionally well. It never fails to move me, and I hope it resonates with viewers in the same way.

Are there any elements from the source material that you wish had made it to the show, either due to time limitations or because they were challenging to recreate in a live-action format?

What were some of the most challenging moments in this journey, now that you've accomplished the seemingly impossible with this project?

Steven Maeda: The greatest challenge was ensuring the scripts were perfect. This meant making them suitable for Netflix, Oda-san, and ourselves. Finding the right balance and making decisions on fan service, changes, and preserving the emotional essence of scenes was an arduous journey. Our goal was for viewers to experience the same emotions they felt when reading the manga, whether it made them cry, laugh, feel excited, thrilled, or scared. Even if scenes weren't identical to the manga, evoking the desired emotion was paramount and presented a significant challenge.

Additionally, the production itself was extensive. Spending a year in Cape Town overseeing the pre-production and production phases was demanding. Being present on set every single day for nearly a year ensured the show's faithful adaptation based on our understanding of the source material. This is not to diminish the significant input of Emma and the other directors in directing the episodes. However, being on set allowed me to contribute by identifying potential moments for enhancement, removal, or censorship based on specific reasons. Having this invaluable level of control due to my continuous presence on set was crucial and not something I would have had otherwise.

Steven Maeda: The notion of there never being a successful anime adaptation is exaggerated. Although previous adaptations like Cowboy Bebop or Death Note faced challenges, it is important to remember that they were created by different individuals. For our show, we took a brave approach to differentiate ourselves. We focused on honoring the fan base, incorporating Easter egg moments, and capturing the essence of the One Piece manga and anime. By doing so, we believe that any additions we make will be forgiven if we stay true to the source material. We sincerely hope that this resonates with the audience.

Because, once again, our goal was not to create a one-to-one adaptation, but rather to stay true to the essence of the source material. Simultaneously, our aim was to tell a story that was never envisioned by Oda-san when he initially wrote the manga. This story, which spans eight episodes in a TV season, required its own progression and narrative structure, unlike the manga. As a result, it does not possess the same rise and fall as the original. Therefore, we had to identify those emotional moments, pivotal moments, and milestones that would guide the audience through each episode or season of the television show.

The manga was originally designed to be released on a weekly basis, so do you think that an adaptation of One Piece would have been more successful if it aired on TV during a time when shows had episodes airing every week?

In my personal opinion, I absolutely believe so. I thoroughly enjoy the anticipation that builds up each week when watching a show that I truly love from the very beginning. It makes me eagerly look forward to the upcoming episodes, week after week. I become quite impatient when I really like a show and have to wait for new episodes to be released. However, Netflix has its own unique approach and it has proven to be very successful for them. Although, I do wish that One Piece could be shown on a weekly basis.

During this project, what did you learn from your interactions with Oda that you think is the most important?

Steven Maeda: I believe the most crucial lesson was understanding the level of allegiance and dedication required towards the manga. In some cases, adaptations remain extremely faithful to the original material, while in others, they take a radical departure, presenting a completely different vision. Both approaches can be successful. However, it became evident, as we discussed the project, that deviating too far from the source material would not be beneficial in any way.

Sure, there were some amazing stories that could have been told, deviating from the manga. However, I believe that the dedicated fan base would not have accepted such shows, considering how beloved One Piece is as a source material. Therefore, after numerous attempts, my intention was to respect Oda-san's vision and create a version of the show that we could be proud of, while ensuring that he also felt satisfied with it. Aligning these aspects required careful adjustments, ensuring that any new elements in the show felt authentic. Hopefully, the show successfully captures that essence, as that was our ultimate goal.

Do you have any amusing anecdotes about Oda-san during his visit to the set or from your personal interactions?

Steven Maeda: He is an incredibly intriguing individual. He presents a multitude of challenges and possesses strong opinions, which are well-deserved. Undoubtedly a genius, he has crafted a remarkable universe. Personally, I have always believed that this universe belongs solely to him, and we are fortunate enough to enter and explore it. It has been quite intimidating to converse with him, be it in person or through Zoom, as he is the mastermind behind this world. Consequently, an immense weight of responsibility comes with that. I strived earnestly to fulfill that responsibility while still creating a phenomenal season of television.

On the topic of seasons, the initial season of the series adapts the "East Blue Arc" from the manga, which happens to be its most grounded segment. Subsequently, as the Straw Hats venture into the Grand Line, we encounter colossal creatures, floating islands, submerged islands, and an abundance of extraordinary Devil Fruit abilities at every turn. Can we realistically incorporate all of this into future seasons, or is it simply too overwhelming for a live-action adaptation?

What message would you give to all the people worldwide who are about to start watching the show for the first time?

About One Piece

To fully embrace the show's uniqueness and departure from traditional epic fantasy series, I suggest approaching it with an open mind and no preconceived notions. Enjoy its delightful blend of humor, light-heartedness, and genuine emotion. At its core, this show resonates with the universal struggle of pursuing one's dreams, making it an apt reflection of our current challenging times. It embodies hope, optimism, and inspires us to follow our aspirations, elements which are becoming increasingly rare.

One Piece, which is based on Japan's highest-selling manga series by Eiichiro Oda, offers a legendary high-seas adventure like no other. Meet Monkey D. Luffy, a young adventurer who has harbored a deep desire for a life of freedom from a very young age. Setting off from his humble village, Luffy embarks on a treacherous voyage in search of the fabled treasure known as One Piece, with the ultimate goal of becoming the Pirate King! However, this ambitious quest calls for the assembly of a dream crew, the acquisition of a seaworthy vessel, traversing the expansive blue oceans, evading the formidable Marines, and outsmarting perilous adversaries at every twist and turn.

Check out our other One Piece interview with director Emma Sullivan here.

All 8 episodes of One Piece are currently available to stream on Netflix.

Source: Screen Rant Plus