One Piece: Live-Action Series

One Piece is a beloved series. Not just here at IndieGala. Everywhere else too. So, the One Piece: Live-Action Series by Netflix will attempt to capitalize on that love and devotion from fans. Indeed. The highly-anticipated live-action adaptation of the popular manga and animé has already been announced. And we’re all about that here.

Why? Well because we already touched on the iconic series with the one really cool article. That’s right. The article about Monkey D. Luffy was a nice piece to write. I have to admit. And I relished the opportunity to honor one of the most iconic characters ever. You can check it out here. But I’m here about something else. The same franchise, but a different project. I’m here about the Netflix’s One Piece: Live-Action Series.

One Piece: Live-Action Series

However, I simply can’t go on any further without a nice throwback to the series that started it all. The One Piece series.

The One Piece Series Predates The One Piece: Live-Action Series

One Piece has been serialized in Shueisha’s shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump since July 1997. With its individual chapters compiled into 100 tankōbon volumes as of late 2021. But the series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy. A boy whose body gained the properties of rubber after unintentionally eating a Devil Fruit. So, with his crew of pirates, named the Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy explores the Grand Line in search of the world’s ultimate treasure. “One Piece”. All in order to become the next King of the Pirates of course.

Developed by GANBARION Co., Ltd. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, One Piece is a fantastic series to have and enjoy. And yes. We do have plenty of cool games/installments from the One Piece series to purchase. One Piece World Seeker? Check. Get it here. How about One Piece Burning Blood? Yup. We have that too. In fact, why don’t you click here, take a look and find the best game from the series for you? You won’t be disappointed.

Meet The Cast Of One Piece: Live-Action Series

And it’s quite a cast really. But the truth of the matter is the series was originally announced almost two years ago. However just this month Netflix finally announced the One Piece primary cast.

And it’s a strange bunch of people I do have to admit. It’s a crew largely made up of relative newcomers for such a high-profile project. With Inaki Godoy in the lead role of Luffy. Furthermore, Mackenyu (son of legendary Japanese action star Sonny Chiba) is in the role of Zoro. Next Emily Rudd is Nami. While Jacob Romero Gibson is Usopp, and Tax Skylar is in the role of Sanji. Netflix also released a 30-second video of the cast saying how excited they are to be part of the project. Godoy was also heard saying Luffy’s line, “I can’t wait to become the Pirate King,” in the clip.

The Blessings Of Eiichiro Oda Are Here!

That’s right. The creator of the manga series, Eiichiro Oda also serves as one of the producers of the series and seems to approve of the adaptation. In fact, Oda had something to say about the series as well.

“We’ve been working with Netflix and Tomorrow Studios on the massive project that is the Hollywood live-action series adaptation of One Piece! How many years has it been since it was announced, right? I know, I know! But rest assured we’ve been making steady progress all along!”

The One Piece: Live-Action Series will contain 10 episodes total, and it will premiere on Netflix of course. The premiere date is a well-kept secret so far, but we do know that Marc Jobst is set to direct at least one episode. Furthermore, the production of the show was supposed to begin last summer in Cape Town. But unfortunately was delayed by Covid-19 as were plenty of other projects. But in early October, showrunner Steven Maeda posted a photo of himself in Cape Town, writing the word, “arrival.” Which would suggest that the show’s production has already begun. And it seems like the series will be using practical effects, which is very cool.

The Fans Are Not Happy Though!

Oh no, they’re not. Right after Netflix announced the cast plenty of the fans voiced their concerns in the comments section of Netflix’s social media platforms. The Japanese fans are exceptionally not happy and just take a look at some of their comments:

“Ca-tas-to-phe.”

“This looks terrible.”

“They should have just gone with the live-action One Piece cast from the Indeed commercial.”

“Yeah, and people trusted Toriyama with Dragonball Evolution.”

“Usopp seems like he’s really going to get on my nerves.”

“Mackenyu doesn’t seem like he’s into it at all.”

But Who’s Iñaki Godoy? The Star Of The One Piece: Live-Action Series?

Or should we say? Who will portray Monkey D. Luffy in the upcoming live-action series? Well, he’s an 18-year-old actor and he’s originally from Mexico. And that’s where he honed his craft so far. He’s been primarily known for appearances in some cool TV series but in some movies as well. Namely, the coming of age movie Go Youth! And aside from Mexican future projects, he’s yet to star in several American productions as well. Well aside from the One Piece series I mean. The Imperfects is another great example of his future projects in Hollywood. And he’s to star opposite some of the best new talents currently working today. Morgan Taylor Campbell, Italia Ricci, Kyra Zagorsky, Chris Cope are the first to come to mind here.

What’s The One Piece live-action Series All About?

What’s the One Piece live-action series going to entail? Well, it’s expected to follow the themes and guidelines of the original source material, since Oda is part of the production. But according to the official synopsis from IMDB:

An alternate version of Earth, and one that is currently in the midst of the ‘Golden Age of Pirates’. Ruthless cut-throat pirates rule the seas, and only the strongest have the chance to lay claim to the mythical treasure known as ‘One Piece’ that was left behind by the greatest pirate of them all Gol D. Roger. Years after the death of Gold Roger, a young boy by the name of Monkey D. Luffy has dreams of raising his own crew, finding One Piece, and declaring himself as Pirate King. After eating a devil fruit that grants Luffy the power to make his body like rubber, it gives him enormous strength and agility. When Luffy finally comes of age, he sets sail from Foosha Village in East Blue and sets upon his grand adventure to become the next Pirate King.

There’s hope that it’s gonna be a good show.

Watch Out For Plenty More Manga Adaptations!

That’s right The One Piece: Live-Action Series is not the only one to see the light of day. Just this week, the live-action adaptation of Cowboy Bebop will arrive on Netflix. And pretty soon you can expect the Gundam movie adaptation. But you should stay tuned Cowboy Bebop as well. We intend to devote an entire article to the upcoming series as well. So make sure to come back to IndieGala pretty soon.

Are You Excited About The One Piece: Live-Action Series?

We sure are. Let us know what are your expectations about the series. Will Netflix deliver the goods? Or will it disappoint the fans of the iconic franchise?

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