One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda confirmed that Netflix will be bringing the popular anime to its streaming service in the form of a live-action drama, and will even be teaming up with the Japanese artist.
One Piece is one of the longest running properties in Japan, making its debut as a manga in the iconic Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in 1997, and spawning a popular anime adaptation in 1999 that still airs today.
However, the beloved story of Monkey D. Luffy as he yearns to become the king of pirates is finally coming to life as Netflix and series creator Eiichiro Oda have confirmed a collaboration to bring the epic journey to the streaming platform with a live-action remake.
One Piece coming to Netflix as live-action series
Eiichiro Oda made a joint statement with Netflix on January 29 and confirmed the collaboration, which was then translated underneath. “I know I announced the production of this back in 2017, but these things take time!” he opened up.
The anime artist excitedly revealed that streaming platform giant would be giving him full support. “Netflix, the world’s leading streaming entertainment will be lending us their tremendous production support. This is so encouraging!”
He then revealed that season one will be an order of 10 episodes. “How far will the story progress over the 10 episodes of Season 1? Who will be cast? Please be patient a little longer.” he teased.
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It was also confirmed that Oda would be working with Steve Madea, whose work includes The X-Files and Lost, as well as Matt Owens who helmed Marvel’s Luke Cage.
Madea, who will be the series showrunner, celebrated the news on Twitter, replying to the One Piece creator’s tweet exclaiming, “Thrilled to be working on live-action adventures of the Straw Hat crew. Thanks to Oda-sensei for entrusting us with his vision.”
This move is another example of Netflix making a push to bring animated series’ to life, as in 2019 it was announced they are bringing the Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender to the platform in 2020, and also re-imagining it as a live-action show.
While most anime adaptions into the live-action format hasn’t worked out so well (think the poorly received 2017 Death Note film), the potential is here with One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda himself working full time on the project as Executive Producer.
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The project was also first announced three years ago, and according to reports, a lot of work has been done in the background between the Japanese artist and the streaming giant to ensure that it’s a project worth doing. So there is hope.
