Streaming giant Netflix has been
building up a divisive reputation for anime fans particularly in the West.
While they do maintain a respectable library of major anime series, plus a
growing selection of exclusive original productions, it is what they do with
certain franchises that rile up fans of a purist mold. The upcoming live-action
adaptation of classic 1998 anime “Cowboy Bebop” has been a tough sell, with
some critics only softening up due to the Japanese audio dub being done by the
original anime voices. Now, Netflix is announcing its next big live-action take
on anime, “One Piece,” by revealing its primary cast members.
CNet reports that Netflix has begun promoting their planned
live-action adaptation to the manga/anime “One Piece” with the announcement of
five main cast members. They will be portraying the initial members of the
Straw Hat Pirates, the heroes of the adventure to find the legendary treasure
One Piece. Mexican actor Iñaki Godoy will play the main character Monkey D. Luffy.
Japanese star Mackenyu (“Rurouni Kenshin: The Final”) stars as Roronoa Zoro.
Nami will be played by Emily Rudd (Netflix’s “Fear Street Part Two: 1978”). Jacob
Romero Gibson (Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Greenleaf”) will portray Ussop.
Finally, the role of Sanji will be played by British actor Taz Skylar (“Boiling
Point”, 2021).
Welcome to Netflix Straw Hats! @InakiGodoy, @mackenyu1116, @emilysteaparty, @itsbookofjacob and Taz Skylar. pic.twitter.com/sLwsJlO37P
— ONE PIECE(ワンピース) Netflix (@onepiecenetflix) November 9, 2021
Already the casting choices have
been raising eyebrows with longtime fans of the long-running manga and anime
(1997/1999 and still going). One of their “ammunition” is a manga extra from “One
Piece” creator Eiichiro Oda describing the characters’ real-world ethnic equivalents.
For example, Luffy was Brazilian, not Mexican like Godoy. Nami was Swedish (Rudd
is American) and Sanji was supposed to be French. Oda however, also sits as
executive producer of the Netflix series, and apparently had a hand in the
casting process as well.
A special message from Eiichiro Oda to the One Piece cast. @Eiichiro_Staff pic.twitter.com/BT52Taxz2V
— ONE PIECE(ワンピース) Netflix (@onepiecenetflix) November 9, 2021
“One Piece” is set in a fantasy
world during a great age of piracy. Luffy, a boy granted body stretching and
elasticity powers from eating a “devil fruit,” gathers a crew of adventurers to
find One Piece, the legendary treasure of the late Pirate King, Gold Roger.
Joining his Straw Hat crew are swordsman Zoro, thief and cartographer Nami,
marksman Ussop and chef/martial artist Sanji.
Joining Oda as executive
producers are Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements, both already involved with “Cowboy
Bebop,” which premieres on Netflix streaming this November 19. “One Piece” is
slated to have 10 episodes for its inaugural season. No production date has
been given, as the original schedule in 2020 was foiled by the COVID pandemic.
Image: Variety
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