Netflix just dropped the trailer for the live-action adaptation of One Piece, and people have lost every ounce of chill. Ever since the announcement in 2020, fans have been waiting for at least a glimpse of Eiichiro Oda’s spectacular universe.
Although live-action has been tricky to perfect, Oda’s involvement in the project is an assurance of a solid anchor for the pirate’s ships!
One Piece Official Trailer
The trailer dropped on 18th June and since has been trending on Youtube with over 4 million views. The myriad of comments is reflective of the fine legacy of the original manga, One Piece.
The trailer has packed the right sentiments of the fans, who are excited to see their favorite character portrayed in 3D. However, there are also negative clouds surrounding the pirates with a few skepticism. Let us see if these are valid concerns.
One Piece: Concern 1 – Authentic Portrayal of Characters
There is a peculiar characteristic of an anime portrayal. It’s often over the top with exaggerated expressions and funny body movements that are humanly impossible. But that’s what makes the anime world so stimulatingly fascinating. Fans prefer these mannerisms in animated form, which is not only entertaining but also gives a glimpse of how absurdly beautiful that world is.
Now converting the same sensibility into live-action is their biggest concern. For example, the trailer shows a glimpse of Buggy, the small blue-haired clown-looking person who is the comic relief of the story. In the anime, he is portrayed as an extravagant character with a vibrant persona. Fans are worried that this might not translate into the live adaptation.
However, some fans have pointed out that the live-action stands true to the manga, with quite a genuine representation of the characters. From costumes, settings, and intricate details, these characters are carefully designed for better depiction.
We cannot really judge the humor, tone, and characteristics from a 2-minute trailer. We have to give the actors a fair chance before jumping the gun.
One Piece: Concern 2 – Perfecting The Powers
One of the major factors of One Piece is the underdog story with parahuman powers. Luffy has a unique ability of stretchy limbs. One of the core highlights of the trailer was the “Gum Gum Pistol” Luffy moment.
However, some netizens were unhappy with the poor CGI effects of the scene. According to them, the shot does not capture the human element of the stretchy arm. It seems fake and lacks the right intensity. Since Eiichiro Oda is involved in the creative decisions, only time will tell if the adaptation is worth it.
One Piece: Concern 3 – Pacing of The Show
The last concern was compiling 61 episodes of anime into an 8-episode mini-series. The show is supposed to cover the East Blue Saga. This will include the Romance Dawn Arc to Loguetown Arc.
This might hinder the pacing of the show, also observed in Cowboy Bebop which was canceled after the first season. Every character arc, plot structure, storyline, and One Piece world needs a definite timeline to fully capture the sentiment of the show.
One Piece Live-Action Cast
- Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy
- Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro
- Emily Rudd as Nami
- Jacob Gibson as Usopp
- Taz Skylar as Sanji
- McKinley Belcher III as Arlong
- Jandre le Roux as Kuroobi
- Stevel Marc as Yassop
- Milton Schorr as Don Krieg
- Peter Gadiot as Shanks
- Craig Fairbrass as Chef Zeff
- Langley Kirkwood as Ax Hand Morgan
- Chioma Antoinette Umeala as Nojiko
- Lily Fisher as Young Nami
- Sven Ruygrok as Cabaji
- Celeste Loots as Kaya
- Armand Aucamp as Bogard
The negative comments might be a drop in the ocean of other appreciative comments under the Youtube Trailer–
You can stream the series, releasing on Netflix on 31st August.
What was your initial reaction while watching the trailer? Do you think the series will do justice to the genius of One Piece? What did you like and dislike about the trailer?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
