Live-action adaptations can be a hit-or-miss in most cases but One Piece is an exception in this case. The 2023 adaptation was a massive hit among readers and viewers. Be it GFX, set, or the casting, the series is a complete treat for fans but the latest update has most fans disappointed.
To provide context, this update concerns the franchise and the makers in every way. The announcement has the fandom concerned for the most part but there is a solid reason behind the move. But the question remains still: Is Oda’s series cooked for real or is there hope still?
One Piece’s live-action update disappoints fans
At this rate, One Piece and its popularity is undisputable considering its worldwide cultural impact. It is a phenomenon that has changed lives for the better and continues to do so. The record-breaking manga lives up to its name as a bestseller through and through but that is not all.
The 2023 live-action series is a just adaptation that is up to the mark. The casting, set, GFX, music everything is a notch above the rest. It is impressive when we think about renditions that fail in most aspects. But with Oda’s involvement, Tomorrow Studios was able to execute it seamlessly.
On top of that, it is a marker of craftsmanship on all fronts. The costumes, prosthetic makeup as well as the props prove why it screams cinematic brilliance. It isn’t often that we come across a live-action series that is perfected to a T.
A large part of this also has to do with Oda choosing the actors for the roles. It is crazy how most fit the part and it’s always good to see a blend of fresh as well as experienced actors. But the latest announcement regarding the series has most fans disappointed and here’s why.
Recently, Matt Owens, the showrunner behind the live-actions series took to Instagram to announce his break. He cited mental health as one of the reasons behind his exiting the show and it is totally understandable. we often forget how frustrating and tedious creative fields can get at times.
Producing a high-budget live-action adaptation isn’t a cakewalk in any case. It is been almost 8 years since the live-action series was first announced and the second season is slated for release in 2025-26. But what does it mean for Oda’s series in the long run? Are we cooked or we’re good?
Is Eiichiro Oda’s series cooked or is there hope, still?
Indeed, Owens exiting the show is a shocker and a bummer to most fans. He did his best to make sure the show remained faithful to Oda’s opus. As a showrunner, it is understandable that carrying a series for almost eight years isn’t easy but one thing is certain.
The series isn’t cooked in any case especially since it is a temporary break. Artists are bound to take breaks and hiatuses for many reasons. Often, it gets overwhelming and the process is complex, still. But with Matt Owens, his message was reassuring which means that he might return in the future seasons.
Owens has previously worked on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as a writer and he did the same with One Piece live-action. Not only that, he helped Emily Rudd bag the role of Nami in the series. It is commendable how both he and Oda worked in tandem to bring forth an accurate adaptation.
All in all, fans need to have faith in the series as always. Owens taking a break is much needed and we hope he serves a banger once he returns to the show!
One Piece live-action is available for streaming on Netflix. The anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
