Netflix’s “One Piece” live-action series has been nothing short of a smash hit. Season 1 gave fans grand quests, memorable characters, and epic fight scenes, leaving everyone buzzing about the possibility of a Season 2. But with production delays and a sea of uncertainties, will Monkey D. Luffy and his crew set sail once again on Netflix?
‘One Piece’ Tops the Charts, but Will it Set Sail for a Second Season?
Everyone’s favorite pirate, Monkey D. Luffy (played by Iñaki Godoy), took over Netflix like a hurricane when the live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s “One Piece” debuted. Not only did it capture hearts, but it also dominated the leaderboard, breaking records previously held by Netflix staples like “Stranger Things” and “Wednesday.” A certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes further sealed its initial success.
Considering “One Piece” is reportedly Netflix’s most expensive show to produce—rumored to cost a whopping $18 million per episode—the production is at a standstill until these labor disputes are resolved.
Peter Friedlander Weighs In
In a recent conversation with Variety, Peter Friedlander, Netflix’s Head of Scripted Series U.S. and Canada, tackled the elephant in the room—Season 2 of “One Piece.”
While Friedlander shied away from making promises, he shed light on Netflix’s broader strategy, emphasizing their commitment to support creators and adapt IPs in unexpected yet faithful ways.
Co-showrunners Spill the Tea on Season 2
Steven Maeda and Matt Owens, the co-showrunners, are just as tantalized by the wealth of source material available.
“So many possibilities and endless permutations,” they mused in an interview, revealing their step-by-step approach to adapt Oda’s masterpiece.
Oda’s Nod and the Journey Ahead
Speaking of Eiichiro Oda, the man behind the “One Piece” phenomenon has been more than just a bystander.From handpicking actors to overseeing reshoots, Oda has been at the helm of the adaptation.
in Season 2 of Netflix One Piece
I'm dying to see this scene in live action LMFAO pic.twitter.com/XfcDWFub2Y— 3WTweets🐼 (@Official3WP) September 1, 2023
What Awaits Us in the Grand Line: Season 2 Teasers
Last we saw of Luffy and the gang, they were on a direct course for the Grand Line. And as if navigating those treacherous waters wasn’t enough, a new foe in the form of Captain Smoker seems to be hot on their heels. According to insider whispers and subtle hints, the anticipated Season 2 will likely dip its toes into the Alabasta Saga.
Wait, There’s More: The Road to Season 2
With labor disputes to settle and scripts presumably still in the writing phase, the journey to Season 2 isn’t going to be a swift one.
Production for the first season took roughly nine months, with another year required for post-production. Hence, we’re possibly looking at a two-year timeline, once the Writers Guild and Screen Actors Guild strikes are resolved.
The Bottom Line
In a landscape teeming with adaptations and reboots, “One Piece” live-action stands as a testament to what can happen when you mix high production values with creative integrity. While the sea to Season 2 is currently turbulent, there’s enough wind in this show’s sails to give fans hope for another exhilarating adventure. So for now, let’s keep our spyglasses trained on the horizon, awaiting any signs of a renewed journey toward the coveted One Piece treasure.
