Netflix's ‘One Piece’ live-action series reveals main cast
Netflix has revealed the main cast for its upcoming live-action adaptation of the beloved anime series, One Piece.
On the heels of its Netflix Festival Japan 2021 event on Wednesday, the streaming platform introduced the actors who will be playing the popular manga's Straw Hats crew, which includes Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji.
According to Netflix, the cast of the upcoming 10-episode series from Tomorrow Studios include Iñaki Godoy, who will portray the titular character of Monkey D. Luffy. He will be joined by Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp and Taz Skylar as Sanji.
As part of the announcement, Netflix also revealed the "wanted" posters for each actor as well as a clip introducing the stars of the One Piece live-action series. Check them out below:
welcome to the Straw Hats ☠️⛵️? #onepiece pic.twitter.com/s3UvjkShbL
— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) November 9, 2021
Meanwhile, One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda, who is also serving as an executive producer of the series, said: "We’ve been working with Netflix and Tomorrow Studios on the massive project that is the Hollywood live action series adaptation of ONE PIECE!"
He added: "How many years has it been since it was announced, right? I know, I know! But rest assured we’ve been making steady progress all along! It’s not easy when you’re working with people from different cultures! But it’s precisely that process that can yield something special! For now, we’re able to announce the main cast! Rather, we need to hurry and announce it or else it’ll be leaked, apparently! Hilarious, lol. Their face, the size of their mouths and hands, their aura, the way they carry themselves, their voice, their acting skills, their height, the balance amongst the Straw Hat Crew, etc…! We decided on this cast after numerous discussions involving people around the world! These are the people who will be our Straw Hat Pirates!”
Oda said that although it would take "a bit more time to get this show done," he assured fans that they will continue to do their best to deliver a show that they are confident will be "enjoyed by everyone around the world."
Based on Oda's iconic manga, One Piece follows the story of Luffy, a young boy who sets out on an adventure with his crew to find the mystery treasure called One Piece, which was left by the legendary pirate Gol D. Roger.
First debuted in 1997, the soaring success of Oda's manga continues to this day, with the source material reaching its 100th volume. One Piece currently has 14 animated movies while the anime series is slated to release its 1,000th episode.
Aside from One Piece, Netflix is also releasing an array of live-action adaptations, which include the highly-awaited Cowboy Bebop, Yu Yu Hakusho series, and a Mobile Suit Gundam movie.