Netflix is mining hard for Anime fans. The OTT platform is bringing back the eternally loved One Piece for its fans but with its own home production, turning it into a live-action series. They are showing their commitment to the genre as well, with some record-breaking budgets. The streaming giant is said to be taking its production to a whole different level, even beating the record of one of the most expensive shows ever made.

When Game of Thrones was released, it needed to be one of the biggest shows ever made, courtesy of its cast members, story, and expensive sets. The series apparently spent up to $15 million per episode, but One Piece is set to break that record.

One Piece has surpassed Game of Thrones’ $15 million record with this whopping number

We now know what Netflix meant when they made stricter subscription rules for creating quality content. As the excitement over One Piece grows, the company is also investing like never before. According to a post by DailyDoseofAnime, each episode of the live-action series is set to cost $18 million per episode in production. This breaks Game of Thrones’ record of $15 million per episode.

The budget of a series may not be a defining factor to how good it could turn out to be, but it does purchase some skilled staff and realistic sets. One Piece will have about 8 episodes, bringing its total to about $150 million for the first season. Notably, Disney’s The Mandalorian starring Pedro Pascal also came close with a budget of $15 million per episode.

Crunchyroll is also leveling up with its own anime episodes in the series. But how will Netflix outdo the legendary anime?

What we can expect from the live-action series

The 1997 manga is known to anime fans around the world, but the live-action series will expand the fan base with a worldwide platform. The series is supposed to revolve around the adventures of Straw Hat Pirates as they go on hunting for the ‘One Piece’.

Fans will see Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Jacob Gibson, etc as the leading cast. So far we have seen a teaser of the series, but the actual show is set to release on 31st August 2023. Until then, the makers will continue to drop more insight into the series.

What do you think about this $18 million budget per episode? Share your thoughts in the comments.