Netflix’s determination to keep on experimenting with the anime genre, although commendable, was also deemed concerning. Especially as the audiences got a glimpse of the massive budget behind the making of the One Piece live-action series. Given that its previous live-action series has done more harm than good, its live-action on the Eiichiro Oda manga raised many eyebrows.

As the series edges closer to the premiere of the series and the trailer does not fit the bill of cloning the anime into live-action, the criticisms swept over the straw hat pirates. Only to be stopped by none other than the mastermind behind the manga himself.

Eiichiro Oda shields Netflix from criticisms amidst row against live action adaptation

One of the major contributors that has played a part in the streamer’s inability to make a live-action anime series that strikes a chord with the audience is how far it strays from the original material. But given how the creator behind the manga himself is emphasizing how a live-action series was needed, One Piece seems to be on the right track. The creator himself stated that he only made a live-action version of his popular manga because he believed technology was finally on par with his imagination.

Speaking to his dream ‘Luffy’, who now finds his face in Iñaki Godoy, Oda revealed that there were two things that stopped him from making a live-action series before.

One, whether he would be able to find his dream lucky. Two, whether CGI or VFX are developed enough to bring the series to life. But he believed that with the right team, he could make it work. And Netflix was just that team.

Is Netflix’s One Piece live-action another Cowboy Bebop?

In 2021, the OTT Mogul took on another beloved anime to churn out a live-action series. However, it turned the tide in the most disastrous of ways. Since then, the majority of the audience put their foot down on the Westernization of their favorite animes. And they also pledged to never trust the American streaming giant with anime live-action adaptations. But Netflix hopes that all will be forgiven with the release of the One Piece live-action anime series.

The streamer is truly leaving no stone unturned, as it even justified the intention behind the making of the series. One Piece is Netflix’s one last chance to prove to the anime community that its heart is in the right place with the anime genre.

Do you think One Piece should have been turned into a live-action series by Netflix or not? Let us know in the comments below.