One Piece has garnered a following over the years, captivating fans worldwide with its manga and anime series. The tale of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew has enthralled audiences for more than two decades. Now Netflix is taking this adventure to live-action with a talented cast. Among them is Emily Rudd, who will portray Nami, the navigator and skilled thief of the Straw Hat Pirates. And she has expressed her belief that she was destined to be Nami’s character. Now that is some confidence!

Emily Rudd describes herself and her character as someone who is a ‘guiding light.’ She refers to her role as where she will be the one who is indirectly the lead of the team and their expeditions. Moreover, Rudd says that her own persona too is that of one who steers people to the right side of things. In an interview with GamesRadar+, The Romanoffs actress expressed her enthusiasm and genuine love for portraying the character Nami. She shared that her connection with One Piece began during her childhood and how she always found a relatability with Nami’s persona.

Describing Nami as a courageous, loyal, humorous, and fierce individual, Rudd deeply appreciates the character’s sense of adventure and curiosity. Moreover, she emphasized the brilliance of Eiichiro Oda, the show’s creator who has built a diverse world filled with captivating characters and compelling narratives.

During the pandemic period, Rudd took on the audition for Nami by submitting a self-tape from her own home. Despite feeling nervous about it, she also possessed confidence due to the genuine connection she felt towards the character. Grateful for being part of a talented and diverse cast and crew, Emily Rudd eagerly anticipates sharing this remarkable show with fans everywhere.

Moreover, the actress has gone on to great lengths in securing her role and hopes she can live up to the expectations.

Emily Rudd on preparations and expectations from One Piece

Emily Rudd mentioned that she prepared for the role of Nami by immersing herself in One Piece anime and manga. Her intention was to grasp Nami’s personality, voice, and mannerisms without trying to fake them. Collaborating with a dialect coach allowed her to master Nami’s accent while physical training helped her excel in action-packed scenes. As a tribute to Nami’s appearance, Rudd dyed her hair orange to match the character’s distinctive look. She will also sport the recognizable blue and white striped bikini top and jeans of Nami.

Expressing her hopes for the show, Rudd desires it to remain faithful to the manga and anime while injecting freshness into the live-action adaptation. She aspires for it to resonate with both fans and newcomers of One Piece alike. Additionally, she eagerly anticipates showcasing her chemistry with fellow cast member Iñaki Godoy, who portrays Monkey D. Luffy, Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. “I hope I can make her proud,” she concluded.

How excited are you for Netflix’s One Piece live-action? Is Emily Rudd the right choice for Nami? Let us know in the comments below.