One Piece has been Netflix’s biggest outing this year. The live-action series set the fans in a frenzy, proving to be a record-breaker for the streamer. Unsurprisingly, adapting a legendary franchise in a never-seen-before format puts even the best to the test. So Netflix surely climbed the toughest peak to bring the series to life. Viewers are no strangers to the streamer’s history with live-action shows.

It was not until One Piece’s release that Netflix ended its years-long curse of flop live-action releases. Among the many challenges it overcame was the casting, and recently, Netflix’s co-CEO revealed the most difficult part of the process.

Netflix CEO on the most difficult casting challenge ever

With the One Piece live-action series, Netflix defied all odds. From finding the perfect balance between respecting the source material and creating something new to putting the right people at the right place and time, the streamer took no chances. While every step was crucial, choosing the actor to play Monkey D. Luffy was the cherry on the cake. Recently, during their Q3 earnings call, the co-CEO Ted Sarandos admitted the same. 

He revealed, “One of the most difficult casting challenges in the history of our original programming was who’s gonna play Monkey D. Luffy.” Sarandos went on to explain how Iñaki Godoy was under their radar for quite a while. Apparently, Netflix discovered Godoy years before he starred as Luffy in the series. The co-CEO revealed that he was in awe of the Mexican actor’s performance in Who Killed Sara? 

Interestingly, the creator of the series Eiichiro Oda was also convinced of casting the actor as Luffy as he realized how Godoy looked exactly like Luffy from the manga. Netflix surely bet on the right horse, as Godoy was immensely loved by fans and critics alike.

With season 2 on the way, fans are eagerly waiting for the captain to lead his crew again. And it seems like Luffy is equally excited. 

Inaki Godoy reacted to the announcement of season 2 of the One Piece live-action series

The excitement surrounding One Piece season 2 is massive. Even though the production is yet to begin, fans are already hyped for the sequel. Interestingly, the cast is also eager to go out on their next adventure as Iñaki Godoy previously shared his adorable reaction to the announcement. 

The Mexican actor took to Instagram shortly after Netflix announced the sequel to the series. Godoy could not hold his excitement as he executed the iconic Kool & the Gang disco hit celebration. Elsewhere, even Emily Rudd took to Instagram a while ago to celebrate the release of One Piece season 2. Safe to assume, the cast is as excited to be back as the fans are excited to see them.

What are your thoughts on Godoy’s performance as Luffy? Comment down below.