Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “One Piece” made its official debut last week, receiving positive acclaim from fans and earning an impressive 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Simultaneously, the streaming platform released a special video that delves into the process of bringing Eiichiro Oda’s fantastical world to life in a real-world setting.
Showrunner and executive producer Matt Owens, a longtime fan of “One Piece,” expressed his passion for the series.
He emphasized the unique advantage of having a pre-existing fan base while acknowledging the responsibility it carries:
Having a built-in fan base is a phenomenal thing, and that also comes with a lot of responsibility to get it right.”
Owens also highlighted the wealth of knowledge accumulated over the manga’s 25-year run, enabling the team to include numerous Easter eggs for dedicated fans.
Co-showrunner and executive producer Steven Maeda discussed one of the key challenges they faced: incorporating the main characters’ backstories.
He explained their decision to gradually reveal these backstories and integrate them into the present-day narrative.
Amanda Ross-Mcdonald, the Hair, Makeup, and Costume Designer, touched upon the intricate task of translating the vibrancy of the characters from the manga to the screen.
She emphasized the importance of infusing color and vitality into the characters’ appearances while maintaining a balance that avoids the appearance of mere cosplay.
READ OUR REVIEW: Netflix’ ‘One Piece’ is a Treasure Trove of Entertainment – Review