Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the beloved manga One Piece has garnered global attention, but its creator, Eiichiro Oda, has recently expressed disappointment with the series’ departure from the original storyline.
After seven years in production, One Piece finally found its way to live-action television. Upon its debut, the show quickly claimed the top spot in 84 countries, even surpassing Netflix’s popular series like Stranger Things and Wednesday.
Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, initially had reservations about a live-action adaptation but ultimately approved the project. He serves as the executive director, ensuring that every detail aligns with his imaginative world.
However, Oda recently raised concerns about the series’ deviation from the manga’s plot. He emphasized the importance of remaining faithful to the essence of the characters and their power dynamics. He stated, “A successful live-action film doesn’t need to drastically change the storyline from the manga.”
Devoted fans of the original manga and anime have echoed Oda’s sentiments, noting that while Netflix’s adaptation has its merits, it introduces significant changes that detract from the essence of the source material.
One notable alteration revolves around the character Merry, who in the Netflix version becomes a financial advisor instead of a butler and faces a different fate at the hands of Kuro. These changes have left fans puzzled and disappointed.
Another instance of deviation involves Nami’s interactions with her village. In the manga and anime, her sacrifices are acknowledged by the villagers, who are compelled to pretend otherwise. However, the live-action adaptation portrays Nami as greedy, leading to awkward scenes that fans find out of place.
Despite these concerns, Netflix’s One Piece adaptation has streamlined the narrative to make it more accessible to newcomers. While some deviations from the source material are expected in adaptations, the Netflix series has faced criticism for making unnecessary changes that alter the core storyline.
As fans eagerly await news of a potential second season, the future of the One Piece live-action adaptation remains uncertain. Although the script and cast are prepared, and producers hint at a new season within 12-18 months, an official renewal from Netflix is awaited to confirm the series’ fate.