Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation is finally here, which means we can finally talk about how it compares to Eiichiro Oda’s story.
Of course, singling out every single difference in this new series would be an impossible task.
Instead, we’re going to focus on the best and worst changes Netflix made from the iconic anime that first premiered in 1999 to suit the new series.
But it’s important to note that the anime is an adaptation of a manga series written and illustrated by Oda, which was published in 1997, and is ongoing.
Oda has been heavily involved in the production of the Netflix show. And has written that Netflix will not launch the show “until it is satisfied.”
That’s probably a big reason why, even though the live-action series has more negatives than positives. Netflix’s One Piece is a solid account of the Straw Hats’ journey and one that undoubtedly captures the spirit of Oda’s original work.
Positive: Adding more interactions between straw hats
Most notably, there were more scenes of the Straw Hats interacting with each other. That’s not to say that anime didn’t have main characters. But through the eight episodes of the live-action series, it felt like the Straw Hats had longer moments to show their relationships.
One Piece fans already knew from the teasers that the casting was a highlight of the adaptation. And the scenes focused on the Straw Hats are simply gold.
Take Sanji (Taz Skylar) meets Nami (Emily Rudd) for the first time at Baratie.
The anime also shows that Chef is instantly smitten by her beauty and turns into a heart-eyed sump. But this long scene with him flirting with Nami, and the other Straw Hats’ reactions to it, was pure comedy.
Zoro’s (Mackenyu) intervention when he asks Sanji for a beer adds to the humor. But also begins to establish his and Nami’s relationship. A dynamic we’ve seen in the live-action series and before.
Mackenyu and Rudd’s chemistry is undeniable. Every scene between them is fun. Watching the first few arcs of the anime, biggest complaint was that the fighting was too long. So having more doses of drama in between the action in the live-action adaptation is a welcome change.
Cons: Diminishing Don Krieg’s character
I didn’t want too much action in the show. And remember texting a friend about how Luffy’s (Iñaki Godoy) fight against Don Krieg dragged. But to be almost completely obliterated in Don Krieg’s adaptation? It was a loss.
In the anime, Don Krieg was the main antagonist of the Baratie Arc and his fight with Luffy. Although long, was key to portraying the main character. Also, seeing Luffy’s undying resilience in this battle greatly influenced Sanji’s decision to join Rubber Boy’s crew.
Without the confrontation between Don Krieg and Luffy, this part of the story lacked character development for both Luffy and Sanji.
And while One Piece anime often featured multiple villains in one arc. Don Krieg’s right-hand man Ghin was definitely the most compelling. Not having it in a live-action adaptation also felt like a missed opportunity. In the anime, Ghin helps Sanji and Luffy against his captain’s direct orders and plays a key role in establishing the theme that there is no clear right or wrong.
Shahrukh Khan’s land on Moon known as Sea of Tranquility
Thankfully, this motif is gradually established by the other characters as the live-action adaptation progresses.