Eiichiro Oda discusses Netflix live-action series: Last chance to bring One Piece to the world

One Piece manga author Eiichiro Oda has shared the latest news about the upcoming live-action series on Netflix, a streaming platform.

In a letter from Oda released by Netflix on Instagram, he wrote: "I have been working with Tomorrow Studios and Netflix for a long time. Although they understand each character, we obviously come from very different cultures, and therefore, we have different codes, skills, and goals when it comes to entertainment. Sometimes this can be frustrating for both parties. It feels like, 'We are all trying to get to the same goal, why are we no longer on the same wavelength?' Sometimes I even wonder: 'Is foreign production really possible?!'"

Oda continued: "Now, this may seem like it came out of the blue, but... we have been working hard all along. Now, every department involved is working in sync. We have finally arrived here! Considering my estimated lifespan, I believe this is the last chance to bring One Piece to the world." (To be honest, One Piece has already gone global)

The letter ended on a positive note, with Oda stating that they are in the final stages of production on all eight episodes of the series, and that the series will "set sail soon."

Netflix said: "Since we established our partnership with Eiichiro Oda, we have been working closely to bring you the live-action version of One Piece. We share the same determination to invite everyone into the world of One Piece."

The cast currently announced includes Inaki Godoy as Luffy, Peter Gadiert as Shanks, Emily Ladd as Nami, Mackenyu Arata as Zoro, Tazzi Skylar as Sanji, Jacob Gibson as Usopp, etc. The series will be jointly produced by Mark Jobst, the director of Daredevil and The Demon Hunter, and Tim Southam, the director of Lost in Space.

The official broadcast date of the series has not yet been announced.