Following the release of the One Piece live action trailer, mangaka and creator Eiichiro Oda conveyed a heartfelt message to fans of the franchise.

In Eiichiro Oda’s message, the mangaka reflected on the challenges faced by the production team during the project’s development and also offered words of reassurance to those who remain skeptical about the live-action adaptation.



Read Eiichiro Oda’s message to those who “have some gripes” about Netflix’s One Piece live action

In a translated version of his handwritten message, he acknowledged the likelihood of some criticism after the launch, stating, “If by chance people have some gripes, I’ll be there to receive them together.” He expressed his intention to embrace even critical comments, understanding that they “come from a place of love” for the franchise.

The Straw Hat Pirates in the One Piece live action series, featuring Inaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Emily Rudd as Nami, Mackenyu Arata as Zoro, Taz Skylar as Sanji, and Jacob Romero as Usopp
Credit: Netflix

As the release date approached, Eiichiro Oda reflected on the project’s inception in 2016. He briefly recounted the arduous efforts put forth by the cast, the intricacy of the set and costume design, and the challenges of adapting his life’s work for both streaming and TV audiences.

“There were so many things that had to be done to keep things from looking too unnatural in the live action,” he said.

Notably, Eiichiro Oda praised Inaki Godoy’s remarkable portrayal of Monkey D. Luffy, mentioning that some lines felt different on paper but came to life brilliantly through Inaki’s performance.

“It works when it’s Inaki performing it as Luffy,” Oda said. “As a matter of fact, it works great!”

Read Eiichiro Oda’s message below:

Eiichiro Oda's message on the One Piece live action trailer
Credit: Eiichiro Oda

The One Piece live action series will air exclusively on Netflix on August 31, starring Inaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp, Taz Skylar as Sanji, and Mackenyu Arata as Zoro.

View the complete One Piece live action cast here.

Watch the official One Piece live action trailer below:



This upcoming series is the television adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s highly popular manga and anime. It first debuted in 1997 and has since become one of the most successful and longest-running manga series of all time.

The central theme of the series revolves around pirates and their adventures. The protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, aspires to become the Pirate King by finding the legendary treasure known as “One Piece” located at the end of the Grand Line. Along the way, he forms a crew of diverse and compelling characters, known as the Straw Hat Pirates.

Discuss stories like these with us — join the ONE Esports Discord community.

READ MORE: You’re not ready for this — Luffy live action actor has the most wholesome reaction to One Piece teaser