Netflix does not have the greatest track record with attempting to adapt classic manga/anime into live action, from Death Note to Cowboy Bebop. But this time, this time could it actually work?
Well, maybe, in fact.
Netflix has a lot riding on its massively expensive adaptation of one of the most sprawling anime and manga series of all time, One Piece, which debuts tomorrow on Friday, August 31. They’ve just released one final trailer for the adaptation, which you can see below. Unlike many other fanbases that may dislike how things are handled or how they look in early promos, there’s a significant like to dislike ratio here, far titled in the positive direction. People are excited because it looks well, faithful and good.
The show has even garnered praise from One Piece’s reclusive creator Eiichiro Oda, who likely wouldn’t have said anything at all if he didn’t like it. Here’s what he said:
“As a Hollywood production, the action and VFX are great, not to mention the performances by the cast,” Oda, who is famously very private and does not like for his face to be shown publicly, says through the iconic communication method from “One Piece.” “But above all, I want to call attention to how perfect the Straw Hat cast are. It’s like you’re watching the Straw Hats in real life, which I’d love for you to savor.”
The cast has been a high point of praise for just how much they look and feel like their animated counterparts, which is often a problem with these kinds of adaptations. In particular, this seems like a star-maker for Luffy actor Iñaki Godoy, a Mexican actor who seems absolutely perfect for the part, and has demonstrated the fact that he’s both a superfan of the character and of the anime and manga.
Netflix has simply not had any breakout hits attempting this anime adaptation format. Cowboy Bebop was killed after one season. Its Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist adaptations haven’t really garnered lots of positive attention. Death Note is generally thought of the worst one here.
It does at least seem like One Piece may finally breakout from the pack here. Source material fans are excited, and even as someone on the outside of that fandom it just looks…very fun? I’m getting Scott Pilgrim tone vibes, a bit (don’t kill me for saying that). It just seems like it’s going to be a good time. We’ll find out tomorrow, I suppose.
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