Contents
Introduction
Netflix's long-awaited live-action adaptation of One Piece finally hit screens on August 31st after a lengthy development period. The series comes with a jaw-dropping budget of $18 million per episode, putting it in a league of its own when it comes to production costs. As for the results of this massive investment, well, it looks like those who've seen it are already head over heels! "One Piece is Netflix’s biggest production project in Africa to date – both in terms of scale and budget, covering South African labour, infrastructure, and suppliers," says the President of South Africa in a press statement.
Unsurprisingly, the live-action adaptation has garnered praise from both die-hard fans and newcomers to the beloved pirate universe. At this moment, it's racking up some impressive numbers in the ratings game, with a whopping 96% audience score from over 10,000 users and a solid 85% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes, establishing itself as one of Netflix's hit drama adaptations.
That said, join us as we explore the buzz about this already-beloved series. diving into everything you need to know about Netflix's take on the iconic decade-old story, One Piece, and why it should be on your must-watch list if you haven't already had the pleasure of experiencing this thrilling event. So, grab your compass, gather your crew, and set sail for an endless adventure across the vast oceans!
One Piece Live-Action Series Takes the Seas by Storm
The live-action series takes us on a thrilling journey with Monkey D. Luffy (portrayed by Iñaki Godoy) as he sets out to conquer the seas and embark on a quest to find a long-lost treasure, all while accompanied by the familiar pirate crew cherished by manga and anime enthusiasts. Within this crew, you'll find Roronoa Zoro (portrayed by Mackenyu), whose striking looks in the series have not gone unnoticed, alongside Nami (portrayed by Emily Rudd), Sanji (portrayed by Taz Skylar), and Usopp (portrayed by Jacob Romero).
The live-action series accomplished an impressive feat by bringing Eiichiro Oda's original One Piece world to life in a way that fans had never before experienced beyond the realms of drawings and animation. This adaptation expertly blended this captivating world with a real-world setting, enriched by legends, mythical creatures, and pretty much all the elements that are associated with the world of pirates.
No spoilers ahead, but it's safe to say that Netflix's investment of a tremendous budget into this adaptation truly pays off. They perfectly incorporated Oda's unique artistic style into the production design and filled the scenes with a wealth of endearing background and characters, giving the entire experience a vibrant, immersive quality.
The Man Behind the Handsome Swordsman
Without doubt, the plot alone seems exciting enough to make this live-action series a must-watch on a lazy evening with Netflix. For some, however, the real "plot" revolves around Mackenyu Arata, who played Zoro in the series. But let's face it – with his charismatic looks, well-defined muscles, and exceptional acting skills, can anyone really blame them?
If you're among those who've become instant fans of Zoro, you're probably itching (maybe even dying) to learn more about this incredibly handsome 26-year-old actor. So, Mackenyu Maeda, who goes by Mackenyu Arata, was born to Japanese parents on November 16, 1996, in Los Angeles. His mother’s name is Tamami Chiba, and his father happens to be the Japanese action movie star, Sonny Chiba.
His journey in the world of Japanese entertainment began in 2014, and today, he stands as the tall and handsome green-haired swordsman in the now-famous live-action One Piece series. Even the co-creator of the show, Matt Owens, showered praise on Mackenyu for his portrayal of Zoro in an article featured on Netflix's Tudum, saying: “He’s a phenomenal fighter and having an actor like Mackenyu playing this role… every time I see him doing his own stunts, doing action, fighting, it’s one of the most exciting parts of the show, and Mackenyu really brings it.”
On a somewhat disappointing note for fans, Mackenyu entered into marriage with a non-celebrity woman whose identity remains undisclosed. The announcement of his marriage coincided with his younger brother's in January 2023. So, for those fans who had their hearts set on a romantic connection with Mackenyu, the chances seem slim (at least for now). On the positive side, you can continue to enjoy Mackenyu's charming presence in the live-action series and his upcoming projects, which might offer some solace!
Still, don't let Zoro's breathtaking allure overshadow the striking beauty of other characters, not only within the Straw Hat Pirates but also way beyond. Take a moment to appreciate the charismatic Red-Haired Shanks, the quirky Buggy the Clown, the intimidatingly judgmental Dracule Mihawk, and a whole lot more.
Unleash Your Inner Pirate with the One-Stop Shop for All Things OP!
Let's all admit it, trying to match the precision of a multi-million-dollar custom production and looking as fabulous as the characters do in a live-action adaptation isn't a walk in the park. But die-hard One Piece fans are famous for their unmatched devotion to loving the series in every possible way, and when it comes to the most favorite ways that really gets them into the character spirit? Cosplaying, hands down!
However, there's one common issue that non-Japanese residents can relate to – the disappointment of coming across poorly made cosplay costumes that take away from the joy of dressing up as your favorite character. Here's the good part though: This issue finds its solution in the giant e-commerce platform, ZenPlus, a hub that boasts over 3,000 Japanese online retail shops and 5 million rare items, all proudly made in Japan.
With just a few simple clicks from the comfort of your home, you can now access any One Piece costume your imagination has been yearning for. Not to mention that ZenPlus offers an extensive range of OP merchandise, including authentic manga, valuable figures, stylish clothing, large posters, cool mugs, and adorable plushies, to name just a few.
So, what's holding you back? Let's celebrate the release of Netflix's long-awaited live-action adaptation of One Piece. Dive into your OP fandom by exploring the vast collection of merchandise, pick out your favorites, and have them delivered right to your doorstep!
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.
