Not too long ago, the prospect of a live-action adaptation of One Piece brought a mix of excitement and dread among anime aficionados. Previous Western adaptations like Dragonball Evolution and Ghost in the Shell were largely viewed as failures, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of fans. Furthermore, the lackluster response to Netflix’s own iteration of Cowboy Bebop in 2021 added to this skepticism. Thus, when Netflix announced its plans to breathe life into One Piece, doubts were inevitable.
Contrary to prevailing fears, however, the live-action adaptation became a remarkable success. It garnered acclaim from dedicated fans, casual onlookers, and critics alike. With approval from the original manga creator, Eiichiro Oda, a talented cast, and a commitment to genuine storytelling, Netflix’s One Piece has redefined expectations for anime adaptations in a live-action format. As the second season approaches, significant changes are on the horizon, particularly with the announcement that the showrunner Matt Owens is stepping down from the project, stirring curiosity regarding the future for the Straw Hat Pirates.
Matt Owens Bids Farewell to One Piece Live-Action
A Proven Storyteller Takes a Step Back
On March 21, 2025, Matt Owens shared his decision through an Instagram post that read,
“The last 6 years working on the live-action One Piece have been a life-changing journey. A dream come true. It’s also been A LOT. So I’m stepping off the Going Merry to take a break & focus on myself and my mental health. Thank you so much to Oda, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios, Netflix, and the entire cast and crew for your trust, partnership, and hard work. For now, I’m gonna take a break, do some therapy, try and rank up in Marvel Rivals, and come back refreshed for the new adventures that await.”
Prior to his work on One Piece, Owens had established himself in the realm of genre storytelling with notable contributions to various Marvel television series such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Luke Cage, and The Defenders. His unique blend of passion and expertise has shaped numerous ambitious narratives, making his presence on One Piece significant.
One Piece: A Fulfilling Passion Project for Owens
Understanding the Role of a Showrunner
Owens co-created and served as co-showrunner for Netflix’s live-action series, a project he regarded as a “life-changing journey” and “a dream come true.”His enthusiasm for One Piece was evident, as he shared, “As the biggest One Piece fan, it’s been really exciting seeing some of my favorite places from the manga become a reality.” His recent exit signifies the closing of a pivotal chapter for both him and the series he helped bring to life.
A showrunner is the central creative force behind a series like One Piece, managing everything from story arcs to production logistics, ensuring adherence to the show’s core vision. In a sprawling adaptation of such a revered and lengthy manga, the showrunner’s role is paramount. They integrate the writers’ contributions, tackle decisions regarding story adaptation, and work extensively with directors and designers, as well as the original creator, to synchronize tone and pacing. The showrunner ultimately molds the essence of the series, influencing both emotional depth and visual artistry.
While the acclaim received by the live-action One Piece cannot solely be labeled as Matt Owens’ achievement, a significant portion undoubtedly reflects his efforts. As co-creator and showrunner, Owens was integral in establishing the series’ tone and narrative flow that appealed to both long-standing fans and newcomers. His imminent departure raises concerns about potential shifts in storytelling and style, as showrunners play a crucial role in maintaining a series’ creative integrity.
Navigating Into Season Two
Expanding Story Arcs and Escalating Stakes
Currently, Netflix has not revealed any plans for One Piece beyond its impending second season. Nevertheless, the anticipation is high that Season Two will live up to its predecessor’s success, especially given its dedicated fanbase and favorable reviews. One Piece already stands as a cultural phenomenon in Japan, boasting over 1,000 animated episodes and more than 100 published manga volumes. While it might be ambitious to envision a complete adaptation of the saga, there is clear potential for this series to develop into a long-running franchise if it continues to deliver well-crafted and engaging narratives.
Filming for Season Two was recently completed in early 2025, with the original cast returning, including Iñaki Godoy reprising his role as Monkey D. Luffy. Although an official release date is yet to be disclosed, the premiere is anticipated for late 2025 or early 2026.
This new season is set to take viewers deeper into the Grand Line, starting with the Loguetown arc and advancing through pivotal storylines such as Reverse Mountain, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, Drum Island, and the early segments of the Arabasta saga. Audiences can look forward to the introduction of key characters like Tony Tony Chopper—created with CGI for authenticity—and Doctor Kureha, portrayed by Katey Sagal. The primary antagonist, Crocodile, will be played by Joe Manganiello, adding to a high-stakes narrative involving the Baroque Works crime syndicate.
A New Direction: Captain at the Helm
Owens Moves On, Leaving a Legacy
Even though Matt Owens has exited from the One Piece project, Joe Tracz has stepped in as the new showrunner. Having previously worked as a writer and producer on all three seasons of Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events and serving as the creator and showrunner for Dash & Lily, his proven track record in adapting beloved tales suggests he could maintain One Piece’s impressive trajectory.
In his farewell message, Owens conveyed his intention to “come back refreshed for the new adventures that await.” While we can’t know if this implies a return to One Piece or ventures into other creative pathways, he has certainly earned his respite. His departure signals the closure of one chapter, yet it may also present opportunities for the series to reach new heights. With the plot advancing into more intricate arcs and the introduction of new characters, adopting a fresh perspective might be precisely what One Piece needs to flourish while staying true to the heart that Owens instilled in it. His contributions have demonstrated that live-action adaptations of anime can not only succeed but excel.
Source: DiscussingFilm on X