For a long time now, anime has had a terrible track record when it comes to jumping into the live-action genre. Which is why it was quite the shocker when the live-action One Piece became the No. 1 title globally on Netflix, with over 37.8 million views amassed in less than two weeks after its release, shifting a lot of people’s opinions about the subgenre as a result.
This is due in large part to the production staff keeping true to the vision of Eiichiro Oda, the series creator – from its grand production and set design all the way down to its silly tone. Which is why it’s no surprise that Netflix has renewed the series for another adventure and action-packed season. When is production starting? It starts right now!
Production Begins
In a special video, Eiichiro Oda shared with fans how delighted he was that “people around the world have been enjoying the show.” He continued, saying that he “received some great news” two weeks after the premiere, indicating that Netflix had chosen to renew the series for a second season. “The adventures of Iñaki [Godoy] and the live-action Straw Hats will continue onward!”
Earlier today (2nd July, 2024) Netflix dropped a special video announcing that production has begun. The video showcases the Straw Hats cast – Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero, and Taz Skylar – who go to South Africa and are reunited on the Going Merry as they get ready to venture to the Grand Line.
What Will Happen In Season 2?
Dr. Kureha will undoubtedly appear in Season 2, according to One Piece co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer Matt Owens’ prior interview with Tudum. “When the Season 2 writers’ room got together, we knew how far we were going to get and that this character, Dr. Kureha, was going to be a big part of the season.”
As “Oda told everyone, we will be meeting Chopper in Season 2,” Owens is also eager to present to fans some other beloved characters in the next season. The Straw Hats are also going to be in the Grand Line — “The place that we were talking about all of Season 1, we’re in it now,” said Owens.
Cast
Of course, a brand new season means a new cast of characters that will further expand the series’ narrative. Ranging from relatively new and veteran actors, the list goes as follows:
- David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3
- Jazzara Jaslyn as Miss Valentine
- Camrus Johnson as Mr. 5
- Daniel Lasker as Mr. 9
- Clive Russell as Crocus
- Werner Coetser as Dorry
- Brendan Murray as Brogy
- Callum Kerr as Smoker
- Julia Rehwald as Tashigi
- Rob Colletti as Wapol
- Ty Keogh as Dalton
When Will Season 2 Air?
Of course, since production literally began just today, there’s no precise date as to when it will wrap. But according to What’s On Netflix, Season 2 will take seven months to shoot, ending sometime in February 2025, and might premiere shortly thereafter, around the first half of 2025.
So hang in there!
