Netflix’s One Piece live-action series came in hot, hitting screens on August 31st. It broke through the “curse” of live-action anime adaptation by Netflix.
The stunning visuals, epic fight scenes, and enthusiastic cast of actors delivered an outstanding performance, bringing the One-piece characters to life with the right balance between CGI and Stunts.
I was amazed at Godoy’s acting as Luffy without making him annoying. It’s tough to capture an anime character’s personality, especially a bubbly one like Luffy’s.
Eiichiro Oda has personally been involved in the production, helping Netflix gain the approval of OG fanatics and allure newcomers as well.
1. Here is a ranking of the Core Cast for Character Accuracy.
10Jeff Ward As Buggy
Jeff Ward plays the role of Buggy, the clown Leader of the Buggy Pirates crew. Jeff was able to portray Buggy’s cocky and disturbing personality and leveled it up.
His makeover was a real game changer as it made him look so much more frightening than the real Buggy, adding more depth to his perverse character.
With the help of CGI, Jeff brought Buggy’s ability to split his body parts and control them to life accurately.
Jeff has played roles in works like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Manson’s Lost Girls., Brand New Cherry Flavor, etc.
9Ilia Isorelýs Paulino As Alvida
Ilia Isorelýs Paulino takes on the pirate Alvida’s role, the first antagonist Luffy encounters. IIila’s demeanor perfectly depicts sassy and ruthless Alvida.
IIila enacts personality so well that you end up getting irritated by how haughty Alvida must be.
She enacts her character well by bossing everyone around and treating her crew like minions, especially poor Koby.
Ilia Isorelýs Paulino has also had roles in Queenpins, Me Time, etc.
8Vincent Regan As Vice Admiral Garp
Vincent Regan plays the role of Garp, aka Garp the Fist, who is Luffy’s grandfather. He had brought about the iconic scene of Gol D. Roger’s execution and set the sails in motion for the great Pirate Era.
In the Manga, though, Garp wasn’t the one leading Roger’s execution. Nevertheless, Vincent’s skill as an action brought color to the moment and got newcomers hooked on the series.
He depicts this air of reverence that Garp holds, not just by his physical similarity but also by his demeanor and voice acting.
Vincent Regan is known for his work in 300, Clash of the Titans, Troy, etc.
7Morgan Davies As Koby
Morgan Davies accurately plays Koby’s character by acting as the timid, insecure, and frightened cat that Koby is while captive on Alvida’s ship.
He gives us the correct impression of Koby as he was initially and his insecurity regarding his dream of serving as a marine. Morgan has shown us what a kind person Koby is, with his pure dreams of helping people.
Morgan Davies is known for his work on The Tree, Storm Boy, Evil Dead Rise, etc.
6Peter Gadiot As Shanks
Peter Gadiot takes on the role of Shanks, the charismatic captain of the Red-Haired Pirates, who inspired Luffy, igniting his desire to form his own crew.
The frequent flashbacks to Shank’s role in guiding Luffy have been played well by Gadiot as he exudes this kind of energy, which makes you respect the guy.
Also, his resemblance to the actual character Shanks is quite uncanny. It’s like he was made to play this role.
Gadiot has also been known for his roles in Another Girl, Adam in Yellowjackets, Matador, etc.
5Jacob Romero Gibson As Usopp
Jacob Romero Gibson plays the role of Usopp, the crew’s sniper and fibber. Gibson accurately captures Ussop’s boisterous personality with enthusiasm like no other.
He has played his part well to portray Usopp’s exaggerated stories and cowardliness, just like the kind-hearted comic relief character he is.
That scene where he tells Kaya and the guests of the Baratie restaurant makes fans fall for this lovable character all cause of Gibson.
Gibson has even played a role in the much famous medical series “Grey’s Anatomy” season 16 as Josh.
4Emily Rudd As Nami
Emily Rudd plays Nami, the Navigator’s role. Emily accurately portrays Nami’s attitude, acting cold yet caring for everyone.
She has played her part well in depicting Nami’s mysterious behavior with the crew, and her fighting skills are so badass that I’m in awe of her acting.
I like Emily’s attitude while making her sarcastic remarks throughout the series, and the confidence displayed while infiltrating the marine base at Shells Town paints what a skilled thief Nami must be.
Emily Rudd is also known for her work in Moonshot, Dynasty, Hunters, etc.
3Taz Skylar As Sanji
Taz Skylar has played the role of Sanji Vinsmoke, the suave and flirtatious member of the Straw Hat Pirates chef, aka “Black Leg” Sanji.
I’m glad that they reduced Sanjis Womanizer behavior to make him more lovable rather than a creepy dude.
Taz Skylar used to have a muscular physique, but he toned down to a slimmer build just to fit his role as Sanji, and he nailed it. Fans are swooning over his confident attitude and fashion sense.
In addition, he even took Sanji’s role as a chef so seriously that he cooked for the people on set and the production team.
Not to mention that he actually trained for hours on end to learn some real kickboxing. He had no CGI involved in his moves, and the stunt doubles were his trainers.
Taz Skylar is also known for his part in The Lazarus Project, The Reserves, etc.
2Mackenyu Arata As Roronoa Zoro
Mackenyu stars as Zoro and has allured many fans as he carries this air of supremacy and toughness just like Zoro. The crew’s swordsman with three swords.
He accurately depicts Zoro, who aims to become the world’s greatest swordsman with those awesome fight scenes. After all, Mackenyu is the son of the late iconic actor and martial artist Sonny Chiba.
Mackenyu was already familiar with using swords as he had taken up such roles, such as in “Knights of the Zodiac,” but using the third sword was an exciting challenge for him, and he nailed it, bringing Zoro’s spirit to life.
His seemingly cold attitude with sarcastic comments is quite entertaining to watch.
Mackenyu is also known for his work in Overdrive, Rurouni Kenshin: The Final.
1Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy
Iñaki Godoy is the star of the show and plays Luffy’s role. He had the weight of the fandom depending on him to play Luffy, and he did not disappoint!
Godoy has perfectly enacted Luffy’s bubbly and enthusiastic energy and indomitable will to become the Pirate King and uncover One Piece.
He underwent hours of training in the gym and acrobatics to play Luffy’s role. He mastered backflips, front flips, etc., to animate Luffy’s elasticity during fight scenes and make it seem natural.
I’m impressed that they were able to capture Luffy’s enthusiasm without making him annoying. With the help of CGI, they have accurately brought Luffy’s rubber abilities to life.
Godoy is a Latin American actor who is also known for his work in The Imperfects, La querida del Centauro, etc.
2. Where to watch Netflix’s One Piece Live Action?
3. About One Piece (Netflix Series)
One Piece is a television series, serving as a live action adaptation of the ongoing 1997 Japanese manga series of the same name by Eiichiro Oda. It is produced by Tomorrow Studios and Shueisha (who also publish the manga) and premiered on Netflix. It features an ensemble cast starring Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero Gibson and Taz Skylar.
The series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they explore the oceans in search of the “One Piece”, a fabled treasure that will allow Luffy to become King of the Pirates.
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