Steven Maeda Speaks on One Piece’s Triumph
One Piece has always been an iconic name in the world of anime and manga, and its recent Netflix adaptation has taken the world by storm. In a sea of adaptations that have missed the mark—cough, Death Note, cough, Cowboy Bebop—One Piece has charted a course for success. Showrunner Steven Maeda recently shared why he believes Netflix’s One Piece adaptation is a standout gem in a recent interview with ComicBook.com.
“I love anime and I love animated shows in general, but I’ve always worked in live-action and there’s something that is very textural and grounding about seeing actual people perform the roles,” said Maeda. “I think with One Piece in particular for me, I just wanted to see some of those scenes. The first time I saw the Shanks Luffy Straw Hat scene, which is a big part of the second episode, it teared me up. At least to me, it felt like there was something really special that we had tapped into.”
Eiichiro Oda: The Mastermind Behind The Screen
Unlike many live-action adaptations, One Piece had a secret weapon: the direct involvement of its creator, Eiichiro Oda. This kind of engagement is not just a luxury but seems to be a necessary ingredient for the show’s rave reviews and early renewal for season 2.
“Many of the cast and crew have spoken frequently about Oda’s direct involvement in the show, confirming that every decision had to be approved by the manga writer, including some changes in which he initially pushed back on,” sources confirm.
What Sets One Piece Apart
Steven Maeda admits that not every anime or manga needs a live-action adaptation, but when it’s done right, it’s nothing short of magical. Unlike the deviations seen in Netflix’s Death Note or Cowboy Bebop, One Piece remained thoroughly faithful to its source material.
“While Maeda’s feelings that not every manga or anime needs a live-action adaptation carries some weight, his and Matt Owens’ work on One Piece is proof that with the right dedication and care for a source material, anything can find its audience,” writes ComicBook.com.
The Aftermath and Future Implications
Following the spectacular success of Netflix’s One Piece, it seems the adaptation has set a precedent for future endeavors in the live-action anime space. As Netflix looks to continue this trend with a Death Note sequel and another live-action show from Stranger Things creators, the Duffer Brothers, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see if the streamer can replicate One Piece’s success.
So, will Netflix take the lessons learned from One Piece and apply them to future projects? Only time will tell, but if One Piece has taught us anything, it’s that with a little love, care, and a lot of dedication, live-action anime adaptations don’t just have to be a miss—they can be a total hit.
