One Piece on Netflix: Digging Deeper into Luffy & Shanks’ Relationship
The magic of manga has once again landed on our screens, this time with Netflix’s adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s renowned “One Piece.” At its heart, it’s a story of high-sea escapades, but there’s much more than just adventure. This tale spins around the bond between Monkey D. Luffy, portrayed by Iñaki Godoy, and his idol Shanks, played by Peter Gadiot, leader of the Red-Haired Pirates. As young Luffy embarks on a journey to locate the coveted treasure, Shanks becomes his guiding light, symbolized through the gifting of his iconic straw hat.
Understanding the Dynamics of Luffy and Shanks
In the original manga, Shanks stands tall as Luffy’s guiding star. He’s not just an idol; he’s a mentor, a savior, and above all, a friend. Their bond stems from an event where Shanks saves young Luffy from a Sea King, altered to a mountain bandit in the Netflix series. This protective nature showcases their profound mutual admiration and respect. The straw hat, more than a mere accessory, embodies their bond, representing Luffy’s vow to return it upon ascending the pirate throne.
Their camaraderie, echoing through the episodes, paints a canvas of deep affection. It’s evident when the narrative takes us through the significant Marineford and Wano Country arcs. Here, Shanks, along with crew members like Benn Beckman and Lucky Roux, showcase unwavering support for Luffy, seeing a reflection of their captain’s spirit in him.
Behind the Scenes with Director Marc Jobst
On Netflix’s release day, the man behind the curtain, director Marc Jobst, delved deep into this duo’s relationship during a chat with The Hollywood Reporter. Steering the first two episodes of “One Piece,” Jobst shed light on the “three pillars” essential for translating Luffy and Shanks’ bond into live-action: “the casting, the action, and then how you frame it and shoot it.”
Jobst explains, “It’s all about tone… If you lean too much into the darkness of it… you lose what is One Piece. Somehow you have to find that balance. Steve and Matt had written these beautiful scripts that I felt had really found that balance…”
He emphasizes the distinction in action sequences, wanting a departure from the Marvel or The Witcher styles. The choreography, coupled with the innovative camera language, aimed to evoke the right balance and true essence of the manga.
In Conclusion
The live adaptation of “One Piece” weaves the intricate relationship between Luffy and Shanks seamlessly, evoking the same emotions readers experienced through the manga’s pages. Under Jobst’s direction, the series manages to strike the right chord, establishing its unique identity while paying homage to the original masterpiece.
