Ahead of Season 2, One Piece's Creator Is More Grateful For Netflix's Series Than Ever Before

With the highly anticipated second season of Netflix's One Piecelive-action series on the horizon, creator Eiichiro Oda is expressing more gratitude than ever for the show’s impact. According to @newworldartur on X, in a recent SBS fan Q&A, Oda revealed how the series has helped broaden One Piece’s reach beyond its typical audience, bringing in new fans who may have never given the franchise a chance before. This success is especially meaningful to him as One Piece continues its journey to becoming a truly global phenomenon.

For decades, anime and manga have faced the perception of being primarily for children, especially outside of Japan. However, the success of the live-action adaptation has helped challenge that stereotype, proving that One Piece’s story can resonate with audiences of all ages. As more people, including those who had previously dismissed the medium, give the series a chance, Oda sees this as a major step toward a future where manga and anime are embraced by a global audience just as passionately as they are in Japan.

The Live-Action’s Impact on New Audiences

How Netflix's One Piece is Bringing The Story to More People

Inaki Godoy as live-action Luffy in One Piece in front of a green curtain with skull and crossbones. — Inaki Godoy as live-action Luffy in One Piece in front of a green curtain with skull and crossbones

Oda highlighted how Netflix's adaptation has been instrumental in attracting audiences who had never watched One Piece before. A fan had told him how their mother, who once dismissed anime as something just for kids, became hooked on the manga after watching the live-action series. Similarly, a friend who had never been interested in manga also found themselves drawn into the story. These transformations are exactly what Oda had hoped for, as they prove how well One Piece can connect with viewers beyond its traditional fan base.

Netflix's One Piece Tees Up Season 2 Premiere, Teasing New Anime Details

Netflix’s One Piece Season 2 teases epic adventures, new anime details, and higher stakes as Luffy and the Straw Hats enter the Grand Line!

Posts

This shift is particularly important for the franchise’s longevity. One Piece has always had a devoted following, but bringing in fresh audiences ensures that its influence continues to grow. By making the world of One Piece more accessible to those unfamiliar with anime and manga, the live-action adaptation has broken down barriers, proving that great storytelling can resonate regardless of the medium. With season 2 on the way, this trend is likely to continue, further cementing One Piece’s status as a global cultural force.

Oda’s Vision for a Global Manga Culture

One Piece's Creator Wants Manga to be More Mainstream

Beyond just appreciating the success of the live-action series, Oda expressed an even bigger dream of creating a world where manga is universally embraced. He noted that, while anime and manga are still often seen as niche outside Japan, this was not always the case within the country either. Over time, the medium became an integral part of Japanese culture, and Oda hopes to see a similar shift worldwide. The idea of a “global magazine” where both children and adults could eagerly follow serialized manga excites him and serves as further motivation for his work.

This vision aligns with the growing international popularity of anime and manga. Streaming services, digital platforms, and live-action adaptations like Netflix’s One Piece are helping bridge the gap between cultures, making it easier than ever for fans around the world to connect. As One Piece enters its next chapter with both the anime and live-action series moving forward, Oda’s dream of a truly global manga audience feels closer to reality than ever before.

Source: @newworldartur/X