There is little doubt that Eiichiro Oda is fully supportive of Netflix's upcoming One Piece series. However, the mangaka also admitted that he was initially skeptical that the live-action adaptation would work.
Netflix shared an official statement from Eiichiro Oda regarding the production of the One Piece live-action series. Not surprisingly, the mangaka shared that there were some initial frustrations with the project.
"I've been working with Tomorrow Studios and Netflix for quite some time now. Even though they understand each of the characters, we obviously come from very different cultures so, when it comes to entertainment, we have different codes, skill sets, and aims," Oda wrote.
"Sometimes it could be frustrating for both sides. It felt like, 'We're all trying to get to the same place so how come we're not on the same wavelength?'" he continued.
"There was even a time when I thought, 'Is a foreign production even possible?!'" Oda confessed. However, he clarified that this is all in the past.
"Now, this might seem like it's coming out of nowhere but ... we've been hard at work this entire time. And now, each and every entity involved is working in sync. We're finally here!!!" Oda wrote.
Eiichiro Oda further explained that he agreed to do the live-action adaptation because he wanted his work to be brought to life in his lifetime. He then pointed out that Netflix will not release the series unless it gets his stamp of approval.
"It was announced that the show will launch in 2023, but they've promised that we won't launch it until I'm satisfied," Oda wrote.
He then confirmed that the release date is almost here.
"We're in the final process! Right now! Of finishing all 8 episodes."
The One Piece live-action series will star Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero Gibson, and Taz Skylar. The series is expected to premiere on Netflix later this year.
Related: One Piece's Netflix Live-Action Series: Everything You Need to Know!
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