It’s easy to forget that there was a time when the idea ofa live-actionOne Pieceadaptation filled anime fans with dread. Eiichiro Oda’s manga and anime has long been one of Japan’s greatest franchises, and many felt that tampering with it was nigh sacrilegious. Adding to the skepticism, netizens were still reeling from Netflix’s 2021 live-action adaptation ofCowboy Bebopwhich received, at best, mixed reception. Yet when Netflix’s live-actionOne Piecefinally debuted in 2023, audiences quickly embraced the adaptation.
In the end, even the most devotedOne Piecefans were forced to admit Netflix got it right this time. From the casting to the visuals, everything fell in place for the ambitious original. Fans new and old flocked toOne Piece, sparking a resurgence like none before for the hit series. And now, asOne Piecestands as one of Netflix’s most-downloaded seriesin history, the door appears wide open for more anime and manga to successfully make a leap to live action.
Hollywood’s Infamous Struggle with Anime Adaptations
One PieceSucceeds Where Others Failed… Sorry, Dragon Ball
In Japan, live-action anime is incredibly normal, let’s be clear. Both anime and manga titles aveh been adapted into live-action since the early ’60s. We’ve seen it all from clunky black-and-white versions ofAstro BoyandTetsujin 28to modern adaptations of hits likeJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. However, Hollywood’s attempts at anime adaptations have been inconsistent at best. you’re able to look at the examples at a glance and see; FromSpeed Racer(2008) toDragonball Evolution(2009) andGhost in the Shell(2017), Hollywood has struggled with anime at the box office and rarely recouped their budgets. The industry saw some success with adaptations likeAlita: Battle Angle,but after the disappointment withCowboy Bebop,netizens had every reason to doubt that live-action anime could ever be done right in Hollywood
And yetNetflix’sOne Piecebroke the dreaded anime curse. The live-action show dominated Netflix’s global charts from August 28 to July 08, 2025 as viewership climbed week after week. The adaptation currently holds an 86% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 95% audience score. From online marketing to Oda’s own seal of approval,One Piecedid what few thought possible and brought Luffy into the real world.
The Future of Live-Action Anime Is Bright
One PieceSets the Standard For Hollywood
OnceOne Pieceproved to be a bona fide hit, a second season — which isdue later this year— was swiftly ordered. As anime is growing globally and shedding its once niche status, Hollywood is pushing forward with several live-action projects as we saw Marvel Studios do years ago withIron Man. FromMy Hero AcademiatoOne-Punch Man, anime’s biggest IPs are in development stateside. Of course, the most high-profile project of them all isNarutowhich is currently in development at Lionsgate with no confirmed release date. So if Hollywood wants to do the anime fandom right, it will learn fromOne Pieceas it works to bring Masashi Kishimoto’s Hidden Leaf Village to life.
One Piece Season 2’s Release Date Update Confirms The Netflix Live-Action Show’s Biggest Challenge In Adapting The Anime
One Piece season 2’s release window has been revealed by Netflix, and it confirms what the live-action show’s biggest challenge will be.
No matter which anime gets the live-action treatment next, there is no doubtOne Piecehas set the gold standard for how to do it in Hollywood. The show’s success proves live-action anime adaptations are not destined to fail. Anything is possible with the right creative team, a respectful approach to the source material, and a clear vision. Whether Hollywood has truly learned from past missteps remains to be seen, but for now,One Piecestands as a rare victory in the ever-challenging world of live-action anime.
