10 One Piece Live-Action Scenes That Offer a Unique Perspective for Anime Fans

10 One Piece Live-Action Scenes That Offer a Unique Perspective for Anime Fans

Netflix’s adaptation of One Piece has generated significant buzz, particularly for those familiar with the original manga and anime. As a standout live-action interpretation of a beloved anime, One Piece has amazed many by providing a faithful representation of the East Blue saga. While some adjustments were made, the series effectively respects the original storyline and characters.

Fans can rejoice knowing that One Piece is set to return for a second season. Given the extensive number of chapters remaining in the manga, which debuted in 1997, the Netflix series has the capacity to continue for many seasons. The anime itself commenced in 1999, marking a long journey since the initial saga that brought a new dimension to the story’s deeper moments.

10.
Gol D. Roger’s Execution

Familiar Faces and Hidden Secrets

Shanks during Gol D. Roger's execution
Gol D. Roger's execution
Mihawk during the execution
Gol D. Roger kneeling at execution
Gol D. Roger laughing during execution

The series kicks off dramatically with the execution of Gol D. Roger and the proclamation of his legendary treasure, igniting a new era of piracy and setting many adventurers on their quest for the One Piece. Viewers are introduced to several significant characters observing this moment, many of whom are revealed to be integral later in the narrative.

This includes a young Shanks, whose importance unfolds further in the storyline. He and Buggy were members of Gol D. Roger’s crew, present during the execution’s pivotal moments. Watching this scene unfold in live-action, especially when contrasted with the anime or manga, adds a layer of intrigue, particularly as Roger’s illness is only disclosed later on. Remarkably, even 25 years after the premiere of the anime, the mystery of the One Piece treasure remains unsolved.

9.
Shanks Saying Goodbye to Luffy

Shanks and Luffy Have Yet to Reunite

Shanks and Luffy
Shanks using Haki
Shanks on the battlefield
Shanks in action
Shanks character profile

Nearly three decades have passed in the real world since Luffy last saw Shanks—this timeframe starkly contrasts with the mere ten years in the One Piece universe. Even if Netflix were to adapt the manga up until 2024, Shanks and Luffy would still not share screen time in live-action, as their reunion is a pivotal plot moment yet to come.

Shanks appeared under “Rebel Forces”in the Arabasta arc within the manga, leaving room for his inclusion in season 2 without disrupting the narrative continuity. Despite his scarce appearances, Shanks holds immense influence in the story, frequently cited alongside the Straw Hats in manga volumes, testament to his considerable impact on their journey.

8.
Luffy’s Fruit Being Called the Gum-Gum Fruit

Luffy’s Fruit Is More Special Than Previously Thought

Luffy demonstrating Gear 5
Luffy using his powers
Luffy in action
Luffy in Gear 5
Luffy first using Gear 5

In the inaugural season of One Piece, viewers witness Luffy consuming the Devil Fruit carried by Shanks, granting him the ability to stretch and rendering him unable to swim. Initially thought to be the Gum-Gum Fruit, this misconception is ultimately debunked.

The “Gum-Gum Fruit”doesn’t exist; Luffy’s actual fruit is the Mythical Zoan, Hito Hito no Mi. This fruit confers upon its user the powers of Nika, the Sun God. Historically, prior to Luffy’s consumption of the fruit, it was consumed by Joy Boy, a significant figure from the Void Century.

7.
Buggy the Clown’s Introduction and Defeat

Buggy Is Not Just a One-Off Villain

Buggy the Clown
Buggy in action
Buggy the Clown's antics

To viewers unfamiliar with One Piece, Buggy the Clown might appear to be a fleeting adversary in Netflix’s version. However, he managed to create a more significant presence throughout the first season compared to his manga counterpart, appearing at critical points like the Baratie and Arlong Park. Initially, Buggy’s comical nature overshadows his role as a formidable opponent.

One Piece Season 2’s Cast

Characters

Inaki Godoy

Monkey D. Luffy

Emily Rudd

Us

Mackenyu

Roronoa Zoro

Jacob Romero Gibson

Usopp

Taz Skylar

Sanji

Jeff Ward

Buggy the Clown

Ilia Isorelýs Paulino

Alvida

Callum Kerr

Smoker

Charithra Chandran

Miss Wednesday

David Dastmalchian

Mr. 3

Joe Manganiello

mr. O

Lera Abova

Miss All Sunday

Buggy’s character will make a significant comeback during the Loguetown arc, which season two is set to explore. As the story progresses, he not only reappears but becomes a notable figure within the Cross Guild alongside Mihawk and Crocodile, the latter being portrayed by Joe Manganiello in the upcoming season.

6.
Zoro Promising to Have a Rematch with Mihawk

The Rematch Has Yet to Occur

Zoro in live-action
Zoro versus Mihawk
Zoro showcasing skills
Zoro and Mihawk face off
Zoro meeting Mihawk

The clash between Zoro and Mihawk stands as a highlight of the first season, echoing an iconic moment from the anime. Mihawk, revered as the world’s strongest swordsman and one of the Seven Warlords, made an impression as he effortlessly defeated Zoro but allowed him to live, promising a future rematch.

Despite the humiliation Zoro endured, Mihawk perceived potential in the young swordsman, envisioning a day when Zoro could rival him. Yet, as of now, the anticipated rematch remains a future possibility. The dynamic between Zoro’s unwavering determination and Mihawk’s cryptic promise adds depth to their relationship, heightening anticipation for what lies ahead.

5.
Shimotsuki Kuina’s Death

Many Still Theorize That Kuina Is Alive

Kuina in the series
Kuina showcasing her skills
Live-action Kuina

Kuina’s offscreen death remains one of the most poignant moments in One Piece lore, occurring during a flashback. As Zoro’s childhood friend and a prodigious swordswoman, her dreams were cut short, profoundly motivating Zoro in his quest to become the best. Her tragic story drives Zoro’s ambition as he seeks to honor her memory.

Interestingly, numerous fan theories posit that Kuina might still be alive. A widely circulated theory suggested that Kuina and Tashigi, a character introduced later, are one and the same due to their physical similarities and shared aspirations of greatness. Tashigi’s introduction in season 2 could reignite these speculations, making for an intriguing narrative twist within the live-action adaptation.

4.
The “Garp Is Luffy’s Grandfather” Reveal

Garp Was Revealed to Be Luffy’s Grandfather Much Later

Garp in combat
Garp in action
Garp as Vice Admiral
Garp at the execution
Garp's character profile

For newcomers to the series, the revelation that Garp is Luffy’s grandfather may not seem significant at first. However, examining the timeline between the manga and live-action adaptation reveals this twist’s enormity. Garp, introduced through cover stories in the manga, wasn’t established as Luffy’s grandfather until episode 314.

Luffy’s lineage unfolds like an intricate puzzle revealing connections gradually. Garp’s inclusion in Netflix’s adaptation marks a notable departure from the original source material, raising questions regarding his impact on forthcoming storylines.

3.
Arlong’s Speech About the Fish-Men

We Eventually Learn More About the Oppression Fish-Men Face

Luffy using Gum-Gum Gatling
Arlong delivering speech
Arlong themed capture

In a standout moment, Arlong conveys a strong message about the historical oppression of Fish-Men during One Piece season 1, promising his followers their dominance over the seas. This compelling speech was an addition for the live-action adaptation, allowing for a more profound exploration of the struggles faced by Fish-Men that emerge later in the series.

As Luffy and his crew navigate the New World, they come to grasp the precarious balance of power instilled in the Sabaody Archipelago. While Oda may have had a grand vision for these dynamics early on, specifics regarding Fish-Men oppression are unveiled gradually, primarily during the Sabaody arc, where the injustices they face come to the forefront.

2.
Luffy Finally Receiving a Bounty

Luffy’s First Bounty Is Nothing Compared to What Is To Come

Luffy's first bounty revealed
Luffy's Gum-Gum Bazooka
Luffy on Going Merry
Luffy's bounty on display
Luffy looking determined

In a celebratory moment at the conclusion of season 1, Luffy beams with pride at receiving his first bounty. This moment is delivered in an exclusive interaction with Koby, a variation not seen until much later in the anime, where their reunion occurs hundreds of episodes ahead. Looking back at Luffy’s first bounty serves as a nostalgic reminder of his growth in the world, starting from a bounty of 30,000,000 B to ultimately achieving a staggering 3,000,000,000 B.

1.
The Barrel Scene

The Straw Hats Are Continuously Pursuing Their Dreams

One Piece barrel scene side by side comparison

The final scene of season 1 strikes an emotional chord, encapsulating the essence of the storyline, whether or not viewers are well-versed in the source material. The return to the youthful aspirations of the Straw Hats brings the narrative full circle, especially resonant for long-time fans.

Netflix’s One Piece concludes with a stirring rendition of “We Are!,”the anime’s iconic opening theme, blending it with the show’s original score. This orchestrated finale not only evokes nostalgia but also honors the backstory of each Straw Hat member, making minor adjustments to the narratives. Despite the myriad of challenges faced, Luffy’s crew remains steadfastly together, continuing to chase their dreams on the high seas.

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