Casting Monkey D. Luffy was always going to be the most closely watched decision behind One Piece. But according to David Dastmalchian, the production didn’t just cast Luffy; they found him.
Speaking about his time on set, Dastmalchian shared why he believes Iñaki Godoy naturally embodies the spirit of Eiichiro Oda’s iconic protagonist.
When asked which cast member most closely resembles their character off camera, Dastmalchian didn’t hesitate. For him, it’s Godoy.
He described the young actor as energetic, creative, affectionate, and relentlessly optimistic, the same qualities that define Luffy in both manga and anime.
“They Found the Real Luffy”
According to Dastmalchian, that connection isn’t something Godoy turns on for the camera. It’s simply who he is.
“Oh definitely… I would say there’s no question that they found the real Luffy.”
Dastmalchian emphasized that Godoy’s warmth carries through every part of the day, not just during takes. One moment that stood out involved Godoy dedicating a scene to Dastmalchian’s children before filming, a small gesture that perfectly captured Luffy’s open-hearted nature.
“I remember he was getting ready to do a take and he was like, ‘This one’s for Arlo! And this one’s for Pennie!’ That’s amazing. Yeah. Wow.”
For Dastmalchian, that interaction confirmed the casting went far beyond performance. It reflected character.
He explained that One Piece’s tonal balance, shifting between absurd comedy and emotional depth, depends heavily on Luffy’s sincerity. If that warmth doesn’t feel instinctive, the entire ensemble risks losing its center.
Godoy’s natural positivity, he said, energizes the cast in the same way Luffy uplifts the Straw Hat crew, giving even villains like Mr. 3 something real to play against.
Dastmalchian also noted that Oda himself has publicly supported Godoy’s portrayal, reinforcing the idea that the live-action version captures the heart of the original character.
For him, calling Godoy “the real Luffy” isn’t an exaggeration. It’s an observation.
As One Piece pushes further into its live-action journey, much of its emotional credibility rests on its captain. And according to Dastmalchian, that responsibility couldn’t be in better hands, because Iñaki Godoy doesn’t just play Luffy.
