The excitement surrounding One Piece’s live-action adaptation has reached a fever pitch with rumors circulating about the start of filming for season 2. However, recent sneak peeks have raised concerns among fans about the pacing of the sequel, particularly regarding the adaptation of the Thriller Bark arc.
The sneak peek revealed a ship at Cape Town Film Studios resembling the Rumbar Pirates’ pirate ship, sparking worry about the pacing of season 2. This concern stems from the fact that the first season concluded with the Arlong Park arc, and the Thriller Bark arc is significantly further in the One Piece storyline, approximately 15 arcs or 3 sagas away.
One Piece Live Action Season 2 Raises Concerns Over Thriller Bark Adaptation
With season 2 likely comprising 8 episodes, mirroring the format of the first season, adapting a saga’s worth of episodes in a single season could result in fast pacing. This accelerated pace might risk sacrificing the depth and intricacies of the source material.
One Piece’s live-action adaptation, produced by Cape Town Film Studios and aired on Netflix in August 2023, diverged from the source material in its first season by altering character roles and improvising certain elements. The sequel, rumored to commence production in June 2024, has provided limited updates, with casting calls announced for 7 upcoming character roles.
Rumbar Pirates Ship (Brook's Crew) spotted at Cape Town Film Studios. pic.twitter.com/Yu771xHgwY
— ONE PIECE NETFLIX FAN (@OP_Netflix_Fan) May 29, 2024
The Thriller Bark arc, which serves as the third arc of the Thriller Bark Saga in the anime and the first arc in the manga, introduces Brook, the last addition to the Straw Hat Pirates before they enter the New World. Brook, a member of the Rumbar Pirates, was resurrected with the powers of the Revive-Revive Devil Fruit after dying alongside his crew from a plague.
His close connection with Laboon, the whale encountered by the Straw Hat Pirates before entering the Grand Line, adds depth to the arc’s narrative. As fans eagerly anticipate season 2 of the live-action adaptation, there is speculation that the series may deviate from the anime and manga, offering a fresh take on the storyline.
The appearance of the Rumbar Pirates’ ship in the sneak peek could signify an improvisation, introducing key elements and characters earlier than in the original narrative. However, it’s essential to approach these rumors with caution until official announcements confirm the direction of the adaptation.