“One Piece” has always been a titan in the world of anime and manga, boasting an expansive universe and a diverse cast of characters. Its live-action adaptation on Netflix has been no less impressive, shattering records by ranking number one in over 80 countries.
While the first season was a resounding success, fans are eagerly looking forward to what the next installment has in store.
The second season is expected to cover the next 100 chapters of the manga, covering arcs such as Little Garden, Drum Island, and Alabasta.
This means the introduction of fan-favorite characters like Bon Clay, Laboon, Ace, Robin, Chopper, Giants, and Crocodile. Each of these characters brings unique abilities to the table, many of which are fueled by Devil Fruits—mystical fruits granting extraordinary powers.
As our title suggests, Netflix has a golden opportunity to follow a Hollywood blueprint when introducing new characters in One Piece live-action season 2. Many of the abilities of these upcoming characters have striking similarities to powers we’ve seen in Hollywood films and TV Series.
Related: What do Japanese Fans Think of One Piece Live Action Series?
Crocodile’s Abilities Mirror Those of Sandman
Crocodile from “One Piece” and Sandman from “Spider-Man 3” share strikingly similar powers: both can manipulate and transform into sand.
In “One Piece,” Crocodile wields the Suna Suna no Mi, a Logia-type Devil Fruit that grants him mastery over sand. He can conjure sandstorms, absorb moisture through his right hand, and even dodge attacks by turning his body into sand.
Meanwhile, in “Spider-Man 3,” Sandman, also known as Flint Marko, acquires his abilities from a particle accelerator experiment that alters his molecular structure. This enables him to shape-shift and control sand, much like Crocodile.
Given that the CGI for Sandman in the 2007 film “Spider-Man 3” still holds up well today, Netflix has the technology to not just replicate but enhance these effects for Crocodile in the upcoming season.
Ace’s Fire Abilities Have a Hollywood Counterpart in Human Torch
Portgas D. Ace from “One Piece” and Johnny Storm, better known as the Human Torch from “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” share a burning resemblance when it comes to their powers.
In “One Piece,” Ace is empowered by the Mera Mera no Mi, a Logia-type Devil Fruit that allows him to generate, control, and even become fire. Whether it’s launching fire-based attacks, creating walls of flames, or transforming into fire to dodge attacks, Ace’s abilities are nothing short of spectacular.
Similarly, in “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” Johnny Storm gains pyrokinetic abilities from cosmic radiation exposure. He can manipulate fire, cover his body in flames, and even take flight while ablaze.
Given the visual effects used to bring the Human Torch to life in the 2007 film, Netflix could use this as a technical blueprint for accurately depicting Ace’s fire-based powers in the upcoming season.
Also Read: 6 One-Piece Backstories That Will Make You Cry
Game of Thrones Have Already Shown How To Depict Giants
The introduction of giant warriors Dorry and Brogy in the upcoming season of “One Piece” live-action poses a unique challenge due to their massive size. However, Hollywood and television have already set some precedents for bringing such colossal characters to life.
“Game of Thrones” masterfully depicted the Giants of the North using a blend of practical effects, CGI, and clever camera angles. This realistic approach could serve as a valuable reference for creating more human-like giants in “One Piece.”
While not universally acclaimed, the live-action adaptation of “Attack on Titan” also tackled the daunting task of portraying enormous, human-like giants. The film employed a combination of practical effects and CGI to achieve this feat.
Sweet Tooth’s Gus Is Basically Chopper In Alternative Universe
When it comes to Chopper, Netflix has multiple options on how to go about introducing him. However, the characters of Gus in Netflix’s “Sweet Tooth” and Tony Tony Chopper in “One Piece” share notable similarities, particularly in their hybrid nature.
In “Sweet Tooth,” Gus is a human-deer hybrid navigating a post-apocalyptic world. His character is brought to life through a combination of practical effects, such as makeup and prosthetics, and CGI for more complex scenes.
Similarly, in “One Piece,” Chopper is a reindeer who consumed the Human-Human Fruit, a Zoan-type Devil Fruit, granting him human-like abilities and intelligence. Chopper’s character is not just about his hybrid form but also his emotional journey, his medical skills, and his loyalty to his friends.
The techniques used to bring Gus to life in “Sweet Tooth” could potentially be adapted to portray Chopper, especially when it comes to blending practical effects and CGI to create a believable hybrid character.
Alternatively, a full CGI approach similar to Pikachu in “Detective Pikachu” could be considered, although this might be a more costly and complex endeavor.
While an official announcement for Season 2 of the “One Piece” live-action series has yet to be made, it’s only a matter of time before Netflix confirms the news. Given the show’s widespread success, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this epic adventure.
Also Read: Top 10 Highest Rated One Piece Episodes on IMDb
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Who are your dream actors for the upcoming characters in “One Piece” live-action Season 2? Do you think Netflix should stick to the Hollywood blueprint we’ve discussed, or would you prefer a completely different approach for adapting these iconic characters? Share your ideas in the comments below!
