If there is one thing many will take away from Netflix’s live-action One Piece series is that it’s one of those few productions where everyone involved seemed to truly care about the material. Eiichiro Oda was actively involved in the production. They were aware of the weight that this franchise holds, but in an interview with GamesRadar, Usopp actor Jacob Romero Gibson highlights the “heart” that went into this production.
But there was so much heart involved in this production, there’s so much heart involved in One Piece, the story. And to me, I feel that it’s like the One Piece gods blessing us just with all this wonderful, trusting loving energy. And I’m like, the challenges seem so small in comparison to how wonderful this really all was.
Jacob Romero Gibson
He also highlights the beauty of the source material, which left quite an impression on him. What seems like a simple adventure across the seas with an unlikely band of pirates, quickly evolves into a story unlike many given how it explores important themes of our history.
In a way it all seems so simple and basic, but the way in which these concepts are presented throughout One Piece’s story and the way they’re revisited it’s unbelievable, you know, it makes me tear up. I remember the first couple episodes or the first time that One Piece really got me, I’m like, “Oh my God, OK. I see what’s happening here. I see where we’re going in.” And beyond that, it’s also just deeply entertaining. Like, it’s also a great time. So, it’s a full-package experience for me.
Jacob Romero Gibson
Of course, adaptations aren’t easy, and Gibson was asked what he hopes people would take away from this adaptation. And, the one thing that the showrunner had already highlighted, was that this adaptation might be the jumping-off point for someone out there that hasn’t had the joy of watching One Piece.
I hope that people see our show, and then go check out One Piece as it already exists. Go read the books, go watch the show. Like, fall into it. It’s such a wonderful experience. My dream is – even though the whole world already knows about One Piece – my dream is that someone, somewhere, somehow didn’t, and this show helps them come to One Piece.
Jacob Romero Gibson
It is a daunting task for anyone to try and get people to join an already gigantic franchise. One Piece has outsold even some iconic comic book characters that have existed for 70+ years. Yet, there ar still millions out there that haven’t given the show a chance, and this live-action adaptation may be the one to push them into finally giving it a shot.
Source: GamesRadar
