The live-action One Piece debuted in 2023, and since it is based on long-time animated series of the same name, whether or not the live-action series was going to live up to the original was something many fans feared. Inaki Godoy (The Imperfects, MexZombies, Don’t Open the Door), who plays the main character of Monkey D. Luffy, tried to ensure that expectations were fulfilled. According to Comicbook.com, Godoy explained how he felt pressured to nail this role as best as he could to satisfy the long-time fans of the anime.
The news comes from an exclusive interview with a magazine named The Laterals. As seen on the magazine cover, Godoy was able to share how much his career skyrocketed after the premiere of One Piece, the pressure that the role gave him, and how the character of Luffy became one of his favorites to play. The interview can be read here.
“There were times when it was very hard, and the pressure of it all got to me. But you know, if you continue playing Luffy for a long time, his spirit takes over you and somehow you sometimes forget that you’re working on this massive production because you start to have fun like him,” Godoy explained, via ComicBook.com.
Fans of the long-time anime know what Godoy is explaining since the character of Luffy is easy to play at the end of the day. He may be serious at times, but the pirate is known for wanting freedom and adventure, his goals being to find the One Piece treasure and become King of the Pirates. Luffy’s carefree personality made it easier for Godoy to nail the role and his performance of the character was the most praised by the critics. But also by fans themselves.
Furthermore, fans of the long-time anime in question were the most satisfied with the entire cast’s representations and praised Netflix’s decision to bring this anime to life. The streamer, seeing the success of the live-action show (it was top ten on the Netflix chart for months after its premiere), ordered second season renewal, for the joy of many fans and new-comers. As of now, there is no production date set for filming season two yet.
If you want to read the official synopsis of this show and want to set sail in the world of One Piece, it is written below, via ComicBook.com:
“As a child, Monkey D. Luffy was inspired to become a pirate by listening to the tales of the buccaneer “Red-Haired” Shanks. But Luffy’s life changed when he accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit and gained the power to stretch like rubber…at the cost of never being able to swim again! Years later, still vowing to become the king of the pirates, Luffy sets out on his adventure…one guy alone in a rowboat, in search of the legendary “One Piece,” said to be the greatest treasure in the world.”
One Piece season one is currently streaming on Netflix.