The live-action adaptation of One Piece on Netflix surprised everyone by actually being good. For years, fans of the beloved manga and anime created by Eiichiro Oda have seen their favorite series get turned into disappointing live-action projects. But this time was different. The series, which debuted in 2023, managed to capture the spirit of the Straw Hats’ journey. However, to fit a sprawling story with over 1000 chapters into eight episodes, the creators had to make some big decisions. They changed the plot, mixed up the timeline, and even left out some well-known characters. Some of these changes made the story better for a new audience, while others left long-time fans scratching their heads .
Here is a look at five changes that worked really well, and five others that probably should have been left on the drawing board.
5 Changes That Were For The Better
Making Nami’s Storyline More Modern
One of the most noticeable and praised changes was how the show handled Nami (played by Emily Rudd). In the original anime and manga, Nami’s early designs and camera angles were often overly sexualized, a common trope in shonen anime from that era. The live-action series made a clear choice to avoid this. Nami’s clothes were changed to be less revealing, keeping the spirit of her character while presenting her in a more respectful and serious light . The show took inspiration from some of Eiichiro Oda’s own early concept drawings, proving you can honor the source material without copying every single detail.
Explaining Helmeppo’s Crazy Haircut
Helmeppo, the spoiled son of Captain Morgan, is known for his very strange, pineapple-like bowl cut. In the anime, it’s just there, and fans have joked about it for years. The live-action series came up with a hilarious and clever reason for it. In a new scene, Zoro (Mackenyu), annoyed by Helmeppo’s attitude, uses his swords to give him that terrible haircut on the spot. It was a small, fun moment that solved a long-running mystery and showed how the writers could add to the story without breaking anything .
Giving Garp A Much Bigger Role
In the original story, Vice Admiral Garp, Luffy’s grandfather, doesn’t show up until much later. The reveal that he is related to Luffy happens hundreds of chapters in. The live-action series made a bold choice by introducing Garp (Vincent Regan) in the very first episode. He becomes a main character chasing after Luffy throughout the season. This change gave the season a strong sense of urgency. It also kept side characters like Koby and Helmeppo in the story, showing their training and growth under Garp’s command. Most fans agreed this was a smart way to build the world and add tension .
Casting A Person Of Color As Vivi
The casting of Charithra Chandran as Princess Vivi for the upcoming season was a deliberate and well-received choice. Vivi is from the desert kingdom of Alabasta, a setting heavily inspired by Egypt and other Middle Eastern cultures. Casting a person of color for the role made sense for the character and the world. It was widely reported that Eiichiro Oda himself approved the casting, showing that the changes being made are done with respect and intention for the story’s future .
Making The Pacing Work For TV
The original “East Blue” saga in the anime can take over 50 episodes to complete. The live-action had to cover the same ground in eight hours. To do this, they had to streamline the plot. A smart change was merging the Baratie arc and the Arlong Park arc. By having Arlong (Mckinley Belcher III) show up at the Baratie to cause trouble, the show connected the dots for new viewers. It made Arlong a bigger threat earlier on and set up Nami’s betrayal in a way that felt immediate and impactful, even if it meant cutting out other villains like Don Krieg .
5 Changes That Never Should Have Happened
Cutting Out Hachi The Octopus Fish-Man
Hachi, the octopus Fish-Man, is a minor villain during the Arlong Park arc. He is just one of Arlong’s crew members. However, in the larger world of One Piece, Hachi becomes a very important and beloved character. He reappears much later in the story and plays a key role in a major adventure. By removing him completely, the live-action writers have created a problem for themselves if the show continues for multiple seasons. While he might not have been missed by new viewers, long-time fans know that cutting Hachi closes the door on some great stories down the line .
Removing Emotional Depth From Nami’s Backstory
While the show updated Nami’s look for the better, some changes to her story made it weaker. In the original, the villagers of Coco Village knew that Nami was working for Arlong to save them. They pretended to hate her so she would feel free to leave them behind one day. This mutual sacrifice is what makes the story so heartbreaking. In the live-action, the villagers just think she is a traitor. This change removed a layer of emotional complexity. Furthermore, the show left out Genzo’s pinwheel hat, a small detail that represents his love for Nami and inspires a special move from Luffy later on .
Getting Rid Of Chouchou The Dog
If you ask any One Piece fan about the dog in Orange Town, they will likely tear up. Chouchou is a loyal dog who waits outside his owner’s burned-down store, protecting it. His story is a short but powerful moment about loss and loyalty. The live-action series reduced his role to a brief, silent cameo. This was a huge missed opportunity to capture the emotional storytelling that makes One Piece special. It felt like the show chose action over heart in this moment .
Losing The Whimsy With Usopp’s Nose
Usopp (Jacob Romero Gibson) is a character whose design is based on Pinocchio. He has a long, pointy nose. In a world with fish-men, clown pirates, and rubber people, a long nose isn’t that strange. However, the live-action team decided to give him a normal, human nose. While it might have looked silly in real life, for many fans, it changed a key part of his look and removed a visual gag that defines his character. It was a decision that prioritized “realism” over staying true to the character’s cartoonish charm .
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Skipping The Iconic Musical Score
The music of the One Piece anime is legendary. The song “We Are!” is instantly recognizable and fills fans with a sense of adventure. When the Straw Hats do their famous walk to Arlong Park to declare war, the music in the original is powerful and emotional. The live-action series featured a brand new score. While the music was good, it didn’t carry the same emotional weight. For a moment that is supposed to be one of the most iconic in the entire series, not using the classic music made it feel less special for the fans who have been waiting years to see it in live-action .
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