A creator of the beloved manga and a sensational animation, “One Piece,” offered fans an update on the upcoming Netflix live-action series based on the popular manga.

The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, the leader of the Straw Hat Pirates, who gains the powers to turn his body into rubber after eating a “Devil Fruit.” He ventures around a fantastical world of exotic islands and vast oceans in search of the legendary treasure known as “One Piece” to become the next Pirate King.

Starring Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp and Taz Skylar as Sanji, the live action pirate adventure ONE PIECE is based on the most popular manga series in history created by Eiichiro Oda (who also serves as executive producer).
In partnership with Shueisha, ONE PIECE is produced by Tomorrow Studios and Netflix.

Here’s what Oda said to his fans around the world.

I’ve been working with Tomorrow Studios and Netflix for quite some time now. Even though they understand each of the characters, we obviously come from very different cultures so, when it comes to entertainment, we have different codes, skill sets, and aims. Sometimes it could be frustrating for both sides. It felt like, “We’re all trying to get to the same place so how come we’re not on the same wavelength?” There was even a time when I thought, “Is a foreign production even possible?!”

Now, this might seem like it’s coming out of nowhere but…we’ve been hard at work this entire time. And now, each and every entity involved is working in sync. We’re finally here!! Considering my expected life span, I believe this is the last chance to bring ONE PIECE to the entire world. If we’re going to do it, I want to be able to supervise things while I’m still active. That’s why I agreed to the live-action adaptation of one piece back in 2016.

Since then, Netflix has committed enormous resources to the production. It was announced that the show will launch in 2023, but they’ve promised that we won’t launch it until I’m satisfied.mThe entire cast and crew, spanning various countries brimming with love for ONE PIECE!! They’re burning with passion, and I’ve reminded everyone involved that this should be fun.

We’re in the final process! Right now! Of finishing all 8 episodes! We’ll be setting sail very soon!!

One Piece Set Sneak Peak.