Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has been running for over two decades, delivering a rich tapestry of arcs, each unique in its purpose. Some arcs focus on character development, while others expand the vast world of One Piece. Netflix has done an impressive job adapting the early arcs, proving its capability to bring Oda’s vision to life.
As the story progresses, however, the series introduces increasingly complex elements, powerful Devil Fruits with unique abilities, larger-than-life battles, and massive characters like giants. These aspects will present significant challenges for Netflix in future adaptations. Still, there are some truly iconic arcs that fans can’t wait to see brought to life.
10
Can’t Wait to See: Drum Island Arc
The Drum Island Arc Introduces a New Straw Hat Pirate and Features a Major Emotional Death
From the teases of Netflix’s One Piece Season 2, it’s clear that Tony Tony Chopper will join the Straw Hats, making the Drum Island saga a key part of the season. Adapting Chopper will be a challenge due to his distinct appearance, but Drum Island’s snow-covered landscape will offer a refreshing contrast to the series’ usual dry settings, captivating fans with its unique environment.
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However, the true strength of this arc lies in its narrative. It highlights Luffy’s deep care for his crew, as he braves the harsh conditions to help Nami recover from her illness. The most emotionally powerful moment, though, will be the heartbreaking death of Dr. Hiriluk, Chopper’s mentor and father figure. This moment will give fans a glimpse of the series’ emotional depth beyond its adventurous and lighthearted tone.
9
Trouble Adapting: Little Garden Arc
Introducing the Series’ First Two Giants May Pose a Challenge for Netflix
One of the biggest concerns with any live-action adaptation is how well CGI can bring fictional elements to life, especially given the track record of past failures. While Netflix’s One Piece has proven it can meet fan expectations, adapting the Little Garden arc could be particularly challenging due to its massive scale, literally, featuring towering giants.
Dorry and Brogy are as tall as buildings, and while Netflix may use different framing techniques, placing them in the same shot as the normal-sized characters will be a challenge, both technically and financially. The difficulty increases when depicting action sequences, especially with Mr. 3 playing a role in subduing the giants. Adapting these scenes convincingly will be no small feat, but if Netflix succeeds, it will lay the groundwork for a future arc that we can’t wait to see.
8
Can’t Wait to See: Elbaph Arc
The Land of the Giants Holds Great Significance for the Series and Fulfills the Creator’s Promise to Fans
As of this writing, One Piece‘s manga is deep into the Elbaph arc, finally exploring the giants and their lore, something the series promised over two decades ago. The foundation built for this arc is immense, and with fans thoroughly enjoying the unfolding giant lore, seeing it brought to life in live-action will be a completely different experience.
With this arc introducing even more fantastical elements, its visual execution in live-action will be especially challenging. If Netflix successfully adapts the Little Garden arc, perfectly depicting the giants, Dorry and Brogy, it will only heighten anticipation for the Elbaf arc, even if it will take perhaps a decade or more to reach that point of the story.
7
Trouble Adapting: Skypiea Arc
Skypiea Arc’s Landscape Will Be Its Greatest Challenge
Skypiea is undoubtedly one of the most distinct arcs in the series, taking place literally on the clouds with a small civilization living in this fantastic land. Considering how live-action adaptations are often criticized for failing to properly visualize the landscapes of anime and manga worlds, this will be Netflix’s first major challenge in bringing something extraordinary to life.
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Another challenge lies specifically in adapting this arc. Among all the arcs in One Piece, Skypiea is considered one of the most cartoonish in its direction. This distinct vibe will be difficult to capture in a live-action setting. However, since the first season of One Piece live-action has already shown how it can move away from a cartoonish feel while establishing its own visual style, Skypiea could prove invaluable in laying the foundation for more whimsical scenes in future arcs.
6
Can’t Wait To See: Wano Arc
With Japanese Tradition and Luffy’s Gear 5 Transformation, the Wano Arc Could Offer a Unique Live-Action Experience
One Piece‘s Wano Arc is truly special, highlighting Japanese tradition with an engaging narrative. With this arc, the One Piece live-action series has the opportunity to further expand on diversity, and Netflix will likely do a wonderful job, considering the diverse cast already incorporated into the series. However, the most epic moment from this arc is undoubtedly Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation.
The visual depiction of Luffy’s Gear 5 will be one of the biggest challenges for the live-action adaptation, as this transformation pushes the series to its most cartoonish style. However, given that Luffy’s latest transformation is one of the most iconic moments in the series, seeing it in live-action has become a dream for fans. If done right, Netflix’s One Piece could stand as proof of how live-action adaptations can succeed with extreme care and passion in bringing such moments to life.
5
Trouble Adapting: Thriller Bark
Brook and Gecko Moria Could Be Challenging To Adapt Due to Their Character Designs
One Piece features some of the most bizarre character designs, starting with Zoan Devil Fruit users transforming into mythical creatures. While Netflix might limit the portrayal of such characters due to time constraints, the Thriller Bark arc could be particularly challenging because of Brook and Gecko Moria’s involvement. As central figures in this arc, Netflix will likely need to increase the budget and rely more on CGI rather than practical effects to bring them to life.
However, Thriller Bark could also turn out to be one of the most unique arcs, especially with Brook being depicted using prosthetic skeleton effects. Seeing a talking skeleton in a live-action setting could add a distinct, hilariously unique tone. Combined with horror elements, a giant zombie, and Luffy’s Nightmare transformation, Thriller Bark could offer one of the most memorable live-action experiences.
4
Can’t Wait To See: Water 7
An Arc That Seemingly Puts One Piece’s Best Elements Together
One Piece‘s Water 7 Saga is renowned as one of the best arcs in the series. This is the first arc that showcases Luffy’s transformation into Second Gear while bringing the Straw Hats closer than ever before. The emphasis on the crew is immense, with Robin’s conflict over her past and the crew’s efforts to help her, Luffy and Usopp’s dispute over the Going Merry, Ussop as Sogeking, and Franky’s involvement.
Considering how much happens in this arc, it is one of the most anticipated arcs that fans are eager to see faithfully adapted into live-action. With Water 7’s unique infrastructure, this adaptation will undoubtedly push the production to its limits and could result in the best season of Live Action as well.
3
Trouble Adapting: Fishman Island
The Landscape of Fishman Will Be the Biggest Challenge
With the Fishman Island arc, One Piece once again presents a beautiful and distinct landscape as the Straw Hats venture into an underwater country. While the first season of One Piece has proven its ability to adapt the Fishman race effectively, this arc will be especially challenging due to the greater variety of characters, such as Shirahoshi and the King of the Fishmen, who are significantly larger than others. Additionally, the unique underwater setting will pose its own difficulties for adaptation.
The underwater scenes, featuring Sea Kings and other massive elements, along with Luffy destroying Noah while battling Hody Jones, could make this one of the most challenging arcs to develop. If Netflix greenlights further arcs, Fishman Island will serve as a pivotal point, demonstrating the live-action’s ability to adapt any arc successfully and signaling the potential for the live-action series to cover the entire original manga.
2
Can’t Wait To See: Dressrosa Arc
Dressrosa Arc Is Rich With Various Fictional Elements
Though Dressrosa is one of the longest arcs in the series, it showcases the Straw Hats’ newfound strength by placing them in challenging situations. While Luffy’s Gear 4 transformation is the highlight of this arc, it is enriched with various other elements. Alongside the involvement of giants, the arc also features the Tontatta tribe, who are extremely small, adding a unique dynamic.
Additionally, this arc includes a city full of living toys controlled by Sugar, creating an intriguing and eerie atmosphere. The tournament for the Devil Fruit in the coliseum will be a standout moment, captivating fans with the sheer number of characters involved and the display of diverse Devil Fruit powers, making this arc one of the most anticipated that fans would love to see being adapted in the live-action.
1
Trouble Adapting: Marineford Arc
The Sheer Number of Characters and Their Involvement Are Difficult to Scale
The Marineford arc is seen as a pivotal moment in One Piece, marking what many fans believe to be the halfway point of Oda’s grand vision. This belief holds weight, considering the arc features an overwhelming number of powerful and influential characters at once. Adapting it will not only challenge Netflix in orchestrating large-scale action sequences and incorporating CGI to showcase the characters’ immense strength, but it will also be a significant budgetary hurdle due to the sheer number of actors required.
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As the series’ popularity peaks around Marineford, Netflix could face mounting challenges, from handling rising actor fees to maintaining a massive set. This arc could push Netflix to its limits in terms of scale and production demands. Given its unprecedented scope, Marineford may be Netflix’s most challenging arc to adapt, at least until One Piece‘s final saga, which is building toward an even greater war.
One Piece
- Created by
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Eiichiro Oda
- First Film
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One Piece: The Movie
- Cast
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Kazuya Nakai, Akemi Okamura, Kappei Yamaguchi, Hiroaki Hirata, Ikue Ôtani, Yuriko Yamaguchi
- Character(s)
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Monkey D. Luffy, Roronora Zoro, Nami (One Piece), Nico Robin, Usopp (One Piece), Vinsmoke Sanji, Tony Tony Chopper, Franky (One Piece), Jimbei (One Piece)
