Entertainment

Fan or not, you should watch Netflix’s ONE PIECE

This is how live-action anime adaptions should be done

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Spoiler Warning: If you haven’t seen Netflix’s ONE PIECE, please read with caution.

I’ve always loved Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece since I was a sprite-like hooman. I grew up excited every morning to watch Luffy’s adventures before I played Pokémon on my Game Boy Color. Millennials, where you at?

Even growing up, I kept tabs on One Piece‘s story by catching up on the manga and watching the animé. I still preach to people to find the time to keep up with the 1000+ episodes and chapters.

So when Netflix announced the live adaptation of the beloved manga, my friends and I were a bit excited and scared. Live-action adaptations tend to suck, let’s be real about it.

Sometimes, we just want our favorite series to remain faithful to the story we’ve always known. The only thing that pacified us was knowing that Eiichiro Oda also had his hands in producing the series.

Before I get nitpicky, I’d say showrunners Matt Owens and Steven Maeda did a good job. As a creative director, I believe that turning a fantasy series with lore-heavy two-dimensional characters into life-like films is quite an onerous challenge to pull off.

Bringing the characters to life

Having Oda all aboard the production of his beloved manga is a good chess move that prevented this adaptation from flunking like other Netflix’s live-action films.

They were able to give justice to the portrayal of characters, starring an ensemble cast starting with Iñaki Godoy to depict Straw Hat Monkey D. Luffy. A naive, optimistic young man who dreams of becoming the next Pirate King.

Godoy had the approval of Oda when he was cast. This surprised a lot of fans knowing that Luffy was the most difficult character to portray. After all, he’s an excessively smiling freak who looks dumb and thinks with his stomach. (And sometimes, with his heart).

Roronoa Zoro was also perfectly captured, and I say this as a Zoro-stan, Mackenyu is the perfect actor for the role. The Japanese actor is a heartthrob who stole the show, exuding the cool, nonchalant yet mysterious vibe that Roronoa Zoro exhibits even in the original series.

Jacob Romero Gibson portrayed Usopp, a pathological liar and sharpshooter, and Taz Skylar looked hot portraying the ever-handsome and gentlemanly yet foul-mouthed cook Sanji.

Emily Rudd, for me, has the most challenging role. She’s portraying Nami, the Straw Hat’s navigator and treasurer. It was a critical role since Nami’s story which ended in the East Blue saga was how most One Piece‘s fans fell in love with the series.

Rudd captured the cynical, frigid personality of Nami yet she failed to show the right emotions that would pull strings on the audience’s hearts. Some friends believe they still gave justice to that one particular, emotional scene in the last episode. However, I digress. I believe it lacked gravity in portraying how severe the situation is.

Getting it right

What I liked about Netflix’s ONE PIECE is how it brought to life the story I grew up with. While fans have expressed dismay long before the series even aired, I loved that the adaptation felt like a bridge between new and old fans, and people who have yet to discover the wonder of One Piece.

Visual effects are heavy, especially for a fantasy series. When my friends and I were watching it after our game night, I saw the complete astonishment in their faces when Luffy stretched his arms. Sticking to the magic of a manga/animé can be quite tricky, but Netflix pulled it off.

There was so much effort put into recreating the places, scenes, and overall vibe to remain faithful to the story. The first season tackled the first saga, which was the formation of Straw Hat Pirates in East Blue.

It was evident what Netflix’s ONE PIECE was all about. The series is being put out to reach a wider audience to be charmed by the story and its characters.

It felt short, though. The East Blue Saga in the anime covered 40+ episodes, which was shrunk to fit into eight episodes for the first season. Each arc was covered for at least two episodes each, diving into different narratives of each Straw Hat pirate member.

The good, the bad, and the crispy

Regardless of the pacing, Netflix highlighted all the important details of the story. Although, they removed some of the chuckles, constant annoyance, and witty banter between members.

I think that’s what got lost in translation. The bond they created while sailing together contributed to the emotional attachment between the characters and the viewers.

We know what they went through, what they’re going through, and how they all got entangled with each other’s lives. It’s true that they have each other’s back, teaching us the complexities of friendship — both in the anime and the adaptation.

As a fan, it was disappointing to see the lack of intensity in scenes that would cause you to break into tears. I did get goosebumps from certain lines and hearing the music accompaniment, though. But I was really looking for that tug in my heart that made me obsessed with this series for the past two decades.

Nevertheless, Netflix’s ONE PIECE is a show that can be enjoyed by ~literally~ anyone. Die-hard fans may keep on nitpicking and gatekeeping their beloved show, but this live-action series is a magnificent adaptation worthy of watching.

Go after your dreams

The story may have been all about being a pirate and clashing with the Marines, but only if you’ve seen the surface. Just like the oceans they cross, the series is quite deep. It tackles life, dreams, hope, survival, fear, and of course, friendship.

It’s what made me fall in love with the story; the highs and lows of the raging seas they travel on and the adventures of not knowing what’s next.

One Piece, both as a manga, anime, and live adaptation, pushes its audience to be spontaneous and go after their dreams. The Straw Hat pirates are a reminder that even when the odds aren’t in your favor, you’ll always find a breakthrough.

Even if you feel like your dreams are hard to reach, there are people who will stand by you. One day, you’ll find your own crew and you’ll get to be who you want to be.

Netflix, in a way, pursued its dream to finally create a live-action adaptation that gets it right. It’s surreal, magnificent, and wonderful in all aspects albeit with some hiccups that can be overlooked.

After all, it’s an enjoyable watch. It’s far from being a masterpiece, but it’s an example of how production companies should do live adaptations.

Just like in One Piece, it’s not just a new era of Pirates. It’s a new era of live adaptations, and Netflix has already set sail.

ONE PIECE is now streaming on Netflix.

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Entertainment

The internet is thirsting over the One Piece Season 2 cast

And honestly, fair

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March 12, 2026

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Netflix One Piece Season 2

Clips from One Piece Season 2 are circulating across TikTok, Threads, and X — and the internet has reached a very clear conclusion.

Screenshots of Zoro, Nami, Luffy, and Miss All Sunday have been circulating widely online.

This cast is aggressively attractive.

One Threads post even asked the question outright: “Why is the One Piece cast aggressively attractive?” Judging by the reactions online, plenty of fans seem more than happy to investigate.

And after watching the new season ourselves, we can confirm: yes, the viral moments making the rounds online are very real.

Zoro continues to be the internet’s favorite

A big chunk of the viral clips revolve around Mackenyu as Zoro.

Specifically, a scene where the swordsman appears shirtless — showing off a physique that fans immediately began thirst-posting about across social media.

It’s the kind of moment that practically feels engineered for screenshots. Stoic expression. Scarred swordsman energy. Abs fully visible.

Naturally, the internet noticed.

Luffy gets his Hollywood abs moment

Even Iñaki Godoy gets a similar viral moment.

One circulating clip shows Luffy wearing nothing but a towel, with his abs in full view. Fans quickly clipped the scene and began sharing it across social platforms.

Godoy himself seems aware of the moment. In one interview clip now floating around online, the actor joked that he might as well enjoy the “Hollywood abs” moment now — since his next role might just have him playing a regular guy.

Fair point.

@lyn_ching7 Have you seen shirtless LUFFY yet? Prepare for his “12 pack” ⚔️😁 @Netflix Philippines @Netflix @onepiecenetflix #onepiece #netflix #netflixph ♬ original sound – Ms. Lyn Ching

The internet also noticed Miss All Sunday

Another character generating plenty of reactions online is Miss All Sunday, also known to fans as Nico Robin.

Trailer comments posted by Netflix quickly filled up with reactions from viewers pointing out the character’s striking appearance — including jokes asking why her chest looked so prominent in the preview.

Other fans quickly pushed back, asking the obvious question: why complain?

Nami might be winning the internet

Still, the character that seems to be getting the biggest reaction online is Nami.

Clips and screenshots of Emily Rudd wearing a tiny red bra have been circulating widely, with fans praising both the character’s look and Rudd’s screen presence.

The scene is brief, but it clearly made an impression.

And judging by the number of screenshots floating around online, a lot of viewers had the exact same reaction.

Some people tuned in out of curiosity.

Others may have tuned in after seeing those screenshots.

Honestly, fair.

Either way, the viral clips are real — and they’re all pulled directly from the new season.

One Piece Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

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Samurai Champloo is getting a live-action adaptation

The adaptation is coming from One Piece’s Tomorrow Studios.

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March 11, 2026

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The live-action One Piece, which recently premiered its second season on Netflix, is one of the rare wins for the anime adaptation segment, especially after a string of misfires. Now, after the success of that series, things are getting bolder. Tomorrow Studios, which produced Netflix’s One Piece, will adapt Samurai Champloo into a live-action format.

Still from the brilliant mind of Shinichirō Watanabe, Samurai Champloo is often touted as the samurai version of Watanabe’s more popular Cowboy Bebop but with a more cohesive story and a hipper soundtrack. Since its first airing over two decades ago, the series has enjoyed a cult following, especially for those who enjoyed Cowboy Bebop.

First reported by Variety, Tomorrow Studios will adapt the show into a live-action series. Critically, Watanabe will be involved in the show’s production.

Because the show is still in early development, there’s no news beyond that. In fact, though it’s likely that Netflix will pick the series up, Tomorrow Studios hasn’t shopped the series to platforms yet.

Samurai Champloo is going to be a huge gamble for the studio. Previously, Tomorrow Studios crashed and burned with its Cowboy Bebop adaptation, which ended up getting canned soon after its premiere. Watanabe even criticized the series for changing the plot too much.

This time, however, Watanabe has given his blessing and will likely steer the adaptation to success. The studio has also promised an adaptation more faithful to the original’s story and soundtrack. Both of which were crucial to the original show’s success.

SEE ALSO: One Piece: Into the Grand Line unveils final trailer ahead of premiere

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Entertainment

ARTMS Heejin shows KPop concert day through Ray-Ban Meta glasses

Heejin films concert POV

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March 11, 2026

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ARTMS Heejin | Ray-Ban Meta

What does a KPop concert look like from the idol’s perspective? Heejin of ARTMS gives fans exactly that.

In a short Instagram Reel filmed using Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, the ARTMS member records an entire concert day from her point of view — from backstage moments to standing on stage in front of hundreds of fans.

The clip begins with Heejin showing off the Ray-Ban Meta glasses before putting them on. She then continues vlogging on her phone while already wearing the smart glasses, casually demonstrating how the wearable camera fits into her usual routine.

From there, the Reel jumps through several moments leading up to the show. We see Heejin signing what appear to be albums for the concert, followed by a quick meal before rehearsals begin.

At one point, she even chats with staff members who seem curious about the Ray-Ban Meta glasses she’s wearing.

Then the highlight arrives.

The perspective suddenly shifts to the stage.

 

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A post shared by HEEJIN (@0ct0ber19)

From Heejin’s POV, the crowd stretches across the venue while she performs alongside her fellow ARTMS members. There’s a quick glimpse of choreography while she’s still wearing the glasses — offering fans a rare look at what performing in front of thousands of people actually feels like.

The Reel winds down with the group bowing to the audience as the concert ends.

Finally, the video returns to the same visual from the opening. Heejin lies down on a bed, mirroring the start of the day — a quiet signal that the long concert schedule has finally wrapped.

There are a few fancams too showing the day Heejin wearing the glasses while performing on stage.

 

@seoshu heejin with glasses… I NEED HER #artmsinlondon #heejin #artms #grandclubicarus ♬ original sound – vro

 

@yvessyih i’m a sucker for nerds💔 heejin i love u #heejin #loona #artms #fyp #kpop @Official ARTMS ♬ Drunk in love – Megan ★

From LOONA to ARTMS

For longtime fans, Heejin needs little introduction.

She first debuted in 2016 as the very first member of LOONA, a group known for its ambitious storytelling and global fanbase.

Following LOONA’s restructuring, Heejin went on to become part of ARTMS, a project group that reunites several former members while continuing their creative direction.

Moments like this Reel give fans a small but personal glimpse into that journey — this time through the lens of smart glasses.

What the Ray-Ban Meta glasses actually do

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are wearable smart glasses created by Meta in collaboration with Ray-Ban.

They feature a built-in ultra-wide camera, microphones, and open-ear speakers that allow users to capture photos and videos completely hands-free.

Because the camera sits directly in the frame, the footage naturally captures a first-person perspective — exactly the kind of viewpoint that makes Heejin’s Reel feel so immersive.

Instead of watching a concert from the audience, viewers briefly experience what it’s like to be the person standing on stage.

A new perspective for fans

POV videos aren’t new online, but using smart glasses to capture a full concert day adds a new layer to behind-the-scenes content.

For a few moments, fans aren’t just watching the performance.

They’re seeing it through the idol’s eyes.

And for longtime fans who first met Heejin during her early days in LOONA, the moment carries a little extra weight.

From debut stages to a new chapter with ARTMS, the view has changed — but the stage is still the same.

Now the real question is: Which idol would you want to see try this next?

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