One Piece Live Action Season 2 May Not Have Learnt From Its Garp-Sized Season 1 Mistake, and Cobra’s Casting Shows How

The filming for the second season of One Piece Live Action has officially begun, and the selection process for various important roles has been completed. One of these roles is that of Nefertari Cobra, the leader of the Alabasta Kingdom. This character will be played by Sendhil Ramamurthy, an Indian-American actor renowned for his roles in popular productions like Shor in the City and Never Have I Ever.

Despite being cast as King Cobra, Sendhil Ramamurthy has sparked controversy within the fandom. In the source material, the original manga and anime, King Cobra is portrayed as an older Middle Eastern individual. This has raised concerns about the accuracy of representation in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

While creators may face challenges when making casting decisions, it is important to remember that actors often impress audiences with their ability to embody different roles. Additionally, the series has received acclaim for its skillful portrayal of characters in the live-action adaptation.

The execution of the series, particularly in regards to the depiction of Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp in the first season, is a top concern for fans. The development of the characters and storylines will play a crucial role in the success of the series and how it is received by fans.

This article includes spoilers.

The Impact of Nefertari Cobra on Season 2 of One Piece Live Action

Garp as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei)

It is imperative that the creators thoughtfully approach the adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s manga for One Piece Live Action season 2. Deviating from the structure of the first season may result in negative reviews, so the utilization of King Cobra’s character will play a significant role.

Despite being hailed as one of the greatest live-action adaptations of an anime, the first season is not without its flaws, which have been pointed out by fans. A common criticism from viewers is the handling of the parallel storyline involving Garp.

In the live-action adaptation, the character was introduced much earlier and it was also revealed that he is the grandfather of the protagonist Luffy, unlike in the original series. However, the focus on this character detracted from the main storyline and lessened the overall enjoyment of the show. For many, it felt like an unnecessary inclusion.

The character King Cobra could potentially face a similar problem in season 2 of One Piece Live Action if the focus is placed on him too soon. Creator Eiichiro Oda has confirmed that the upcoming season will cover the events from the Loguetown Arc of the East Blue Saga to the Drum Island Arc of the Alabasta Saga.

King Cobra will be seen in One Piece Live Action season 2 (Image via Toei)

In season 2 of One Piece Live Action, the Straw Hats’ adventure will begin with a thrilling encounter with the Marines at the location of Gol D. Roger’s execution and conclude on Drum Island, where the Straw Hat Pirates will seek medical aid for Nami’s illness. However, in the original manga, King Cobra is only briefly featured in this arc through a flashback.

Despite the challenges of adapting live-action versions of stories, which often require alterations and omissions, it appears that King Cobra’s character could have been excluded altogether from the second season of One Piece Live Action.

It is uncertain if King Cobra will receive the same treatment as Garp, being introduced early and having a parallel storyline. This approach would not be fitting for King Cobra’s character, although it may be suitable for other characters who will appear in the upcoming season.

It is likely that fans of the original manga and anime are aware that many of these characters will have significant roles in the story up until the Final Saga. Nevertheless, this is all speculation, and it is hoped that none of it will actually come to fruition.

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