On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, reliable unofficial online news sources released reports that Netflix’s One Piece Live Action season 2 had issued casting calls for a range of characters.
Many beloved characters, such as Nefertari Vivi and Nico Robin, were included in the casting for One Piece Live Action season 2. Fans were especially thrilled with the casting call details for Robin, which revealed that the role is being limited to actresses of Latino/Hispanic descent. This decision aligns with the character’s initial depiction with a darker skin tone.
Despite the objections from some fans, the decision has been made and many are expressing their dissatisfaction, pointing to original manga series creator Eiichiro Oda’s statement about Robin’s Russian heritage. This has caused a rift within the fandom, creating further division as Netflix prepares for the production of One Piece Live Action season 2. It can be argued that this is the most inconvenient time for such disagreements to arise.
One Piece Live Action Season 2 in Jeopardy After Controversial Robin Casting Decision
Despite Oda’s best intentions, he must bear some responsibility for the controversy surrounding the casting of Robin in season 2 of One Piece Live Action. In her initial appearance, Robin’s skin tone was portrayed as darker, reflecting her time spent in the desert nation of Alabasta while under the employ of Crocodile and Baroque Works.
During the time-skip, Robin was imprisoned in a wintry area before being freed by the Revolutionary Army. It is believed that her time in the cold, as well as her subsequent whereabouts after being rescued, caused her tan to fade. As a result, Robin returned post-time-skip with a paler skin tone more reflective of her nationality.
This change was a significant event for anime and manga enthusiasts, initiating a discussion that has continued for over 14 years. Similarly, it is anticipated that the decision to cast Robin with her pre-time-skip look rather than her post-time-skip appearance in One Piece Live Action season 2 would also provoke similar controversy.
Despite arguments that this decision reflects the future of the series, it is more likely a practical choice due to the challenges of altering a real-life actor’s skin color. In both cases, the decision was expected to spark some disagreement, making it difficult to assign blame to the staff of Netflix’s adaptation.
Fan Reaction
Despite a majority of positive reactions seen in the embed above, there are still fans who are displeased with the take. However, it is important to note that many of the negative reactions are directed towards Netflix rather than Oda, even though Oda’s involvement in this current scenario is clearly described above.
“The hell? Oda himself stated that Robin was Russian. Basically white as f*ck. Is netflix starting their BS again,” pointed out one fan.
Another agreed with them, asking “isn’t Robin canonically Russian?” in response to the casting news.
“Uh… [grimacing face emoji] Robin was mentioned by Oda-sensei to be Russian. Just sayin…” rightfully claimed yet another.
Some fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the discrepancy between Oda’s statements and Netflix’s casting decision for the role. It is important to note that while they acknowledge Oda’s comments about Robin’s nationality, they do not address her initial depiction with a darker skin tone. This sentiment is being shared by others online, as shown in the following comment from one fan:
“people acting like robin being russian is at all part of the actual plot of one piece when russia doesnt even exist and in fact she is from an island of people who suffered a genocide so like why would they have her be white,” pointed out one passionate netizen.
Despite touching on other subjects, the main argument of this fan’s opinion about Robin’s nationality not affecting her character arc or the core plot of the series remains valid. Furthermore, there are numerous others who support this casting decision.
“Latino sounds alright for Robin. [heart emoji],” conceded one fan.
“My latina queen,” praised another.
“YAAASSSSS,” shouted yet another fan.
Despite being a highly debated topic, it is evident that there are supporters on both sides of the argument, as well as those who question the character’s ethnicity altogether. Regardless, it is clear that this may not be the desired reaction from Netflix regarding the announcement of One Piece Live Action season 2. However, this is an inevitable consequence of making such a decision.
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