Why One Piece live-action is dividing the fandom, explained

Why One Piece live-action is dividing the fandom, explained

One of the most exciting and highly anticipated anime-adjacent productions of the year is none other than Netflix’s One Piece live-action series. The trailer for the adaptation premiered at the Tudum 2023 event last weekend, generating excitement among both general anime fans and long-time fans of the series.

However, the franchise’s fandom is far from unified in their opinions of the One Piece live-action series, based on what could be gleaned from the first and only available trailer. While the preview has seemingly buoyed the excitement of some, others are worried or even already passing harsh judgment on the adaptation.

Likewise, the fandom is slowly becoming divided on the matter, which is somewhat unsurprising, considering how inherently controversial live-action anime adaptations can be. Unfortunately, the One Piece live-action trailer has only seemingly further heightened the controversy.

One Piece live-action trailer’s CGI effects, outfit choices, adaptational differences are all creating strife in fandom

Some of the biggest reasons why the One Piece live-action adaptation is dividing the fandom unfortunately stem from the inherent existence of the adaptation itself. Given the reputation live-action anime adaptations have had in the past (especially via Netflix), fans are doubtful that the upcoming series can do the original manga and anime any sort of justice.

The trailer has caused a subset of fans to emphasize this point emphatically, as they believe that the CGI effects for Luffy’s Devil Fruit abilities are inadequately executed. Fans are already harshly evaluating the series, despite the fact that the trailer contains only one extended scene.

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The outfits worn by the Straw Hat Pirates in the One Piece live-action adaptation have become a highly controversial topic since the release of the trailer. In contrast to anime and manga, where characters typically wear a single outfit throughout, the live-action adaptation showcases actors donning outfits that draw inspiration from the vibrant color spreads found in the original manga.

While some fans have praised this attention to detail and its demonstration of love for the source material, others are harshly critiquing it. Those who disagree with the decision point out that the adapted first season of the manga features the characters wearing the same outfits throughout.

Additional adaptational differences are also causing issues, both in the wake of the trailer’s release and long before it. When the first One Piece live-action key visual was released, fans complained that Luffy was shown to be wearing boots rather than sandals. There’s also the fact that the live-action’s Going Merry depicts a realistic sheep for its figurehead rather than the manga’s cartoonish version.

The inclusion of characters such as the original Mr. 7 and Captain Gally are also causing strife among some fans.

Be sure to keep up with all One Piece anime, manga, film, and live-action news as 2023 progresses.

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