One Piece EP Steven Maeda On "Finding The Balance" & Bringing The Manga World To Netflix

Beware spoilers on the high seas! One Piece EP Steven Maeda addresses his role in bringing the infamous manga to live action, and shares what fans can expect from the adaptation.
One Piece premieres August 31 on Netflix.
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[@alextihor1190]

woah he actually caught up to the recent stuff hoooly. Thats so weird because he feels like an outsider to the anime/manga world, with people like this I would expect him to read like 50 chapter and I wouldve been impressed and happy knowing that, but catching up? Like what!? This makes me happier than if a casual anime watcher did that.

[@inu506]

So many people from the cast & crew either already were One Piece or got into One Piece for the show and then just couldn't stop. The cast&crew really are fans themselves and want to do the series justice

[@Tommaso251287]

well, it's his job...

[@Martin-yh7vi]

​@@Tommaso251287The bar is very low when it comes to the production team actually appreciating the source material. It's like in Dragon Ball Z where they barely reference anything and threw away the source material or like in The Witcher where the writers hated the source material until it turned into the mess it has now even though the 1st 2 seasons was fine imo.

[@hellbunniez3]

@@inu506this is true lol. even their DOP is a fan of one piece and is caught up with the anime

[@gamingparadise3390]

I@@inu506 I think emily, mkneyu and matt owens (2nd show runner) were already fans of OP emily went further and beyond to get her role as nami

[@CrystalClearHeart]

10:27 Brooooo, the betrayal when he said that the clip will air AFTER the show airs The level of betrayal is higher then when CP9 got revealed LOL And woow I can’t believe Steven Maeda is up to with one piece (manga) 😮

[@stalhein62]

Well, Loguetown as the start of S2 (assuming that we get a S2) would work as well, because it'll feed into Smoker chasing the crew through to Arabasta Edit: well we're getting S2 and Smoker was in the final shot, so I will be keeping my eyes peeled for a man with a green mohawk in the Loguetown crowds.

[@4984christian]

They have to make clear what the difference is between Garp and Smoker That Tashigi and Coby and Hellmeppo are different. What will happen with Garp, Hellmeppo and Coby?

[@miratunatar]

Steven Maedas attitude is the reason why this works.

[@gamingparadise3390]

the interviewer conducted a great interview with good questions, good job

[@GeassStudioR2]

I finished my second rewatch of season 1 last night. My god they really nailed the spirit of the series through the characters and themes

[@Zoro7747]

Really enjoyed that interview. So much work has clearly gone into the production and if there’s a season 2 I hope they get just as much support, money and time. And hopefully it will be 10 episodes not 8 🤞

[@nicolaskaito4769]

I really hope this will become the best live adaptation of a manga ever and i trust everyone involve in it to make it happen.

[@KevinUchihaOG]

Gotta say im happy they were able to convince Oda to bring in Garp eariler. It really worked well to tie the episodes together.

[@montenegroafro4454]

I couldn’t agree more. Garp being present more in the first season really emphasizes how important his character is to the entire story of One Piece; he is the legendary Vice Admiral who brought in the infamous King of the Pirates to be executed, now he has a grandson treading that same path and how disappointed & worried he is to see him meet the same fate as Gol D. Roger. It’s also good for Luffy’s character because it shows how determined he is to achieve his dream even in the face of opposition that could mean the end of his life.. I mean his fight with Garp at the end showed Garp smoking his ass he could’ve finished him off if he wanted to, but it was a test to see if Luffy will stay true to himself or give up in the face of opposition (even if he can’t win). I also loved the mentor/apprentice relationship between Garp and Koby, and that moment when Garp sat down to have a conversation with Zeff was phenomenal!

[@reymichaelzornosa7561]

​@@montenegroafro4454 man... if they reach into marineford and they add their fight at s1 as a flashback, while garp lets luffy get to ace, I will literally bawl my eyes out crying

[@MrBahki]

I liked what they did, I didn’t like how Garp was portrayed though. Felt more like Sengoku than he did Garp.

[@ryojs4286]

It was the stupidest thing and broke much of the story No wonder the story was sucking, the idiots thought they knew better than Oda

[@random1piecefan]

I disagree, I mean we could've just seen his debut with Roger and maybe a few appearances here and there I'd be happy with that but he was actually pursuing Luffy and even fought him, they revealed his connection to Luffy which would've been a much bigger surprise (for the new fans) if it happened later on as it did in the manga. If they really wanted Marine pursuit they could've used Smoker for that but they just cut out Loguetown(which ik they'll cover in S2 but still) , also Hatchan and some other parts. I felt like they spent more time on Garp and Koby than needed which is really my only major complain but it isn't complete trash still

[@theblanketstealer]

thank you for your hard work and dedication to the One Piece live action Steven! as a 10+ year fan of both the manga & anime i loved it so much. i've already watched it twice lol! please give us season 2 :)

This is a man who knows the importance of a passionate fanbase. I DO hope that the series will be good.

[@christopherdiaz2993]

Oda was right on being hesitant on adding Garp... The Garp plotline took away too much time (and probably budget) from what really mattered which was getting to know the crew better, some other important plot points of the protagonists (Ex: the reason behind Ussop and Sanji joining) and the villagers of Coco Village which were really integral to that story arc.

[@IamGrimalkin]

It might have taken too much time, but I doubt it took up much budget. There aren't many crazy sets, costumes, or action schemes with Garp (unless you count the Mihawk conversarion, but that was already in the manga in a different context). And much of the expense that was there is reusable in later seasons (e.g. transponder snails, marine costumes).

[@christopherdiaz2993]

What I meant by the budget is because of the actors actually, let's compare a bunch of Villagers from Coco Village (which are basically 98% extras), Genzo and Nojiko cost waaay less than actors like Garp, Koby and Helmeppo, who took way too much time on screen which then had to be paid for that time. Arlong Park actually needed the villagers involvement in that arc, first it would have been a waaay richer story (like in the manga) and the Help Me scene would had hit so much harder... because it's not the Help Me scene by itself that makes that scene so Iconic, it's the buildup of what happened before it, the context surrounding it and then the resolution that makes it so. Mihawk and Garp never talked in the manga... if that is what you mean... @@IamGrimalkin

[@IamGrimalkin]

@@christopherdiaz2993 Ermm.. you know the reason they had more expensive actors was *because* they had more screen time, right? If Genzo and Nojiko had more screen time they'd get bigger-time actors to play them, and more minor actors to play Koby and Helmeppo (assuming Helmeppo isn't cut). And once you give extras speaking roles, you stop getting extras to play them. Anyway, I'm not sure which scenes in Coco village you're envisioning. The scenes the showrunners said they wanted to do were Hatchi vs Zoro and season 1 Lougetown, which would have been much more expensive.

[@kagato23]

If they’d had the 10 episodes they were supposed to have it’d have worked out fine.

[@christopherdiaz2993]

@@IamGrimalkin Have you read the original source material? or watched the anime? if not, go watch/read and then come back. The focus in Arlong Park is Nami saving her village, but in the process of the arc we get to know her mother (Bellemere), her sister (Nojiko), her father basically (Genzo), and the doctor (which he isnt as important as Nojiko and Genzo), and how much the villagers cared for Nami and her family as a whole, which at the end made us care more of what happens to the villagers, because they are more involved in the overall story, and when Luffy frees Nami and by extent the villagers, it feels much more cathartic, as the people see the battle and are ready to die for their village. In contrast, we have the Live Action, which has the same premise, Nami wanting to save her village, but you don't feel the attachment to none of the villagers, because they themselves are detached from the Story. They don't know the sacrifice Nami is making for them, they don't witness their liberation and they aren't willing to fight to the end next to the StrawHats and Nami. The villagers played a major role in the story of Arlong Park in the original source material, especially characters like Nojiko and Genzo. So my point with all of the Marines business is, they weren't needed to play such a BIG role, especially in Arlong Park, because at the end it took away the real impact of that story. So coming back to my original point, less days filming with Garp, Koby, Helmeppo and trade those days with filming more with Genzo and Nojiko at Arlong Park (which was only 2 out of the 8 episodes) that would have balanced out the cost and so the villagers could have had a better role in that arc, which in turn would have made the Arlong Park waaaaaay better in the Live Action. Because at the end of the day, Arlong Park is the first major arc that showed many people the real potential One Piece had as a story, turning many into fans of this series to this day.... Also remember, that if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[@KurseDHero]

Season 2 needs to be 12 episodes MINIMUM, S3 can be 8-10

[@Ringoroadagain6]

Wish I was that optimistic

[@LordrockmanReturns]

But what is Season 2 for you?

[@geaarmel6764]

Season 2 imo will be Choper arc and Alabasta

[@lonewolf9325]

I think all of the seasons from now should be 12 eps. S3 having Jaya/Skypiea and Long Ring Long Land, atleast the Davy Back mentioning cz its Pirates??? S4 having Water 7, Robin's story and Enies Lobby in full form, ending with a new ship and Franky. S5 being Thriller Bark, Brook story, tie up with Laboon, Saboady and ending with Boa's introduction. S6 being Impel down and Marineford. Then The End.

[@geaarmel6764]

@@lonewolf9325 Not the end Season 7 Sabaody and Fishman island Season 8 punk hazard and Dressrosa Season 9 Zo and whole Cake Season 10 Wano and Onigashima If they work at least as well as first season it has to potential to go to wano.

[@CallumHurley]

Bummed about the lack of Loguetown but it was clearly out of his control

[@friendlyotaku9525]

Yeah though on the bright side if this does well then Loguetown will be what Season 2 will start with!

[@rakhatthenut3815]

Loguetown would not work as a finale of the season. Arlong park would. Also, loguetown is the perfect start for new season. I completely agree with the decision.

[@4984christian]

They not only did not disapoint us they gave as a deeper dive into true One Piece!! 😢 I have tears in my eyes. I like our fan community so much and its so nice that he saw this and has become a part of it

[@darrel7493]

I am surprised about the comments on Loguetown. I never thought for a moment it would be in season 1 because ending after Arlong and Luffy gets his bounty, makes a much better ending for season 1. Loguetown would be much better at the start of season 2, as it feels like the start of the next chapter. Intoducing Smoker and Tashigi at the end of season1, but not have them matter that season, would just be weird..

[@MONKEY_D_GATHO]

In my case I think it's great that the beginning of season 2 is reverse mountain and the entrance to the grand line.... In fact I would love season 1 to end there, just where they see the reverse mountain.

[@ozancandemirsk9423]

They have adapted the East Blue Saga for the first season. It ends after Loguetown, when they sail into the Grand Line.

[@robbywilliamson4152]

Assuming they get a season 2, I just hope they're given enough episodes to cover the entire Alabasta Saga. I think it would be really awkward if they had to stop in the middle of it, especially without any guarantee of a season 3.

[@darrel7493]

@@robbywilliamson4152 Season 2 would obviously need to end with the defeat of Crocidile. How many episodes they get would effect how much before then gets cut. They would find ways to streamline , just like they did with season 1.

[@MaulzComboz]

I thought it would because of the foot on barrel scene where they state their dreams. That happens on the way up reverse mountain

[@mitchellg6242]

Please dont be like Witcher. Keep the important pits. Keep the emotion, but keep the flow moving forward with love of the story. We love the series because it is already established in our minds but most are happy to see a fresh take but keeps the important pieces in tact. We hope to see season 2+.

[@Chrono_Punk]

Got to keep them pits!

[@inu506]

They really succeeded with this show! In fact, the Live Action had me even more curious to check out the next episode than the anime. The Live Action had new, exciting moments for old fans and new fans will be able to get new content in the manga and anime :D

[@smacky1277]

there's so many highlights on the manga and anime I'd love to see on the live action. Arabasta, Ennies Lobby, Impel Down, Marineford, Shabody, their comeback after the time skip... I'm so excited!!!

[@brihatsama7494]

If you get s2 Please make it weekly so people can waiting and hype more longer

[@lonewolf9325]

18:23 The ending of this interview seems like solidifying that we wont get Post Time skip. End it with Marineford, thats the best they can do.

[@fallingintime]

I think the will remove / condense some arcs post timeskip if they end up getting there - (fishman island punk hazard) (maybe make some into movies ie wano)

[@lonewolf9325]

@@fallingintime oh yeah..Punk Hazard can be condensed a lot. Dressrosa should be honored though. Zou to Big Mom separate season, and oh boy wano. Realistically, very low possibility.

[@EccentricSandal]

I was pretty shocked to hear they skipped Loguetown for this season, but I think it actually makes sense. It would feel weird to introduce Tashigi, Smoker, AND Dragon for a whole episode or two only for them not to play a big role in how the season ends. I hope we at least get a tease that that's the first place they'll go if they end up making season 2. Loguetown is too important to skip over completely.

[@rakhatthenut3815]

+loguetown is the perfect start for the next chapter of the story, i.e the second season

[@mermer2938]

Seeing how they treated Arlong as an overarching antagonist, I believe Smoker and Tashigi will be series regulars next season. They shall be introduced the Strawhats in Loguetown and chase them through Reverse Mountain, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, Drum Island and Arabasta, eventually allying against Crocodile and leaving the series.

[@veggiewillymass]

@@mermer2938 I think Smoker and Tashigi's involvement in the next season is more in line with Garp and Koby's in this one than Arlong's. Crocodile will probably be handled in a similar way to Arlong if not even more so as he has a larger role throughout Alabasta

[@mikesmitt-li3su]

you probably missed it but at the end of the credits for episode 8, you actually see the back of the head of smoker reading a newspaper of luffys bounty. bi hint 100% that s2 will come if 1 succeeds

[@4984christian]

Buggy and Alvida and Smoker pretty much confirmed it. Also they were very sad to cut the two logue town episodes

[@BeNice108]

They did a pretty good job with the show, but we need an extended cut! 8 episodes was not enough.

[@CALLS2]

The saddest part with this season is the long years of wait if renewed

[@RandomUserX99]

Glad they found a Japanese producer to avoid all the white-washing with other Hollywood projects. All the races are decided by Oda and he respected Oda's decisions. Both changes he mentioned that he pushed for were something I agree with too. I think Netflix is very smart going with this producer.

[@Kkk-mi1ob]

The garp storyline sucked and it was no wonder Oda hated it

[@lostvayne9146]

the fact that he caught up to one piece of over 1000 chapters shouldn't be understated if true. That speaks to effort and commitment to the material that seems like it should obviously be done for any work but isn't. You would want a person like this in a writers position.

[@cwinchcarwash2629]

initially i really wanted loguetown in season 1 too, but honestly it'll work just as well for season 2. it'll be a great kickstart

[@Yo0264]

they can always fit a dragon buggy luffy moment later, I'm okay with that

[@geaarmel6764]

Yep

[@darthrobo5516]

Good interview, the audio of the interviewer was absolutely terrible though

[@residentgrigo4701]

Very informative. A shame about Loguetown. S2 now has to devote time to it.

[@garenthal9638]

I would have preferred weekly drops but it’s not like there is stuff to really speculate when the story is known

[@GalekC]

I heard that Don Krieg might've been created by Oda mostly based from inspiration he got from the villain of the 1998 OVA of One Piece at the time. Not a great big loss

[@joncheww]

awesome interview. well thought questions and answers

[@TheGOATRammus]

i will be there on aug 31st to witness peak

[@SankalpaSatyal]

Ooh, This is back up.

[@codycoder2319]

5:10 Perfect example of why you should listen to the creator. Garp's character was the major complaint from the fans - it didn't feel like Garp at all.

[@Kkk-mi1ob]

Flipping western egos It also crushed the other arcs as well Don Krieg was cut when he was sorely needed as he elevated all the Strawhats

[@red2503]

Actually the only thing I did not really like was the Garp story line. If this was left out, there would probably be enough time for Logue Town

[@Kkk-mi1ob]

It shows how much a genius Oda is thàt the moment they stray is when it starts sucking. Damn this guy's ego that he brought Garp into this and destroyed the East Blue

[@MaxBraver555]

Logue might be a good way to start season 2, but could have also been there if it was 10 episodes, they will have that escape from Smoker but maybe Smoker makes more sense be the one in constant chase with the Strawhats on season 2, speaking of, I think Season 2 needed more than 8 episodes, Logue Town, entering Grandline, Baroque Works, Little Garden, Alabasta and departure

[@adela9862]

I dont like the way they put Garp so much into the story 😒 I’m thankful they are bringing this live action alive but please, just listen to the original mangaka… I don’t think Garp and Koby need that much screen time🥲 it reduces the story arc of Ussop and Sanji

[@Kkk-mi1ob]

Flipping western egos He was terrified of he fanbase is why he even bothered to listen

[@silverikov7]

I hate how they convince Oda to agreed of making Garp a main character and revealing hes Luffy grandpa. Steven Maeda is the only showrunner guy that wanted to add its on twist instead of concentrating of how the show would look like. Thats why he was there not to add its on twist.

[@saminsanity4766]

shouldnt this come out after the show? like you are talking spoiler spoilers in this. isnt this breaking the embargo?

[@BlackLegSanji66]

He's the executive producer, he can say what he wants.

[@veturwiedder8937]

Thanks you

[@lonewolf9325]

If one starts to Nitpick, they will do it on n on. It feels like it succeeded in bringing a new audience. Also, as a fan, I did love it, but Arlong Park Walk should have been there, with the sun rising behind them.

[@jaloxkatakuri9326]

netflix will have to put the budget there for adapted large line. as for logue town it's horrible not to have it I'm afraid for Octie too. I hope that if another season is produced, it will be able to adapt the whole wacky universe of one piece!

[@puma12345ace]

Respect! When you try to adapt something just stay with what's already working and don't try to reinvent the wheel. A lot of hollywood people don't understand that it seems (looking at you Witcher).

[@lawrence3654]

the only complaints I had is most scenes are way too dark, and the color could be more vibrant, I know it’s a Netflix thing but One Piece deserves a vibrant aesthetic

[@necromontys.]

amazing ❤

[@dwianggryresmiyardani6583]

SEASON 1!!!

[@banzai6020]

get the interviewer a better mic/camera, like damn

[@shineyeyint4045]

It zoom so I think it just the laptop camera

[@SonicLegends]

Disappointing to hear about Loguetown, but I'm fine with it till next season. I think it'll actually make for a wonderful season 2 opening in that case. That said season 1 ending for climax of Arlong arc is perfect for me anyway just also because when I first got into One Piece as a kid which yes I watched the 4kids version lol it was the arc that ended up making me a One Piece fan from that point on in being kept on board.

[@EliasBremer]

could the interviewer have a worse camera or michrophone? Like jesus, it's your job.

[@kamleshrabidas2344]

I have a question r they gonna drop all ep at once or weekly?

[@dukiism]

No spoiler… Islands there.. islands there hahah😂

[@kentymashmilo758]

The reason they got too much budget is that they reshoot the scenes twice, and s2 will give us more episode after the solution of that mistake

[@kiyaleelevyrunaya9495]

I wish they'd cut out the questions, it's really hard to watch this guy.. sorry. But he ruins the interviews for me

[@key-onthesmartestidiot6177]

Im excited but no smoker or dragon in loguetown is diffrent.

[@ellisg5623]

They will still be there in loguetown if we get a season 2

[@mickeymoose2583]

No Loguetown confirmed

[@celaena7876]

Disney needs to learn from him LOL

[@jaloxkatakuri9326]

netflix devra y mettre le budget pour adapté grande line . pour ce qui est de logue town c'est horrible de ne pas l'avoir j'ai peur pour Octie aussi. j'espère que si d'autre saison sont produite elle pourrons adapté tout l'univers loufoque de one piece !

[@EliasBremer]

I guess then no louge town at all...

[@garenthal9638]

Should have asked if Nami is going to become the great leader her late father told her she was meant to be 😜

[@MarkFilipAnthony]

I disagree with him about making changes for the sake of making changes. I Also feel him pushing Arlong earlier and adding more Garp when Oda didn't like it also seems a bit unnecessary. He seem to be fully aware of his changes tho, and I am happy Oda was stricked with him

[@Kkk-mi1ob]

You can see his ego peeking through Those were the stupidest changes and what we hate the most PISSES me off to no end Garp was put here Its like frieza chasing 12yo goku Or Pain showing up during the Wave Arc back in chapter 7 in Naruto Idiocy

[@doronrosstuvia3489]

Skipping Loguetown? Sigh…

[@friendlyotaku9525]

No. Season 1 ends just before Loguetown. Loguetown will be what a potential Season 2 will start with.

[@aintthatapotofeffluck8926]

They’re not skipping it. It’s being saved for season 2.

[@landovendetta8516]

Doubt they are skipping. Saving for the next season.

[@triggatrey2112]

Lol bro so quick to be disappointed. It’ll most likely be the start of S2.