The Netflix live-action series for One Piece adapts Eiichiro Oda’s original manga story. The renowned creator also has a precise plan in mind for when this adaptation should conclude.
When will it end? Mackenyu, the actor who portrays Zoro in the series, revealed in an interview with The Movie Podcasts that he knows which arc Oda intends for the Netflix series to cover. He stated that Oda shared his vision with every member of the main cast.
All cast members are aware of the specific point to which the One Piece creator wishes to take the live-action series. However, they are unable to disclose the exact nature of his vision:
“He has a vision of where he wants to end. Not end, but where he wants to take the live-action series as well. And we all know about it. Yes. We all know how far he wants to go. […] There’s a specific arc we’re supposed to go to… Of course, we can’t say it. That would just cause trouble.”
Mackenyu is presumably referring to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that the actors have signed, obligating them to secrecy regarding certain topics.
Potential Endings for the Series
When could the series conclude? In the anime, several arcs could serve as fitting end points:
- The American 4Kids dub of the anime famously concluded before the Skypiea Arc, showing only a ship falling from the sky. Given that animating clouds might be challenging, the Skypiea Arc could be a strategic exit point.
- The Sabaody Archipelago Arc could mark a significant end to the Straw Hat Pirates’ initial journey, potentially even hinting at the treasure’s location there.
- The series might end shortly after the Marineford Arc. Here, Luffy is separated from his crew and embarks on intense training, leaving his ultimate fate open-ended.
- Alternatively, the series could aim to adapt the entire manga story, albeit at a much faster pace, as the manga’s grand finale is expected within the next few years.
Should the live-action series conclude before the manga, it would necessitate a satisfying ending that resolves key plot points without leaving too many questions unanswered. It’s plausible that the ending could even be slightly rewritten to perfectly suit the live-action adaptation’s narrative.
Is this a guarantee? While the creator has a clear vision for the conclusion, a highly successful run could potentially persuade the production team to extend the series further. Similar situations have occurred in other major franchises.