In a groundbreaking moment for the world of live-action anime adaptations, Netflix’s One Piece has sailed past all expectations to become the streaming giant’s most-watched series. The show, based on Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga and anime of the same name, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Initially, the show sparked debate over its faithfulness to the source material. However, within just days of its debut, One Piece has surged to the coveted top spot in a staggering 84 countries, shattering a record previously held by hits like Wednesday and Stranger Things, which each reached No. 1 in 83 territories upon their releases.
This achievement marks a triumph for fans who have long lamented the mixed results of previous live-action anime adaptations. Netflix, in its pursuit of bringing popular anime properties to life, faced both critical and fan backlash for adaptations like Cowboy Bebop and Death Note.
According to The Independent, Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the original manga, acknowledged the monumental challenge of adapting the sprawling and imaginative world of pirates to live action. In an open letter earlier this year, he expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the cast and crew in realizing his creation. He anticipated criticism from passionate fans but emphasized that these critiques would stem from a place of deep love for One Piece.
The Netflix series stars Iñaki Godoy as the charismatic Monkey D. Luffy, leading a diverse and talented cast in their quest for a lost treasure. With One Piece achieving unprecedented success, it appears that the tides may be turning for live-action anime adaptations, and fans have a newfound reason to celebrate.
