It’s Also Been A LOT

As the next chapter of the show now enters its post-production phase, Matt Owens reveals the live-action One Piece show will be moving forward without him. Owens co-developed Netflix’s adaptation of the iconic manga and anime with Steven Maeda, while carrying on the showrunner banner into season 2 alongside newcomer Joe Tracz. Filming began on One Piece season 2 in July 2024, with the cast now growing to include Daniel Lasker, Camrus Johnson, Jazzara Jaslyn and David Dastmalchian as various Baroque Works members, as well as Joe Manganiello, Julia Rehwald, Callum Kerr and Kate Sagal, among many others.

On the heels of filming wrapping on season 2, Matt Owens took to Instagram to announce his exit from Netflix’s One Piece. The co-showrunner/co-developer made a lengthy post in which he emotionally admitted to needing to “take a break and focus on myself and my mental health“, while going on to praise Eiichiro Oda, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios, Netflix and the cast and crew for “your trust, partnership and hard work“. Check out Owens’ post below:

What This Means For One Piece’s Future

Owens Might Still Return

Owens announcing his exit from the show might come as something of a disappointment for fans of the live-action adaptation, given just how much he and Maeda stayed true to the original for One Piece. The anime adaptation genre had generally floundered prior to their title, particularly on Netflix with the mixed response to their Death Note live-action film and the quick cancellation of their Cowboy Bebop show. While manga creator Eiichoro Oda’s close involvement on One Piece was certainly a big help to ensuring it was a faithful translation of its source material, Maeda and Owens are also big factors.

Given Owens was still the co-showrunner through production, fans of the adaptation should take some comfort in knowing that One Piece season 2 was made by the same creative team as the first season. Additionally, with Tracz being brought on as both a writer and co-showrunner for season 2, it seems likely that the team would have done so unless they had faith in him to help steer the ship going forward. This is something that’s going to be all the more important given reports have swirled that One Piece season 3 is already being considered.

That being said, considering just how passionate Owens is about the material, and has spoken in the past about how the manga got him through personally troublesome times in his life, the door may not be entirely closed on his potential One Piece return. His post did conclude with the note of “come back refreshed“, making it possible he’s not necessarily ready to leave the show entirely, but just needs some time to step away, all the more understanding given he and his team have spent six years on just the first two seasons.

One Piece Season 2 Is A Major Undertaking For Owens & Netflix

Two Of The Most Iconic Arcs Are On Their Way

One of the other understandable reasons why Owens is feeling the need for a mental break after One Piece season 2 is just how big it is expected to be compared to season 1. After being left out of the show’s debut season, Loguetown is officially being adapted for season 2, with the official announcement of filming wrapping up showcasing the Straw Hats standing in the island town. In both the manga and anime, Loguetown is where Buggy the Clown Pirate and Luffy have their second major brawl, now partnered with Alvida, and the powerful Marine, Smoker, into the mix.

Alongside Loguetown, the other major arc One Piece season 2 is expected to cover is that of Drum Island, where the beloved Tony Tony Chopper is introduced. Though an actor has yet to be announced for the character, Mackenyu has already teased that Chopper was “the cutest” part of season 2’s production, with Oda also previously indicating that the season would end with the Drum Island arc. Check out the confirmed list of new cast members and characters thus far in the chart below:

While a Writer’s Guild of America listing had previously indicated that Owens and Tracz were already set for One Piece season 3 returns as showrunners and executive producers, his departure also comes as season 2 looks to be laying the foundation for Arabasta to be covered in season 3. Much of the new cast are characters who only exist in the desert region, while Nefertari Vivi, initially introduced as a Baroque Works member, is being played by Bridgerton alum Charithra Chandran, teasing an appropriately large and emotional arc going into season 3.

Our Take On Owens’ One Piece Exit

The Show’s Elongated Future Gives Him Plenty Of Room To Return

While his need for a mental health break is certainly an emotionally disappointing one to hear, I’m holding out hope that it doesn’t mean the end for Owens’ time on One Piece. The sheer dedication he brought to authentically bringing Oda’s material to live-action was a real delight, and considering the show, as long as it remains successful, could run for practically endless seasons, Owens could take his time to refresh before coming back for a future season after season 3.

Source: Matt Owens/Instagram

TV Show

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One Piece (Live-Action)

7/10

Release Date

August 31, 2023

Network

Netflix

Showrunner

Matt Owens

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