(First episode reaction and photos from Gino Sidocon)

Netflix’s ONE PIECE live-action adaptation is here! Nakamas and Mugiwaras worldwide are excited to see the beginning of the Straw Hat Pirates (for the nth time for anime watchers and manga readers), but before its worldwide release, Netflix Philippines held a fan event which includes the opening of an installation at SM Mall of Asia and an exclusive screening of the first episode! As always, we’re here to spill the details.

The first episode is an exhilarating introduction to its characters and wonderful world. It is a cinematic experience for the already colorful and exciting manga and anime. As the Straw Hats begin their journey for the Grand Line, get set to witness the reveal of the East Blue, made even better because it’s a live action. I’m not a fan of live action movies and series but Netflix did a whole lot of research to make the episode as appealing as the animation. Jumping into the show with zero idea about the franchise also works because all the necessary details and elements that can hook new people into the fandom are present in the first episode.

Leading the Straw Hats Pirates is Iñaki Godoy as the Captain, Monkey D. Luffy;  Mackenyu as his second-in-command and Swordsman; “Pirate Hunter” Roronoa Zoro;  Emily Rudd as “Cat Burglar” Nami, the Navigator of the Straw Hats; Jacob Romero who plays Usopp, the crew’s Sniper; and Taz Skylar as the Chef, Vinsmoke Sanji.

The world-building is something to look forward to, especially with the one-of-a-kind islands that One Piece holds. Character introductions were done seamlessly, with glimpses of their past. The trailer showed storylines from the East Blue Saga, an introduction to the Straw Hats before they make their way to the Grand Line. It consists of 100 anime episodes and 101 manga chapters but with the pacing of the Netflix series, it seems that it can catch up in no time.

Netflix is also inviting ONE PIECE fans to visit their installation at the SM Mall of Asia’s Main Mall Atrium from August 31 to September 5, snap photos at the booths, and upload them on social media as we all gear up for a pirate adventure like no other.

The One Piece live-action adaptation premieres on August 31 with eight episodes available:

• Episode 1: Romance Dawn
• Episode 2: The Man in the Straw Hat
• Episode 3: Tell No Tales
• Episode 4: The Pirates are Coming
• Episode 5: Eat at Baratie!
• Episode 6: The Chef and the Chore Boy
• Episode 7: The Girl with the Sawfish Tattoo
• Episode 8: Worst in the East

With the fandom eagerly waiting to see what’s next, I’m honestly expecting to see more of ONE PIECE on the streaming platform! If our thoughts about the first episode aren’t enough to convince you to set sail, then here’s a look at the trailer:

About ONE PIECE:

Based on Japan’s highest-selling manga series in history by Eiichiro Oda, ONE PIECE is a legendary high-seas adventure unlike any other. Monkey D. Luffy is a young adventurer who has longed for a life of freedom since he can remember. Luffy sets off from his small village on a perilous journey to find the legendary fabled treasure, ONE PIECE, to become King of the Pirates! But in order to find the ultimate prize, Luffy will need to assemble the crew he’s always wanted before finding a ship to sail, searching every inch of the vast blue seas, outpacing the Marines, and outwitting dangerous rivals at every turn. 

ONE PIECE is a live action pirate adventure created in partnership with Shueisha and produced by Tomorrow Studios and Netflix. Matt Owens and Steven Maeda are writers, executive producers, and showrunners. Eiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein, and Becky Clements also executive produce. Additional cast includes Vincent Regan, Ilia Isorelýs Paulino, Morgan Davies, Aidan Scott, Langley Kirkwood, Jeff Ward, Celeste Loots, Alexander Maniatis, McKinley Belcher III, Craig Fairbrass, Steven Ward, Chioma Umeala, and Michael Dorman. 

Ready? Let’s sail and join Monkey D. Luffy as he searches for the One Piece and becomes the King of the Pirates!

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