In 2023, Netflix set sail with ONE PIECE, a live-action adaptation of the best-selling manga of all time, created by Eiichiro Oda. ONE PIECE amassed over 37 million views on Netflix within two weeks of its release and was highly praised by fans and critics alike. The series follows Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and his merry band of Straw Hat Pirates on a quest to claim the ‘One Piece’ treasure.
The crew of the Going Merry are back for season two: Into the Grand Line, with season three currently in the middle of production. In anticipation of this release, Supanova sat down with Jacob Romero (Usopp), Emily Rudd (Nami), Mackenyu (Roronoa Zoro) and series newcomer Charithra Chandran (Miss Wednesday) to discuss their adventures on the Grand Line.
Rudd begins, “I think Nami’s a lot lighter in comparison to season one. She’s freed from what her life once was and has her family. She’s like, ‘Oh, I can finally have fun, I can pursue my dreams, and I’m not beholden to someone’s dream or wishes, or anything like that.’”
“Zoro learnt what defeat is in season one,” Mackenyu smiles. “So, Zoro starts off with only one sword and goes on an adventure to find his two new swords. One of his biggest action sequences yet is in this season, so watch out for that.”
Romero explained adds, “In season one, Usopp had only ever told stories to himself, these stories of grand adventure. He starts out very starry-eyed this season, because he finally gets to be in some of these adventures for the first time. He’s deeply inspired by his crewmates, the people they come across, and he’s excited to stretch his reality even more.”
Jacob Romero as Usopp, Taz Skylar as Sanji, Emily Rudd as Nami, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro in Season 2 of ‘One Piece’
This season is jam-packed with jaw-dropping action, shocking revelations, and quirky new characters. According to the cast, who should we be on the lookout for?
“When I saw Miss All Sunday’s ability and Smoker’s ability, I knew the introduction of those two was just magical,” Mackenyu shares.
For Rudd, it’s David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3. “He just knocks it out of the park. He’s delightful, both as an actor and as a person,” she says.
“My answer for you right now is Dr. Kureha,” Romero laughs. “Katey!” Rudd exclaims in agreement. “Katey [Sagal] is a true badass! She carries that presence, she’s perfect as the doc!” Romero grins.
Much of this show is made practically, with real sets, out-of-this-world props, and elaborate costumes. If the cast could take something home forever, what would they choose?
Mackenyu is quick to answer, “I would definitely take all my swords, and those gigantic Den Den Mushi too.”
“I really thought you were going to take the Chopper plushie,” Rudd interrupts.
“If I can, I would! That’s super expensive!” Mackenyu exclaims.
“Chopper’s not a prop, guys.” Romero shakes his head.
“I’ll take his hat,” Mackenyu concludes.
“The Den Den Mushi are very cool, and we have so many new ones this season,” says Rudd.
“That’s a good one,” Romero nods in agreement. “A custom snail phone. I like the little ones you can put in your ears. There was a thing at the Straw Hats’ first stop this season. There were a ton of extras, and one of them had broccoli hair. Like the hair came up and became a stick of broccoli. I would take that broccoli wig home.”
“That wasn’t a wig, though. That was real,” Mackenyu explains. Romero’s eyes light up with disbelief: “That was real?!”
Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday in Season 2 of ‘One Piece’
Charithra Chandran is not new to global phenomena, as she has previously starred in season two of Bridgerton as Edwin Sharma. How did she prepare for her role as Baroque Works agent, Miss Wednesday, which is vastly different to her pre-existing portfolio of work? Did she binge-watch the One Piece anime or read the manga to fully grasp the wonderful absurdity of the source material?
“I did both, especially the manga. There was so much in the script, too, and as an actor, I wanted the creative freedom to make the character my own,” Chandran elaborates.
“I took a lot of the physical mannerisms and the key essence of the character from the manga and anime, and then I built it out with my experiences and how I relate to my character until she felt real and cohesive.”
How did she adjust to the physicality of her character? “Most of us get to do our own stunts. I am definitely the novice in all of it, but we have an amazing stunt team that is so good at making sure we are comfortable and prepared on the day. It’s such a new challenge, and as an actor, you want it to feel fresh and exciting, and to learn new skills. I really enjoyed it!
“I hope what fans take away from the series is to be brave and never give up on yourself or others. Season three is bigger and bolder in scale; be prepared!”
‘ONE PIECE: Into The Grand Line’ sets sail on March 10
