In a groundbreaking presentation during the second day of One Piece Day ’24, WIT Studio unveiled the highly anticipated first look at “The One Piece,” their upcoming remake of the beloved anime series. This announcement has stirred excitement among fans worldwide, as it promises a fresh interpretation of the iconic saga while preserving its original charm and essence.
The presentation offered an exclusive glimpse into the creative process and production details that have gone into reimagining “One Piece.” The event featured stunning new concept art, insightful behind-the-scenes interviews with key staff members, and an engaging video tour of WIT Studio’s facilities.
The new adaptation, produced in collaboration with Netflix, is set to revisit the One Piece saga, starting with the famed Romance Dawn arc. This initial arc lays the foundation of the adventure, introducing viewers to the colorful world of pirates and the determined young protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. The stage event served as a comprehensive overview of the project, revealing intriguing aspects such as character redesigns, animation techniques, and the studio’s vision for the series.
Notable names from the anime industry have been brought on board to spearhead the project. Director Masashi Koizuka, known for his exemplary work on “Attack on Titan,” and Assistant Director Hideaki Abe, recognized for his contributions to “JUJUTSU KAISEN,” are leading the charge. Additionally, Kyoji Asano, who boasts an impressive portfolio with titles like “Spy x Family” and “Attack on Titan,” will handle Character Design and Chief Animation Direction. The animation team also includes Takatoshi Honda, who worked on “In/Spectre” and “The First Slam Dunk,” further bolstering expectations for high-quality production values.
The series composition is entrusted to Taku Kishimoto, acclaimed for his roles in “Ranking of Kings” and “Haikyu!!,” ensuring the script remains faithful to the original while incorporating fresh elements. Eri Taguchi will be responsible for Prop Design, while action animation duties fall to Shuhei Fukuda and Ken Imaizumi. Tomonori Kuroda has been appointed as the Art Director, and Yasuhiro Kajino will contribute to Creature Design and Concept Art.
Throughout the presentation, the studio showcased its commitment to maintaining the distinctive art style envisioned by the original creator, Eiichiro Oda.
. Character design sheets provided a closer look at the revamped appearances of beloved characters. These sheets included pre-production sketches of iconic scenes from the East Blue arc, along with a detailed 3D render of Shells Town, a significant location within the storyline.
One of the event’s most impressive highlights was a full-color 3D render of Foosha Village, meticulously created using Unreal Engine. This vibrant render captured crucial locations from the series, such as the memorable spot where Luffy and Uta shared moments in “One Piece Film: Red.” The immersive visuals provided fans with a tantalizing preview of the visually rich world that awaits in the remake.
The first season of “The One Piece” will cover the entire Romance Dawn saga, reintroducing audiences to the reimagined crew of the Straw Hat Pirates. Key characters like Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Sanji, and Usopp will sport new designs that aim to honor Oda’s signature style while infusing them with contemporary appeal.
During the presentation, WIT Studio President and Production I.G’s head acknowledged the immense challenge of adapting a series with over 1,000 episodes. However, they expressed confidence that the remake would complement the existing manga, original anime, and live-action adaptations. Their goal is to expand the One Piece universe while remaining faithful to its roots, ensuring a seamless integration into the broader One Piece narrative.
As for Netflix, the platform describes “The One Piece” as a reinvigorated rendition of the classic manga, beginning with the East Blue arc. They promise fans an exhilarating new version of the story, poised to re-engage both longtime admirers and new audiences alike.
With this exciting first look, anticipation for “The One Piece” remake is undoubtedly at an all-time high. Fans around the globe eagerly await further updates and look forward to embarking on yet another unforgettable journey through the vast seas with Luffy and his crew.
