The live-action Netflix adaptation of the manga and anime series One Piece has won over both new and seasoned fans. The East Blue Saga was condensed into eight TV episodes by the series’ authors while maintaining a lot of the original content. Exactly what are the biggest differences between the live-action and the original manga/anime:
The Exclusion of Loguetown
The live-action’s first season ends without adapting the Loguetown arc, a significant story beat in the original material. This arc introduced supporting characters such as Smoker. It included an iconic moment where the Straw Hats floated their feet on a barrel. They did this to announce their dreams. The live-action season moved this moment to the end.
The Gomu Gomu no Mi’s Origins
In the source material, Luffy accidentally eats the Gomu Gomu no Mi in a bar while celebrating with Shanks and his crew. But in the live-action, Luffy discovers the Devil Fruit in a box with a Marine symbol connection to the Navy from the start–something that would be revealed much later in the manga.
Arlong’s Early Arrival at Baratie
One of the most significant changes in the live-action series is Arlong’s early introduction and arrival at the Baratie, the sea restaurant where Luffy and his crew first meet Sanji. In the source material, this encounter doesn’t happen until later in the Arlong Park arc.
Zoro’s Introduction and Fight with Mr. 7
Zoro’s first appearance in the manga and anime is when Luffy finds him tied to a post in Shells Town. In the live-action, however, Zoro is introduced earlier, fighting and defeating Mr. 7 of the Baroque Works organization on Sixis Island – a battle only mentioned in passing in the original material.
Garp’s Early and Expanded Role
Luffy’s grandfather, Monkey D. Garp, the Vice Admiral of the Marines isn’t introduced until much later in the manga and anime. But in the live-action series, Garp is right from the start–leading the execution of Gol D. Roger and then following Luffy across East Blue. This early reveal of Garp’s relationship to Luffy was a significant change that some fans felt robbed them of one of the original story’s best twists.
The Orange Town Arc’s Revamped Setting
The Orange Town arc, where Luffy and his crew first encounter Buggy the Clown, is significantly reworked in the live-action series. Instead of a typical town setting, the events take place within Buggy’s circus, with the villain holding townspeople hostage – a departure from the source material.
Usopp’s Diminished Role in Syrup Village
Usopp is a sniper who bravely fought Kuro’s Black Cat Pirates in the manga and anime, and is central to the Syrup Village arc in the manga and anime. But in the actual film, Usopp was much more cynical. The film left out most of Usopp’s heroics. This includes his defeat of the hypnotist Jango.
Don Krieg’s Departure from Baratie
In the manga and anime, the Baratie arc revolves around the Straw Hats’ confrontation with the villainous Don Krieg and his pirate crew. However, in the live-action series, Dracule Mihawk swiftly dispatched Krieg and his men. He did this before they could reach the Baratie. This significantly altered the events of the arc.
Nami’s Strained Relationship with Cocoyasi Village
A major change in the Arlong Park arc involves Nami’s relationship with the people of Cocoyasi Village (Coco Village in the live-action). In the source material, the villagers are aware of Nami’s deal with Arlong and her efforts to buy their freedom, but in the live-action, they believe she has betrayed them, creating additional tension and misunderstanding.
The Omission of Certain Characters
Time constraints and budget considerations caused the omission of several characters. The omitted characters include Hatchan, Gaimon, Jango, Johnny, and Yosaku. The Usopp Pirates (Ninjin, Piiman, and Tamanegi) were also omitted. While their absence streamlined the narrative, it also meant losing some of the colorful personalities and moments that enriched the original arcs.
Despite those alterations having split fans, the live-action One Piece series has been a refreshing and entertaining take on the classic tale, and One that stayed true to its core. As the show develops, it will be intriguing to find out the approach taken by the creators. They may approach future arcs differently. It remains to be seen if they will continue taking risks.
