When One Piece debuted on Netflix in 2023, it achieved the rare feat of translating one of the world’s most beloved manga into a live-action adventure that thrilled both longtime fans and newcomers. Based on Eiichiro Oda’s record-breaking manga – with more than 500 million copies sold worldwide – the series quickly became a global phenomenon, topping charts in over 75 countries and spending weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10.
Season two, One Piece: Into the Grand Line, raises the stakes as Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates set sail toward the legendary Grand Line – a treacherous stretch of ocean filled with bizarre islands, powerful enemies and unimaginable wonders. But while the adventure grows bigger, the heart of the series remains the unlikely crew whose dreams keep them sailing forward.
Among them are navigator and cat burglar Nami (Emily Rudd), determined to map the entire world; master swordsman Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), whose relentless training drives his quest to become the greatest swordsman alive; and sharpshooter and storyteller Usopp (Jacob Romero Gibson), a dreamer hoping to overcome his fears and prove himself a brave warrior of the sea.
Speaking with our Peter Gray, the trio reflect on what truly motivates their characters beneath those grand ambitions – from Nami’s search for freedom and family, to Zoro’s humbling encounters with defeat, and Usopp’s journey to transform fear into courage – as the Straw Hats prepare to face their biggest challenges yet.
I almost look at the crew like a balance of the brain, the heart, and the blade. Each of your characters joined for very personal reasons. Beneath their big dreams, what do you think Nami, Usopp and Zoro are really searching for?
Mackenyu: If we’re talking about season two, Zoro learns what defeat feels like. He starts off with just one sword – which is probably the only time you’ll see him with only one – and he’s on a journey to find his next two.
Emily Rudd: With Nami, I think she’s discovering what it means to have a family and to rely on people. Beneath her dream of mapping the world, she’s really asking, “What does true freedom actually feel like?”
Jacob Romero Gibson: Usopp deals a lot with fear and purpose. He wants to find a purpose that overrides his fear. His storytelling is almost therapy for him – a way of healing himself and hopefully helping the people around him. This season becomes a really healing journey for him.
That’s a nice reflection on things, because One Piece is really about dreams that seem impossible. For each of you, what’s a dream you once thought was unrealistic but are now living?
Emily Rudd: This job. Acting always felt like a pipe dream, and now it’s my career – and this job in particular is a dream. It’s even more special because of the amazing people I get to work with every day and the incredible crew we have in South Africa.
Jacob Romero Gibson: It still feels impossible – a live-action anime adaptation with multiple seasons.
Mackenyu: And getting to live in Eiichiro Oda’s world.
Emily Rudd: Yeah, living in Oda-san’s world is wild. It really is a dream.
The Straw Hats succeed because they trust each other completely. Was there a moment on set where that trust felt very real between you?
Emily Rudd: Every day. Honestly, I don’t think we could get through this process without leaning on each other. There’s a deep care and respect between us as people.
Jacob Romero Gibson: Yeah – every single day.
Without spoiling anything, was there a moment in season two where your characters had to confront their biggest weaknesses?
Emily Rudd: For Nami, there’s a moment in episode six at a tavern on Drum Island where she says, “I’m counting on you, Captain.” That’s huge for her – because all she can do in that moment is trust her crew.
Jacob Romero Gibson: Meanwhile, I save my crew.
Emily Rudd: “They’re tied up in a bar!“
Jacob Romero Gibson: Exactly! They’re all waxed up and I’m like, “No, no – wax off!” Then I crack it open and free them.
Emily Rudd: If Usopp isn’t there, there’s no Straw Hat crew.
Mackenyu: That’s true.
Zoro fights with his body, Nami with her mind, and Usopp with stories and lies. Did that shape how you approached your performances this season?
Emily Rudd: One thing I’ve noticed is whenever there’s exposition – information the audience needs – it usually gets handed to Nami because she’s the smart one. She’s the one who’s supposed to understand everything, so I guess that’s where the “brains” reputation comes from.
Jacob Romero Gibson: Meanwhile, he’s fighting all the time.
Mackenyu: And he’s using his brain a little.
Jacob Romero Gibson: A little.
One Piece: Season 2 is streaming on Netflix from March 10th, 2026.
