One Piece season 2: Release date speculation, latest news for Netflix series | Radio Times

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With the streamer's previous forays into anime live-action adaptations sinking, it's reassuring to see this one swim. Especially as Monkey D Luffy actor, Iñaki Godoy promised a faithful adaptation and one that honours the Manga and the story it tells. With that promise being met, hopes are high for Monkey D Luffy and his pirate crew to make a comeback.

Thankfully, fans didn't have to wait very long for an update, as Netflix and series creator Eiichiro Oda were quick to share news that a second season is on the way.

Recently we were even given a peek into the Netflix writer’s room, introducing us to the hard-working people who will be taking us on The Straw Hat Pirate’s next adventure - but when could we see it on our screens and who from the manga could appear? Read on for everything you need to know.

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Will there be a One Piece season 2 on Netflix?

Yes! On 14th September 2023, fans of the Netflix One Piece show were greeted to a very special message from series creator Eiichiro Oda via his own personal transponder, letting fans know that the streamer has renewed the series for a second season.

You can watch the full announcement below, which includes the tease of a character fans will be overjoyed to see.

Fans of One Piece will know that the ending of season 1 set up an exciting season 2.

As episode 8 draws to a close, Luffy has been successful in taking down shark villain Arlong and his base, which is better known as Arlong Park. The Straw Hats have been reunited after Nami makes amends with her sister, setting off to bigger and better things ahead.

At the same time, it’s revealed by Koby that Luffy now has a bounty on his head - and it’s the highest of any bounty in the East Blue. Because of this, the gang decide it’s finally time to make the journey to the Grand Line, although it doesn’t seem like the Marines are through with them yet.

It seems that season 2 is set to introduce yet another pivotal big bad to the Netflix One Piece universe in the form of Smoker, a big, buff pirate with a love of cigars and a hatred for the Straw Hat Pirates. What's especially tricky about this next villain is his ability to transform himself into cigar smoke, making him quite the adversary to take on.

One Piece characters touching feet, as Luffy raises his hand in the air — One Piece (2023). Netflix

One Piece season 2 release date speculation

In that same video message from Eiichiro Oda, he mentioned that the scripts may take some time to get ready, but actually, the second season of One Piece is further along than you might expect.

In a recent interview with Variety, Tomorrow Studios president Becky Clements said the second season could be ready for release between a year and 18 months, once both the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes have come to an end.

"Realistically, hopefully, a year away, if we move very quickly, and that is a possibility. Somewhere between a year and 18 months, we could be ready for air," she said.

Given the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, it's difficult to give a clear timeframe as to when the next season may premiere, but if we had to guess, late-2024 or early 2025 seems like it could a possible release window.

Luffy in One Piece lying down, smiling — Luffy in One Piece. Netflix

What could happen in a One Piece season 2 on Netflix?

Logic tells us that the Straw Hats will be making their way towards the Grand Line… and our experience with the world of One Piece suggests that it won’t be a straightforward journey.

Plenty of obstacles and enemies are expected to play a part in Luffy’s next moves slowing down his success in obtaining the elusive one piece.

According to the original manga, the Alabasta saga is next up, following on from the originally adapted East Blue saga. There are six separate arcs that make up the saga, divided into episodes and chapters that correspond with the manga and anime.

Before that, though, the manga takes a little detour to Loguetown - given that we see a tease of Smoker in the final episode's post-credits scene, it would make sense that Season 2’s first episode would start there. The Loguetown story will see Smoker chasing and tracking down Luffy and his Straw Hat crew due to his hatred of all things pirates - he pops up in a few arcs afterwards including the Little Garden Arc and Alabasta Arc.

It’s easy to imagine he will be on the heels of the Straw Hat Pirates throughout the Season - much like fellow marine, Garp, was in Season 1.

If the live-action One Piece continues to follow Oda’s story, fans can expect to see Luffy and that gang head towards Whisky Peak, where they are targeted by the criminal organisation known as Baroque Works.

We see Zoro defeat a member of the organisation in the first episode of season 1, so it makes sense that Baroque Works will return with a vengeance....Netflix's One Piece.

How has One Piece been adapted?

So far, season 1 of the live-action One Piece has almost perfectly matched up with season 1 of the anime series. The show also manages to adapt most of the East Blue manga saga.

However, some parts of the original series and manga have been changed in the live-action show. Some scenes have been cut altogether, while others have been rearranged to show the characters’ journeys differently.

The relationship dynamics between the main crew are also slightly different, with the live-action Straw Hats much more hesitant to follow Luffy in making his dreams come true. The way the group comes together is also altered, with most of their meetings chance encounters despite being planned out in the original source material.

Read more One Piece:

One Piece is now available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

Check out more of our anime coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.

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