Entertainment
Netflix’s Biggest Upcoming Original Series Will Play In Movie Theaters
By Jonathan Klotz
| Published
Fresh off the success of the Stranger Things series finale debuting in theaters, Netflix is again dipping a toe into cinema with the upcoming One Piece Season 2 premiere. The first two episodes of the new season are coming to 200 theaters across the United States. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but considering Netflix has been trying to replace the theatrical experience, it’s a testament to the power of the large-screen, community-viewing experience. Well, that, and following the breakout success of Season 1, the sheer popularity of the live-action Straw Hat Pirates can’t be ignored.
One Piece Is Coming To The Big Screen
The Stranger Things two-hour series finale was a cultural event. After 10 years, the streamer’s most successful original series was finally coming to an end. By comparison, the second season debut of One Piece doesn’t quite measure up. Except, fans of the anime know that the five arcs being adapted this time around, from “Loguetown” through “Drum Island,” include fan-favorite moments that have resonated for decades. Season 1 was a hit, but Season 2 has the potential to turn the live-action anime adaptation into the most popular show on the planet.
One Piece Season 2 brings Luffy (Inaki Godoy), Nami (Emily Rudd), Zoro (Mackenyu), Usopp (Jacob Gibson), and Sanji (Taz Skylar) to the Grand Line, the vast ocean route that circumnavigates the world. It’s home to countless islands and warring factions, giant whales, dinosaurs, a pair of warring giants, and the adorable Chopper. If done right, this will be Netflix’s most visually impressive series ever.
Watching the One Piece anime is a daunting task, considering it’s at over 1100 episodes and counting. The One Piece live-action adaptation streamlines the adventure, though this sometimes means beloved characters are left out, including the majority of Buggy the Clown’s evil circus pirates and Jango, the moonwalking hypnotist. It’s still the best way to get caught up on the adventures of the Straw Hat pirates without watching thousands of hours of anime.
Netflix Doubles Down On Anime
Netflix is doubling down on One Piece by also bringing The One Piece, an anime remake, to the streaming service in the near future. Eiichiro Oda, creator of the original manga, is actively involved in the franchise’s Netflix offerings, which is likely why the live-action adaptation has succeeded when normally live-action anime falls flat on its face. The Attack on Titan live-action was a disaster, and no one wants to acknowledge the existence of Dragonball Evolution.
Fans don’t have long to wait before catching the first two episodes of One Piece Season 2 on the big screen. If you’re lucky enough to live near any of the 200 theaters hosting the event, you’ll be able to catch it live on March 10 at 6:00 PM, synced with the global streaming release the same way Stranger Things was. There’s no telling if this is a sign that Netflix will keep pushing new releases into theaters, or if it’s only for the largest, most successful streaming shows in its catalogue. If the first season is any indication, then fans have nothing to worry about when Luffy’s gummy devil fruit powers hit the big screen. The only question is, how awesome is the new season going to be and how can One Piece become even more popular than it already is?