Netflix's Co-Showrunner Departs from the Live-Action Adaptation of One Piece
After a gut-wrenching journey of six years on Netflix's One Piece, Matt Owens, co-showrunner and executive producer for seasons one and two, is taking a break. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Owens revealed he's stepping off the Going Merry to focus on his mental health.
Thanking the whole team, including creator Eiichiro Oda, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios, Netflix, and the cast and crew, Owens' post concluded with heartfelt appreciation. Joe Tracz, who became the new co-showrunner in April 2024, will now guide the post-production of season two. Production for season two wrapped up last month.
Deadline notes that, despite Matt Owens' exit, there's no hitch in the show's road to a third season. Owens himself has co-written at least one episode for season two, and his creative vision for the series will presumably linger onward. In fact, Owens' departure is only temporary, as he expressed his intent to return to new projects, albeit not necessarily One Piece.
Meanwhile, life on the One Piece set carried on. Last year, Netflix announced Lera Abova as Nico Robin and Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0 for key season two roles. With no release window for the upcoming season, fans are left eagerly waiting for some adventure on the high seas.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the DC Universe, and Doctor Who. Cheers to more thrilling journeys ahead! 🍻
- Despite Matt Owens' temporary departure, in the future of One Piece, technology, such as post-production coordination, will ensure the smooth continuation of the show's journey towards a third season.
- The TV series One Piece remains a collaborative effort between various parties, including Io9, Netflix, Tomorrow Studios, Shueisha, the cast and crew, and now, co-showrunner Joe Tracz.
- Maeda, the creator of One Piece, along with the rest of the team, is thanked by Owens for their unwavering support during his time on the series.
- In the pipeline for fans of various television franchises, it's a break from One Piece but only for a while, as Owens' creative vision will continue to influence the show in the upcoming episodes he's co-written, including at least one for season two.
