One Piece season 2 stories "really cool," filming will begin not "too long from now"

Last year, Netflix debuted One Piece, a live-action adaptation of the manga by Eiichiro Oda, later turned into a hugely successful anime series (which Netflix is also remaking as a different anime called The One Piece). Before this, Netflix had a pretty rough history with live-action remakes of anime series, so people were skeptical. Imagine our delight when One Piece ended up being a really fun frolic on the high seas. We're as upset as anyone that we have to wait a while to see the second season.

The next season of One Piece will see our ramshackle crew of pirates — including Monkey D. Luffy, Usopp, Nami and Roronoa Zoro — sail into the dangerous waters of the Grand Line, where they'll look for the legendary treasure known as the One Piece. We'll meet fan favorite characters like Tony Tony Chopper, Dr. Kureha, Captain Smoker, Princess Vivi and others. But according to star Taz Skylar, who plays lothario chef Sanji, filming hasn't started yet. "I know they’re working on it," he told Digital Spy. "I know we have general dates so as to when we are going back to South Africa, which isn’t too long from now."

Skylar, who was promoting his new film Gassed Up, said the stories for season 2 are "really cool," so he at least knows what's coming. "I love the way that they’re adapting it, I love what they’re doing with each one of our characters.

"We all as a cast, as a team, as a crew, we are so excited to get back together, because the first time was such a great experience and we made so many great friends. And we love South Africa, so we all can’t wait to go back there this year and hopefully knock it out of the park again."

May the waters be calm and the weather fair. See you in 2025, most likely.

Why Ian McShane joined One Piece as the narrator

The biggest name actor on One Piece is probably Ian McShane, known for his roles on Deadwood, Game of Thrones and in the John Wick movies. He doesn't actually appear onscreen, but sets things up as the narrator. I know I did a double take when I started up the first episode and heard his distinctive, rumbly voice telling me about pirate treasure. 'Wait, did they get Ian McShane for this?'

McShane wasn't familiar with One Piece before getting offered the part, but did immediately consult someone in the know, as he explained on an episode of The Big Thing. “I called [my youngest grandson] and asked ‘Do you know about this show?’ He went, ‘Grandad… I’ve been watching this show since I was a kid.’ He said it started off as a manga then anime and now it’s here. He said it’s great.”

If you're looking for another anime-to-live-action show to fill the space between now and One Piece season 2, Netflix has a new one coming later this month:

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