Iñaki Godoy & the 'One Piece' Cast Compliment Each Other's Acting and Enthusiasm

Summary

In this lively Watchlist interview, Perri Nemiroff explores the cast and crew behind Netflix's One Piece, celebrating the dedication, talent, and camaraderie that bring the series to life. Cast members share insights on season 2’s massive practical sets, intricate stunts, and creative details, while giving heartfelt praise to each other’s performances. Iñaki Godoy reflects on embodying Luffy both on-screen and in real life, while others highlight the influence of Oda Sensei’s involvement and the joy of collaborative storytelling. With humor, energy, and genuine admiration, the discussion showcases the artistry, passion, and community fueling One Piece’s ongoing success.

Takeaways

• 😀 The cast and crew express deep admiration for the show's success and their collaborative efforts, with humorous and light-hearted moments throughout.
• 😀 The show's immense scale is highlighted, with particular focus on the elaborate set design and the dedication of the production team, including a massive wardrobe, art department, and prosthetics team.
• 😀 The actors mention how involved Oda Sensei, the creator of *One Piece*, has been in casting decisions and maintaining the authenticity of the story in the live-action adaptation.
• 😀 The excitement of the upcoming season 2 screening in theaters is mentioned, with actors discussing the immersive experience of watching the show on the big screen.
• 😀 The production values for season 2 are elevated, with new and more impressive sets, stunt sequences, and attention to detail in the design of the world.
• 😀 Actors like Iñaki Godoy and others express how their roles, particularly Luffy, have deeply influenced their personal outlook, encouraging qualities like self-belief, confidence, and the importance of friendship.
• 😀 The cast acknowledges the challenges of stunts and physical preparation, with actors giving each other compliments and acknowledging the hard work required to portray their characters.
• 😀 The actors are also incredibly supportive of each other, sharing compliments about their co-stars' performances, particularly Emily, who is praised for her effortless acting skills and natural ability to portray her character.
• 😀 There is a recurring theme of teamwork and mutual respect among the cast and crew, with a focus on creating a fun and collaborative atmosphere on set.
• 😀 The cast humorously discusses role-swapping, with actors imagining themselves in other characters’ shoes and laughing over potential comedic outcomes, highlighting the camaraderie among them.
• 😀 The final segment emphasizes how much the actors value the connection they have with their audience and fans, with a lighthearted push to break viral records on social media and continue the momentum of *One Piece*.

Q & A

Why are the cast members joking about achieving “150% on Rotten Tomatoes” and nominating themselves for awards?

The cast uses exaggerated humor to express pride and confidence in the show’s quality. Their playful comments about ratings and awards reflect camaraderie on set and genuine belief that the series deserves critical and audience recognition.

What was the cast’s reaction to learning that the first two episodes of Season 2 would be screened in theaters?

They were surprised and excited, having learned the news at the same time. They emphasized how special it would be for fans to experience the show communally on a big screen, enhancing immersion and celebration of the series.

What aspects of Season 2’s production scale impressed the actors the most?

The actors highlighted the massive practical sets, constant construction and dismantling of environments for each episode, specialized departments like wig-making and prosthetics, and the thousands of crew members involved. They were particularly amazed by the detailed craftsmanship behind even small props.

Why do the cast members repeatedly mention the Den Den Mushi (snail phones)?

The Den Den Mushi props represent the show’s attention to detail and creative world-building. The cast found it amusing and impressive that these props came in many variations, including ones with mustaches or cigars, showcasing the production’s dedication to authenticity and fun design.

How does the show balance practical effects with visual effects (VFX)?

While the show relies heavily on VFX, many large-scale sets and props are physically built. The actors emphasized that unlike many productions using mostly sound stages or digital environments, this show creates real, elaborate sets that are used briefly before being replaced.

What did the cast say about witnessing each other’s growth and performance in Season 2?

They praised each other’s physical transformations, stunt skills, and acting depth. Several actors complimented co-stars for their dedication to training, natural acting instincts, and ability to handle complex action sequences with professionalism.

Which co-stars did the actors specifically praise, and for what qualities?

Emily Rudd was praised for her stunt work and instinctive acting. Taz Skylar was recognized for improving his martial arts and physical fitness. Iñaki Godoy was admired for his infectious energy and leadership presence on set.

What did the cast say about the broader team beyond the actors?

They emphasized gratitude toward the crew, local South African talent, and guest actors who contribute to the show’s heart and depth. They acknowledged that the success of the series comes from the collective effort of everyone involved.

If given the chance to role-swap, which characters did the cast want to try and why?

Some wanted to play cool or eccentric characters like Miss All Sunday, Wapol, Buggy, or Miss Goldenweek. Others joked about wanting Devil Fruit powers to make stunt scenes easier. These choices reflected admiration for the uniqueness of each role.

How does Iñaki Godoy describe the personal impact of playing Luffy?

He explained that Luffy inspires him to be more confident, value friendships, and believe in his dreams. Playing the character has reminded him of qualities he wants to embody in real life, creating a meaningful connection between actor and role.

Why is Eiichiro Oda’s involvement considered crucial to the show’s success?

The cast noted that Oda’s direct involvement, especially in casting and creative decisions, gives them confidence and legitimacy. His support reassures both the team and fans that the live-action adaptation stays true to the source material’s spirit.

What example from Season 1 was mentioned to illustrate Oda’s influence?

They recalled that Oda insisted on including the scene where Mihawk slices a ship in half, a moment that might have otherwise been excluded due to production challenges, showing how his vision shapes key moments.

How do the actors describe the challenge of constantly building and dismantling sets?

They described it as both impressive and bittersweet. Huge sets are built for brief screen time and then removed to make way for new ones, highlighting the intense pace and dedication of the production design team.

What tone defines the overall cast interaction during the interview?

The tone is playful, affectionate, and supportive. The actors frequently joke, laugh, and give each other compliments, demonstrating strong chemistry and mutual respect.

What anticipation do they build for Season 3?

They hint at exciting new cast members and story developments while maintaining secrecy. Their comments build hype and suggest that future seasons will continue to expand in scale and emotional depth.