Author: Alberto Peña

After a months-long hiatus, the beloved One Piece anime is officially returning to the airwaves. The series will resume broadcasting on April 6, 2025, taking on a new time slot: Sundays at 11:15 p.m. JST. This shift marks a departure from the anime’s long-held morning broadcast schedule, signaling a fresh start for the iconic series.

The hiatus, which began in October 2024, left fans eagerly anticipating the return of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. During this break, however, Toei Animation kept viewers engaged with a special edited version of the Fish-Man Island Arc. This condensed retelling transformed the original 57 episodes into 21, featuring reshot scenes and enhanced animation quality. The updated version served as a nostalgic trip for long-time fans and a polished introduction for newcomers to the series.

Another significant development for One Piece is the casting change for Franky, the shipwright of the Straw Hat crew. Subaru Kimura will step into the role starting in April 2025, replacing Kazuki Yao, who has voiced the character for many years. Notably, Yao played an integral role in selecting Kimura as his successor, ensuring the spirit of the character remains intact. This change has been met with optimism, as fans are eager to hear Kimura’s interpretation of the beloved cyborg.

Since its debut in October 1999, the One Piece anime has enthraled audiences worldwide. Produced by Toei Animation and based on Eiichiro Oda’s manga of the same name, the series has become a cultural phenomenon. With over 1,000 episodes aired, One Piece continues to hold a significant place in anime history. Beyond the TV series, the franchise boasts fourteen animated feature films, one original video animation, and thirteen television specials, further cementing its legacy.

The manga, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since July 1997, serves as the foundation for the anime’s enduring success. Oda’s storytelling, combined with vibrant characters and epic adventures, has kept fans hooked for decades. The series’ global appeal shows no signs of waning, with both the anime and manga continuing to reach new milestones.

As April 2025 approaches, anticipation is building for the anime’s return. The new time slot, enhanced production quality, and the addition of Subaru Kimura as Franky promise an exciting new chapter for One Piece. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates are set to sail into uncharted waters once again, continuing the legacy of one of the most celebrated anime series in history.

Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is preparing for its much-anticipated live-action comeback, with Netflix doubling down on the success of the first season. Season one enchanted audiences globally, proving that a faithful adaptation of Oda’s beloved series could work in a live-action format. The show’s mix of loyalty to the source material and carefully considered changes struck a chord with fans, earning its place as one of the best anime live-action adaptations.

Oda, the creative mastermind behind One Piece, has spoken about his involvement in season two, sharing his excitement at Jump Festa 2025. In a heartfelt note, he revealed his motivation for expanding the franchise into unexplored territories. “A lot of people told me, ‘One Piece is already popular worldwide, so why even bother putting so much effort into a live-action [show]?’ Yes, it may be popular in the anime industry globally, but if someone told you new unexplored horizons await out there, wouldn’t that make you want to go after them too?”

Oda’s statement highlights his dedication to ensuring Netflix’s adaptation remains a priority despite his other commitments. And fans can rest assured that his commitment to quality continues to shape the series.

Season two promises to pick up where season one left off, following Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat crew as they edge closer to their ultimate goal: reaching the Grand Line. According to Oda, this installment will adapt several pivotal arcs from the manga, including Loguetown, Reverse Mountain, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island. These arcs will introduce iconic characters such as Smoker and Dr. Kureha, while learning about the Straw Hats’ growth as a team.

The season will end as the crew prepares to enter the Arabasta Kingdom, an arc that producers have emphasized requires more than a single season to fully realize. Fans can expect the stakes to rise as the series moves into deeper waters, setting the stage for future seasons.

Behind the scenes, filming for season two recently wrapped, with cast members like Emily Rudd and Iñaki Godoy celebrating at a wrap party. Final touches are still underway, but the meticulous oversight from Oda ensures a polished end product.

While Netflix has yet to confirm a third season officially, reports suggest pre-production may already be underway. Fans speculate announcements will follow season two’s release, continuing the momentum of this groundbreaking adaptation.

The One Piece live-action series is not just a tribute to Oda’s iconic story; it’s a celebration of the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines the franchise. With season two on the horizon, fans eagerly await the continuation of Luffy’s epic journey in a format that keeps surprising and inspiring audiences worldwide.

Dragon Ball and One Piece are two of the most influential anime franchises in history. Both have delivered countless memorable episodes, manga chapters, and movies, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Over the years, these franchises have consistently expanded their cinematic libraries, not just as promotional tools but as standalone experiences packed with thrilling action and exceptional character development. In recent years, the quality and scope of these films have only improved, turning each release into a cultural event for anime enthusiasts.

The last major films for these franchises, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero and One Piece Film: Red, premiered in 2022, each garnering praise for their innovation and storytelling. While fans eagerly await official news on upcoming projects, a recent report from Toei Animation has sparked excitement. According to their financial statement, two anime films are slated for release in fiscal year 2026, falling between April 2025 and March 2026.

This timeline aligns perfectly with the usual production cycle for major Dragon Ball and One Piece films. It has been three to four years between recent releases, so speculation is high that the new projects could belong to these legendary franchises. The rumor mill is already buzzing, especially since 2026 will mark the 40th anniversary of the Dragon Ball anime, making it the ideal time for a celebratory release.

However, Toei Animation has not confirmed which franchises will headline these films. While it’s possible they could focus on other popular properties such as Digimon or PreCure, the global dominance of One Piece and the milestone anniversary for Dragon Ball make them the leading contenders. Fans are hopeful that official announcements will come soon, giving them a clearer picture of what to expect.

The potential for new Dragon Ball and One Piece films is thrilling, especially given the success of their most recent entries. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero broke new ground with its innovative CGI animation and excellent character arcs for Piccolo and Gohan, even being hailed by some as the best-written Dragon Ball film to date. A new movie could also serve to advance the Dragon Ball Super storyline, filling the gap left by the manga’s current hiatus.

Similarly, One Piece Film: Red raised the franchise’s cinematic achievements with stunning animation and a deeply emotional narrative rivaling the manga’s best arcs. Another movie could build on that momentum, delivering an even greater spectacle for fans.

Whether or not the upcoming films turn out to be part of these franchises, the mere possibility has fans brimming with excitement. If history is any indication, a new Dragon Ball or One Piece movie would be a monumental event, and anime enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting what Toei Animation has in store.

Jump Festa 2025 delivered plenty of excitement for anime fans, but the event’s most anticipated moment came during its closing panel, dedicated to One Piece. The audience was treated to several announcements, including a heartfelt message from series creator Eiichiro Oda, which concluded with a thrilling piece of news: a new One Piece movie is officially in the works.

The announcement came as part of the live stream of the One Piece panel on Jump Festa’s YouTube channel. Mayumi Tanaka, the iconic voice of Monkey D. Luffy, read Oda’s letter aloud, as has become a cherished tradition. Oda began by thanking Kazuki Yao, the retiring voice actor for Franky, for his many years of service to the franchise. Yao’s departure was met with applause and warm wishes, while his successor, Subaru Kimura, was welcomed with excitement.

Then came the bombshell. Oda revealed that a new One Piece movie is in development and teased fans with the promise that it will arrive “soon,” with a tentative release window of 2025. Although specific details about the plot or characters remain under wraps, the announcement was enough to send waves of enthusiasm through the One Piece fandom.

The upcoming movie will follow the massive success of One Piece Film: Red, which not only became a box office hit but also garnered widespread critical acclaim. The film’s success was attributed to its compelling narrative, stunning animation, and Oda’s direct involvement in its production. Fans are now speculating whether Oda will play a similarly hands-on role in shaping the new film and what fresh adventures the Straw Hat Pirates might venture on this time.

The timing of this announcement couldn’t be more exciting for One Piece enthusiasts. Alongside news of the movie, the franchise is thriving across multiple mediums. The anime is set to receive a remake, the second season of Netflix’s live-action adaptation has wrapped, and the manga continues to entice readers with its intense storytelling. With so many developments happening simultaneously, 2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for the franchise.

Fans are already buzzing with theories about the movie’s potential storyline. Will it introduce new characters, delve deeper into existing mysteries, or perhaps even tie into the ongoing saga in the manga? Whatever the case, the announcement of a new One Piece movie ensures that the excitement surrounding the series shows no signs of slowing down.

As fans eagerly await more details, one thing is certain: the Straw Hat Pirates’ adventures are far from over, and the world of One Piece continues to expand, bringing thrilling new experiences to its ever-loyal fanbase.

Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece continues to solidify its status as a global phenomenon, enchanting millions with its epic storytelling and timeless themes. Beyond dominating the anime and manga industry, the series has become a symbol of pop culture worldwide, influencing various industries. The franchise’s impact reached new heights with Netflix’s live-action adaptation, which garnered widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike.

Now, it seems One Piece might achieve another milestone. According to rumors circulating online, LEGO, one of the most iconic toy brands globally, is reportedly working on a series of sets inspired by Netflix’s adaptation of the beloved anime. If these reports hold true, fans could look forward to building and displaying their favorite characters and scenes in LEGO form as early as August 2025.

Unverified sources, including the X user @AndyCollectz, claim that LEGO is developing five sets featuring key moments from the live-action series. The sets are expected to range in price from $30 to $100, with at least one advanced set designed for older builders. While details remain scarce, fans are speculating that the Going Merry, Luffy’s first ship and a cherished symbol of the One Piece journey, will likely be one of the featured sets. However, as LEGO has not made an official announcement, these reports should be taken with caution until further confirmation.

The prospect of One Piece LEGO sets has sparked excitement across the fanbase, further fueled by the franchise’s growing popularity beyond anime and manga enthusiasts. One Piece has seen a surge in mainstream recognition, with notable collaborations enhancing its cultural footprint. For instance, Uniqlo’s 25th-anniversary clothing line dedicated to the series became a massive success in mid-2024, drawing thousands of fans to stores. Similarly, One Piece made a splash at New York Fashion Week when musician Steve Aoki showcased a jacket inspired by the Egghead Arc on the runway.

The Netflix live-action adaptation has been instrumental in introducing the series to new audiences, blending One Piece’s fantastical narrative with a visually stunning and emotionally resonant production. The rumored LEGO sets would serve as a tribute to the live-action’s success while providing fans with tangible keepsakes of their favorite moments.

As One Piece continues to thrive, fans eagerly anticipate further collaborations that celebrate the series’ legacy and growing influence. Whether through clothing lines, fashion events, or collectible LEGO sets, One Piece’s cultural impact shows no signs of slowing down. With these exciting developments, the franchise reaffirms its place as one of the most enduring and influential stories of our time.