Netflix’s live-actionOne Piecehas been praised for its faithful adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga, but it also brings fresh nuances to familiar characters. Part of the magic that makes the live-action series work is its committed cast of talented actors who do their homework.Joe Manganiello, who plays the enigmatic Sir Crocodile(aka Mr. 0), recently spoke with Mike Bloom ofParade Magazineabout his approach to bringing the 2D character to life—and the exclusive insights he gained from talking with Oda himself.
Netflix’sOne Piecepremiered in 2023, and quickly garnered acclaim for its masterful portrayal of Eiichiro Oda’s cherished manga. The series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew as they search for the legendary One Piece treasure. Notably, it becameNetflix’s most-watched seriesin the latter half of 2023, leading to a swift renewal for thesecond and third seasons, filmed simultaneously.
Netflix’s One Piece Star Joe Manganiello Reveals Exclusive Insights from Eiichiro Oda
Manganiello Needed to Nail Down Certain Character Details
Manganiello revealed that he had an in-depth discussion with theOne Piececreator aboutMr. 0’s past,including the origins of his scar and missing limb. This level of involvement between Oda and the live-action cast highlights the careful attention to detail in the adaptation. Manganiello mentions how understanding small details helps an actor ground themselves in their character’s reality.
Manganiello’s discussion with Oda suggests that the character’s history may have deeper layers than what’s already been revealed in the manga.Crocodile is one of the earliest and most formidable antagonistsinOne Piece. He is first introduced as the leader of Baroque Works, an underground criminal syndicate aiming to overthrow the kingdom of Arabasta.
“I had the opportunity to talk to Oda about my thoughts on where his scar came from, how the loss of the limb happened and the hook was replaced, his new choice of profession as casino owner and mob boss rather than pirate, the Devil Fruit,”Manganiello toldParade Magazine.
His ruthlessness, strategic mind, and the power of the Sand-Sand Fruit make him a standout villain. However, his character evolves significantly over time. Afterhis defeat at the stretchy hands of Luffy, and his eventual return in the Impel Down and Marineford arcs, Crocodile mellows out and shows a bit of a conscience.
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He Wanted to Do His One Piece Character Justice
Manganiello’s comments indicate that thelive-action seriesmay explore aspects of Crocodile’s transformation from pirate to crime boss in greater depth, shedding light on the personal struggles that shaped him. This could be an exciting addition for those eager to see a more fleshed-out backstory that aligns with Oda’s vision. However, it’s also just as likely thatOda’s advice will simply shape Manganiello’s performanceinternally.
With Netflix’sOne Piecealready setting a high bar for anime adaptations, the collaboration between the cast and Oda himself ensures that even the smallest details remain authentic. If Manganiello’s interpretation of Crocodile is any indication, viewers can look forward to a performance that captures the character’s complexity while adding new layers to his already compelling story. Netflix’sOne Pieceseason 2 remains in productionwith no official release date.
