Netflix's One Piece Faces a 12-Season Gamble to Adapt the Epic Manga
Netflix's live-action One Piece has become one of the most ambitious adaptations in television history. The first season alone cost $18 million per episode, surpassing the budgets of Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian. Now, with Season 2 drawing 16.8 million viewers, plans for up to 12 seasons are already in motion—but challenges remain in covering the sprawling manga faithfully. The first two seasons of Netflix's One Piece covered roughly 154 chapters of Eiichiro Oda's manga, wrapping up the East Blue Saga and Drum Island arc. Yet key elements, like the full Alabasta Arc, major villain Crocodile, and Nico Robin's introduction, were either cut or barely touched. Experts point to the saga's sheer scale—nearly 100 chapters packed with subplots and new characters—as the reason for changes, such as Sabo's early reveal or streamlined fights like the one against Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine.
Despite the gaps, executive producers Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements originally envisioned 12 seasons to adapt the story. However, actor Mackenyu, who plays Zoro, recently suggested the series might end sooner. The delay between Seasons 1 and 2—two and a half years—also raises questions about how long the show can sustain its momentum. If the series continues at its current pace, future seasons could reach arcs like Skypiea, Sabaody Archipelago, or even Marineford. But even with 12 seasons, the adaptation would still fall short of covering the entire manga, which spans over 1,100 chapters and counting.
With Season 2's viewership slightly down from Season 1's 18.5 million, the show's future hinges on balancing fan expectations with production realities. The producers' long-term vision clashes with the practical limits of adapting such a vast story. Whatever endpoint is chosen, the live-action One Piece will have to make tough decisions about what to include—and what to leave behind.
