James Gunn, the acclaimed director and newly appointed head of DC Studios, remains deeply involved with projects like Peacemaker, Superman, and Creature Commandos. While he has already confirmed the return of Clark Kent and Lex Luthor in the 2027 film Man of Tomorrow, Gunn recently addressed speculation surrounding his potential involvement in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the popular manga series One Piece. Despite his success with ensemble casts in Guardians of the Galaxy and Peacemaker, Gunn revealed hesitations about tackling the One Piece series.
During an appearance on the online interview series The Viall Files with Nick Viall, Gunn discussed why he feels unprepared to take on directing the live-action One Piece show. He explained,
“You know, if I went out and did the One Piece show, I think it would be hard for me because I don’t understand what is the most beloved things about One Piece. I’ve only read a couple of One Piece’s comics, but with DC characters, I understand them. Now I also do change them, with someone like Peacemaker, I changed a lot about who he is. With the Guardians, I changed a lot of things, and so I do feel more freedom with characters that are less well known.”
James Gunn’s comments highlight both his respect for the source material and the challenges he sees in adapting a work with such passionate fans and rich lore.
The Progress and Upcoming Adventures in Netflix’s One Piece
Although James Gunn is stepping away from directing One Piece, the franchise is poised for significant growth, particularly with Netflix’s live-action adaptation moving forward. The show’s second season is scheduled to premiere in 2026, though an exact release date has yet to be revealed. Fans can expect this season to cover new locations and arcs distinct from the popular Alabasta storyline, which introduces characters like Ace and the desert kingdom of Alabasta itself. Instead, the Straw Hat Pirates will explore diverse settings including Whiskey Peak, Reverse Mountain, Drum Island, Little Garden, and Loguetown.
Throughout these adventures, the crew will encounter new friends and foes. One highly anticipated addition to the cast is Tony Tony Chopper, the CG-rendered reindeer doctor, who will appear in live-action for the first time during season two. Chopper’s arrival is expected to bring new dynamics to the crew of the Going Merry, intensifying the story and character interactions for the Straw Hat Pirates.
Ongoing Storylines and Future of One Piece in Manga, Anime, and Live-Action
Outside of the Netflix adaptation, One Piece remains a major focus in both manga and anime forms. Eiichiro Oda, the creator behind this long-running shonen title, is currently concluding its final saga, signaling an impending end for Monkey D. Luffy and his adventurous crew. Despite the series approaching closure, Oda is known for dedicating substantial time to revisiting and expanding earlier story arcs, which could extend the narrative’s lifespan. Additionally, an anime remake is currently in development, promising to bring refreshed animation and storytelling for fans.
Meanwhile, the live-action adaptation is expected to continue exploring remaining story arcs, extending the franchise’s reach to new audiences and mediums. As the series progresses, viewers can anticipate further character development, fresh settings, and the arrival of iconic moments from the beloved manga.
Why James Gunn’s Decision Matters and What Lies Ahead
James Gunn’s choice not to direct the live-action One Piece adaptation underscores the complexity and dedicated fanbase surrounding the franchise, which demands deep understanding and respect for its source material. His hesitation reveals the challenges even experienced directors face when approaching stories with vast lore and emotional resonance. Although Gunn’s focus remains with DC Studios’ ambitious slate, his comments emphasize the importance of aligning creative vision with source material expertise.
With Netflix advancing the project independently, the future of the live-action One Piece is still promising. The series is carving out its own path by gradually covering the manga’s extensive adventures and bringing key characters like Tony Tony Chopper to life with cutting-edge CGI. As the finale of the manga approaches and the anime remake takes shape, fans are positioned to experience multiple forms of One Piece storytelling for years to come, even without Gunn’s direct involvement.
