Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s uber-iconic ongoing manga series, One Piece, sets the record straight for its half-baked predecessors. While previous attempts at anime/manga adaptations have reaped unlikely outcomes and polarized views, the recently released show, led by talents such as Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Taz Skylar, Jacob Romero Gibson, etc., has amazed long-time fans with its adherence and allegiance to the source material.
Given how well-known Oda’s creation is worldwide, tremendous effort was taken to preserve its authenticity in the live-action adaptation. The Matt Owens and Steven Maeda-developed show succeeds among the passionate audience because of the careful consideration given to the casting process. Director and executive producer Marc Jobst stated in a Screen Rant interview that Iñaki Godoy, who plays Monkey D. Luffy, once deviated from the script when being auditioned.
Godoy’s leap of faith ultimately worked wonders in getting him selected for the role.
The Intricate Casting Process For Netflix’s One Piece Live-Action
The first two episodes of the live-action adaptation were directed by Marc Jobst. He additionally served as one of the executive producers of the endeavor. The director, when questioned about his involvement in the casting for the series, revealed that he was closely intertwined with the challenging process. The director also asserted that he declared the commencement of the casting phase as soon as he joined the show.
A set of standards was established for selecting the performers who met the qualifications to play some of the most cherished characters in fictional history. The team would fail to establish their footing if they didn’t get the cast right. Recruiting competent actors was, therefore, the main goal. In conversation with Screen Rant, Jobst had the following to say about the One Piece casting process:
“We wanted actors that had heart, that had warmth, and that we could build together, that we feel there’s going to be some kind of chemistry because that’s magic. […] One Piece will live and die on how the audience falls in love with these characters, so we started that process really, really early on.”
Read also: 5 Best Animes of Eiichiro Oda, The Man Behind One Piece
Subsequently, Jobst pinpointed which character was the hardest to find the ideal match for. As expected, the answer was Luffy. The response makes sense. The character is extremely crucial in the enormous breadth of Oda’s fantasy, action Shonen narrative. Luffy has been regarded as the face of the mentioned manga genre for decades. Given his prominence, legacy, and relevance, the task of hiring an actor and having him fill his shoes was a daunting one. Jobst was well aware of this.
Despite the risky bet the young Mexican actor took during his audition, the team felt they had discovered the definitive Luffy when Iñaki Godoy walked in.
Iñaki Godoy Went Off-Script During His One Piece Audition
Luffy was a tough character to cast. With the way he leads Oda’s story with his upbeat, optimistic, and warm demeanor, the production crew sought to depict the character in a similar light in the show without risking a tiresome, irritating, and obnoxious portrayal. Reflecting on Iñaki Godoy’s charming audition, Marc Jobst stated the following:
“When Iñaki came in, we knew, we just knew. Partly because he made us all laugh in his audition. He did something crazy and off-script, very deliberately. And it was like, okay, he’s got some cheek and some charm and some chutzpah to him. That’s kind of Luffy, you know.”
Godoy’s conscious decision to go off-script mirrored characteristics similar to the role he auditioned for. Jobst noticed this and knew he had found his match.
Read also: Naruto: 5 Storylines That Are Better Than One Piece Marineford Arc
Further discussing the risks that come with uber-buoyant, incessantly positive characters, the executive producer disclosed what made the Mexican actor’s embodiment of the enthusiastic protagonist stand apart from the rest:
“The reason why I say he’s [Luffy] the hardest to cast is because that positivity can get quite irritating in film, and he never did, I don’t feel. He just emanated warmth and goodwill.”
Anyone who has watched the show (and if you haven’t already, what are you waiting for?) would know how impeccable Godoy’s portrayal of the main character is. Not only have we received the role’s trademark optimism, but we’ve also witnessed smooth transitions from happy-go-lucky to complex sincerity. Never once are we led to feel weary and tired of Luffy’s on-screen disposition. It feels natural and honest to the character’s essence.
With his Season One performance, Iñaki Godoy enthralled the crowd. Only time will tell if the same energy transfers into a possible follow-up season. Let’s hope for the best!
Source: ScreenRant
