Speculation among fans of Netflix’s One Piece series has been quashed as it was confirmed that actress Jamie Lee Curtis will not appear in the show’s upcoming second season. Despite widespread anticipation and hopes among the fan community, Curtis, a long-time fan of the manga, won’t be taking on the role of Dr. Kureha.
Season 2 of the Netflix adaptation is set to cover the Baroque Works arc, prompting many to speculate that Curtis might portray the spirited elderly doctor. However, showrunners clarified that while they were keen to cast Curtis, logistical challenges ultimately prevented her involvement.
Matt Owens, co-showrunner, expressed their desire to have Curtis join the cast in an interview with Deadline, stating, “We’re trying to manifest it… I will take her out to dinner, we’ll talk about it.” However, Becky Clements from Tomorrow Studios later confirmed during a July 2024 interview that Curtis’s packed schedule, including commitments to other film and TV projects, made it impossible to align her availability with the production dates in Cape Town, South Africa.
Fans expressed disappointment on social media platforms, lamenting the missed opportunity. One Redditor commented, “Life is no longer daijobu…”, reflecting the general sentiment of disappointment among the fanbase.
Despite Curtis’s unavailability, discussions have now turned to who might fill the role of Dr. Kureha. Speculation ranges from other well-known actresses like Jane Lynch and Dame Helen Mirren to suggestions for lesser-known talents who could bring the character to life.
The second season of One Piece is expected to maintain the high standards set by its predecessor, offering both fans of the manga and newcomers a captivating adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved series.
For those eagerly awaiting Season 2, the search continues for the perfect casting choice to embody the lively witch of Drum Island, ensuring the series continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.