During the One Piece Day celebration, Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind the globally beloved manga, shared a message with WIT Studio, emphasizing the importance of creativity and originality in their upcoming remake of the anime.
The One Piece Day event, held from August 9 to August 11, 2024, unveiled several exciting developments for the franchise. Among these was the much-anticipated remake of the One Piece anime, which will retell Luffy’s adventures during the East Blue Saga. Fans have been eagerly awaiting updates since the remake was announced last year, and the latest revelations have only heightened their excitement.
At the center of this anticipation is a special message from Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, to the team at WIT Studio, who are tasked with bringing this new version to life. In his message, Oda granted WIT Studio full creative freedom, encouraging them to infuse the anime with their own unique style rather than simply replicating the original manga.
“I want you all to express rather than copy and paste the work,” Oda stated, highlighting his belief that manga and anime are distinct art forms that should be treated as such. This philosophy has long guided his approach, as Oda has historically kept a hands-off stance regarding the anime adaptations of his work by Toei Animation. His message to WIT Studio is a continuation of this belief, urging the team to innovate and bring something new to the table.
The One Piece Day celebration also provided fans with their first look at concept art for the remake, featuring new interpretations of familiar scenes and characters. Directed by Masashi Koizuka, known for his work on Attack on Titan, the series will also feature action animators Ken Imaizumi and Shuhei Fukuda, with Yasuhiro Kajino handling creature design and concept art. While a release date has yet to be announced, the concept art suggests that this remake will offer a fresh take on the beloved series.
Oda’s endorsement of creative freedom has sparked both curiosity and excitement among fans. With the potential for new twists and interpretations, the One Piece remake by WIT Studio is shaping up to be a significant and possibly transformative entry in the franchise’s history.