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The upcoming remake of One Piece by WIT Studio, titled THE ONE PIECE, was driven in part by a sense of regret from creator Eiichiro Oda, according to the studio’s CEO George Wada.
Speaking in an interview with the YouTube channel Ai Show, Wada explained that Oda felt newer audiences may not connect with the long-running anime’s older animation style.
Wada said the decision to revisit the series stems from Oda’s reflection on how the anime, which began over two decades ago, has grown extensive in both length and detail. As a result, younger viewers, accustomed to modern animation standards, may struggle to engage with the earlier episodes in the same way as longtime fans.
“This motivated me to recreate this legendary tale using modern techniques, adapted to today’s audience.“
According to Wada, the goal of the remake is to use modern animation technologies to bring the story back to life and make it accessible to a new global audience. It will also cut down on the fillers and improve the pacing.
“The goal is to use modern animation technologies to bring the work back to life and make it accessible to a new generation of fans around the world. Our studio is not just remaking panels—this remake will be dense and impactful, without unnecessary stretching. It will combine visual enjoyment, strong storytelling, and flawless pacing.“
One Piece Remake Will Compete At A Global Scale:
Drawing from WIT Studio’s track record with critically acclaimed titles such as Attack on Titan, Spy x Family, and Vinland Saga, Wada said the studio aims to approach the project with the same level of quality and visual storytelling.
“During its original broadcast, the series aired on Sunday mornings at 8 a.m., which is considered a children’s time slot. At Wit Studio, we are proud to produce remarkable works such as Attack on Titan, Spy x Family, and Vinland Saga. These are very distinctive creations. We want to approach One Piece with the same strength and level of quality, while fully respecting Toei Animation and their remarkable work.“
Wada also identified fan expectations as one of the biggest challenges facing the project, noting that One Piece has amassed a vast and deeply invested global fanbase over the years.
He explained that many fans have developed their own interpretations of the story, and the studio’s goal is to surpass those expectations while staying true to Oda’s vision.
Central to this effort is close collaboration with Oda himself. The CEO underscored that the creator’s input will guide the remake’s direction, ensuring that the final product reflects his intent more accurately.
He also highlighted the evolving landscape of anime production, noting that partnerships with platforms like Netflix have expanded the global reach of studios like WIT, and stated that anime is no longer competing solely within Japan, but on an international stage alongside major entertainment players such as The Walt Disney Company and Hollywood studios.
Notably, earlier behind-the-scenes material released by Netflix Anime had already hinted at this creative direction. In that video, director Masashi Koizuka shared that Oda encouraged the team not to simply replicate the manga, but to “express rather than copy and paste the work.”
Staff of THE ONE PIECE anime include:
- Director – Masashi Koizuka
- Assistant Director – Hideaki Abe
- Series Composition – Taku Kishimoto
- Character Designer / Chief Animation Director – Kyoji Asano, Takatoshi Honda
- Creature Design / Concept Art – Yasuhiro Kajino
- Prop Designer – Eri Taguchi
- Action Animator – Ken Imaizumi, Shuhei Fukuda
- Art Director – Tomonori Kuroda
- Animation Producer – Ryoma Kawamura
It will be exclusively streamed on Netflix.
Source: X
