Since Netflix dropped its live-action adaptation of One Piece, fans have been enthralled by the great performance of the series cast members, led by Iñaki Godoy. As expected, many have fallen in love with Mackenyu’s role as Zoro, and viewers are now shipping him and Emily Rudd’s Nami. But a romantic storyline between these two is far from happening due to Eiichiro Oda’s one strict condition.
Netflix’s One Piece has gained traction since its release on August 31, breaking Hollywood’s curse when it comes to live-action adaptation of hit anime series. But as fans are used to seeing romantic pairings on American TV shows, this is something Oda, who created the manga on which the show is based, doesn’t want to happen.
In an interview with TVLine, showrunner Steven Maeda revealed part of Oda’s mandate was not having a romance between the Straw Hat crews. “That is a hard no, as far as the manga and the live-action show are concerned,” he said.
If fans happen to see a spark between Nami and Zoro while aboard the Going Merry, Maeda stressed it was only because they had “great chemistry together.” They never intended to add any romantic storyline between them, and it will never happen.
Is there any romance happening in One Piece?
Since starting in 1997, One Piece has over 1,000 manga chapters and anime episodes. However, none have any hints of romance or attraction between the characters, though fans can’t help but ship their favorite pairings.
Oda himself has said time and over again that romance is something he’s trying to avoid in the series’ entirety. He’s not just a fan of it. In fact, in an interview in 2009, as translated by X (formerly Twitter) user Sandman, the mangaka explained he doesn’t add romance in One Piece because it’s a manga for boys.
“Female fans ask me to draw romance, but if they want to read it, they should read shoujo manga,” he argued. He also asserted that it’s not his job and doesn’t even care how many women love Luffy. “I don't think it’s good if they love each other,” he added.
That said, it may be impossible to see Nami and Zoro getting romantic with each other in Netflix’s One Piece. But despite that, it can’t be denied that the series has effortlessly captured the viewers’ interest with its storyline about friends supporting each other and reaching their dreams together.
