Since Netflix released its live-action adaptation of One Piece, many fan theories have been made about it. However, if there’s one most popular, it’s about the possible appearance of the villain Crocodile. Finally, showrunner Steven Maeda breaks his silence and shares some insights.
Based on Eiichiro Oda’s manga of the same title, the series has become one of the most popular original shows on Netflix. Its first season doesn’t just stun fans. It has also left a great impression, not to mention several Easter eggs, leaving fans wondering what may happen next. So, if this Crocodile theory has anything to go by, does this mean that this villain may make an appearance in One Piece Season 2?
The Crocodile theory began when the show released its very first episode, which featured the execution of Gold Roger. This scene alone showed several iconic One Piece characters, like the young Shanks and Mihawk. But among the many reveals, a woman dressed in black leather and gold jewelry caught the viewers’ attention, believing she might be Crocodile.
So, is there any truth to it? In an interview with IGN, Maeda admitted he had heard about it and was even approached to clear the issue. “All I have to say is, read into it what you like,” he said.
What do the first season’s Easter eggs mean for One Piece’s future?
Netflix included a lot of Easter eggs in the first season of One Piece. Though some of it is only added for fun, Maeda revealed others indicate the show’s future planning. And the opening scene is one great example of that.
He explained:
A lot of thought was put into the Easter eggs. And some of it is future planning, and a lot of it was: 'Hey, wouldn't it be cool if we saw this character?' We know that character was there in the background of, particularly Loguetown, at Gold Roger's execution. So, a lot of thought was put into bounty posters and seeing characters in the crowd.
Others may not have noticed, but the series’ art department and production designers added a lot of signage and things on barrels and shops. They even did it with “love and care” so that fans would find it cool when they saw it, though some were made with “thought toward the future.”
Will Crocodile appear in One Piece Season 2?
Crocodile is known for being the former crime syndicate Baroque Works president. He operated with the codename Mr. 0 with Nico Robin, previously known as Miss All Sunday, as his Vice-President and partner. Crocodile is Luffy’s main antagonist in Arabasta Arc and Arabasta Saga overall.
So, considering Arabasta Saga is the second saga One Piece may follow, there’s a possibility that fans may see Crocodile in it. However, Arabasta Arc is the final turn of this five-arc story, and the first season didn’t adapt East Blue Saga’s last spin, Loguetown Arc. So if Arabasta Arc suffers the same fate, it remains to be seen if Crocodile's appearance may still happen.
Netflix has yet to renew One Piece for a second season. But with the good reviews and positive reception, it may only take a matter of time before an official announcement happens.
