Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece premiered to great success in August 2023, and the show would never be complete without the narration of Ian McShane. Known for his work in the John Wick movie series and a prolific actor himself, it was a surprise to see the 81-year-old star delve into the world of Luffy and the Straw Hats. That said, McShane revealed the real reason behind his decision to join the series, and we had his grandson to thank for.
In a recent interview shared on Reddit, McShane admitted that he was skeptical about One Piece until his grandson introduced him to One Piece and had nothing but praise for Luffy’s story. In fact, his grandson told him to do the project.
“I tell you, I only knew about [One Piece] because one day I got a call, and they said, why don't you do this,” he said.
The award-winning actor started to think of the people he knew, so he called his youngest grandson and asked if he had any idea about the show. From there, he learned that his grandson had been watching the anime since he was a kid, telling him it started as a manga before it was adapted into anime and is now a live-action.
So, when he told him he was asked to do its narration, his grandson advised him to do it. McShane was also asked if he would return to do One Piece Season 2. And though he neither confirmed nor denied his return, he said he had no idea about it.
“It was a pleasure to do it. I mean, it’s like one of those things, yeah, you do the voice, and they carry on from there,” he continued. “But apparently, it was very successful. I think, good show, well, obviously, they’re doing a second series.”
Netflix Announced One Piece Season 2
In September 2023, about a couple of weeks after the first season’s release, Netflix officially announced the coming of One Piece Season 2. The announcement came from the series creator, Eiichiro Oda, using a Transponder Snail. By the looks of it, the mangaka will still be heavily involved in the second season's production as the Straw Hats continue their journey to the Grand Line to find the mysterious One Piece treasure.
Oda-san even teased that Tony Tony Chopper would join the second season as the crew’s doctor. As the premiere season adapted the manga’s introductory saga, East Blue Saga, the next installment is expected to bring the second saga, Arabasta Saga, to life and its five arcs: Reverse Mountain Arc, Whisky Peak Arc, Little Garden Arc, Drum Island Arc, and Arabasta Arc. But before that, it may continue the Loguetown Arc, the last arc from the first saga that the first season left off.
In Loguetown Arc, Luffy and his crew stop at Loguetown to replenish their supplies. After the first season finale teased Alvida and Buggy’s team and Smoker’s arrival, One Piece Season 2 may continue here.
So far, there have not been any words on when One Piece Season 2 will be released. But now that the writers' and actors’ strikes have finally ended, production is expected to begin soon. If that happens, Luffy and his crew’s return to the big screen will get nearer.
