Netflix's live-action One Piece has already sailed into the hearts of fans worldwide, and now the show's creator, Eiichiro Oda, is giving Season 3 an early and enthusiastic thumbs-up. According to reports, Oda recently visited the set in Cape Town, where production is already underway, and he couldn't contain his excitement about what's coming next.
Oda's involvement has been a key ingredient in the success of the live-action adaptation, setting it apart from other Netflix misfires like Cowboy Bebop and Death Note. From casting to set design, the manga master has had the final say on every major decision, and that hands-on approach has paid off. The first season earned rave reviews from both critics and longtime fans, and it quickly became one of the streamer's most-watched series.
Now, with Season 3 officially confirmed and filming in progress, Oda has already seen enough to declare it "incredible." The news came via Instagram user @pewpiece, who shared that the creator is genuinely thrilled with the direction the show is taking. For a franchise that has been running since 1997, that kind of endorsement from its original architect is a huge vote of confidence.
This is a golden era for One Piece fans. Beyond the live-action series, the anime is still going strong, and a brand-new anime reboot from Wit Studio is set to debut next year. There's even a LEGO One Piece special on the horizon, adapting the first two seasons in brick form and arriving this September. And let's not forget the massive milestone: the manga recently surpassed 600 million copies in print. To celebrate, Oda teased the ultimate secret of what One Piece actually is—by writing it down, sealing it in a treasure chest, and dropping it into the ocean near Suruga Bay, Shizuoka, Japan. Fans, of course, have already started hunting for it.
For those who haven't yet boarded the Going Merry, Seasons 1 and 2 are available now on Netflix. And if you're looking for more binge-worthy content, check out our list of forgotten crime shows that are still absolute masterpieces or see why Netflix's 'The WONDERfools' is smashing records.
Season 3 of the live-action One Piece is scheduled to drop in 2027. With Oda's seal of approval already in hand, the wait just got a little more exciting.
