The WIT Studio has confirmed that the new One Piece anime, produced for Netflix, will fix one of the most criticized problems of the original version: the extreme slowness. According to George Wada, the studio's CEO, the idea is to modernize Eiichiro Oda's work to attract young audiences who don't feel connected to the sluggish pace of the 1999 episodes.
During a recent interview, Wada explained that the decision came from a concern of the creator himself, Eiichiro Oda. The author believed that the old 4:3 aspect ratio and slow development were driving away potential new viewers. Therefore, the new version, titled THE ONE PIECE, will use cutting-edge animation techniques to ensure a dynamic and visually striking experience in 16:9.
Fast Pacing and Zero Padding
The production promises to cut the excess filler content and unnecessary stretching that marked Toei's classic animation. With heavy hitters on the team, such as director Masashi Koizuka (Attack on Titan), the project will start from scratch with the East Blue saga. This way, the studio aims to deliver the same fluidity seen in modern hits like Spy x Family and Vinland Saga.
Although fans are eagerly awaiting a release date in 2026, Netflix is still keeping the schedule under wraps. However, the appointment of Hideaki Abe (Jujutsu Kaisen) as assistant director underscores the commitment to technical quality. Meanwhile, the success of the live-action continues to boost global interest in Luffy's journey for the legendary treasure.