Netflix Live Action ONE PIECE Cast Reflect on the Straw Hat Bond and Share Messages for New Beginnings

The Netflix live action ONE PIECE Season 2 has begun streaming, bringing the beloved Straw Hat crew back together. The main cast members gathered in Tokyo for an interview, including Iñaki Godoy, who plays Luffy, Mackenyu as Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji. They spoke about the friendships they built during long filming in South Africa and revealed unexpected sides of each other behind the scenes.

Iñaki’s Surprising Comment Sparks Laughter

The interview began in a relaxed atmosphere, but it quickly took an unexpected turn.

Although their strong friendship was clear during fan events, the cast was asked whether anyone had taken longer than others to settle in with the group. With a straight face, Iñaki replied, “Honestly, I still feel like I haven’t completely settled in yet.”

He continued, “Even on set, there are moments when I don’t know what I should do. All I can do is keep moving forward day by day.”

Before the interpreter could translate, Taz quickly turned and said, “Wait, stop before you translate that!” trying to halt the comment.

Mackenyu responded with a wry smile, saying, “Well, let’s just leave it at that,” while Jacob began to say, “I want to respect how he feels, but...” At that moment Taz cried out, “Just stop talking!” prompting laughter from the rest of the group.

Jacob eventually clarified with a grin, “Of course it’s a joke. We actually get along really well,” revealing the playful dynamic and friendly atmosphere among the cast.

The Real Personalities Revealed During Filming

Filming took place in Cape Town, South Africa, and the schedule could be intense. Some days began with a pickup at 4:30 in the morning and ended with returning home around 7 in the evening.

Mackenyu recalled, “Iñaki is usually very energetic and talks constantly from the morning. But on some days he doesn’t talk at all. You can immediately tell how tired he is by the mood he’s in when he walks into the makeup room.”

Taz added that Iñaki often looked drowsy during makeup. Laughing, Emily explained, “It’s not just because filming is hard. Iñaki is like a baby. He runs around with toddler level energy and then suddenly needs nap time.”

Mackenyu chimed in, “Exactly, a baby,” prompting Iñaki to joke, “I am baby!”

Taz reflected on the long days of filming. “When you spend that much time together, you don’t have the energy to pretend to be someone else. That’s when people’s true personalities show. But everyone here turned out to be genuinely wonderful people, and that only made our bond stronger.”

A Special Moment at Sunrise in Cape Town

Jacob described how the filming location offered a unique experience.

“I’m naturally a night person, so mornings are usually quiet for me. But the sunrise in Cape Town was incredibly beautiful. Watching the scenery while preparing on set was a special moment. If I had the choice I wouldn’t wake up that early,” he joked, “but being there with people I love and working on something important meant a lot.”

Despite the demanding schedule, Emily maintained flawless skin even during close up shots.

“For me, sleep is the most important thing,” she said. “But more than anything, laughing together with these people was my biggest source of energy. The set was so enjoyable that every day felt wonderful, and I never felt the need to reset.”

Mackenyu also described his disciplined routine during filming.

“I went to bed around 8:30 at night and woke up at 3 in the morning to prepare. I’m naturally a night person, but I trained before going to set, so my lifestyle completely shifted to a ONE PIECE schedule.”

He added that time management on set was extremely strict. “Because the rules were clear, it was easy to plan our days and stay focused on the work.”

Who Is the Biggest Food Lover

When asked which cast member eats the most, Emily immediately pointed at Mackenyu.

“He eats about five meals a day,” she revealed. Taz agreed, saying Mackenyu really did eat frequently.

Jacob then pointed at both Mackenyu and Taz. Taz defended himself, saying, “I only eat twice a day. You’re the one who goes to restaurants all the time.”

Jacob responded, “But I don’t carry snacks everywhere. You two bring so much food to set.”

At that point Emily suggested that Iñaki might actually be the biggest eater. Taz summarized the debate by saying, “Everyone else has a routine, but Iñaki is completely spontaneous. I think he’s the real food lover.”

Laughing, Iñaki replied, “I just eat whatever I feel like eating at the time.”

A Message for Those Entering a New Chapter

Spring is a season when many people start new chapters in their lives, and the cast shared words of encouragement.

Jacob began humorously by saying, “First, drink some water.” Mackenyu smiled and added, “That’s his catchphrase,” drawing laughter from the room.

Taz then spoke more seriously. “People say they support those who challenge something new, but when someone close to them actually does it, they can feel uneasy. Still, history is moved forward by people who take that first courageous step.”

Emily also shared a positive message. “Life is short. It would be a waste not to try.”

Iñaki closed with his characteristic humor, telling fans, “Look forward to my shirtless scenes!” He also referenced a quirky phrase that had become a topic during fan events: “A pajama wearing otter appears riding a bald eagle with a machine gun,” which once again made everyone laugh.

Finally, Mackenyu spoke with a more serious tone.

“People cannot keep doing work they dislike. Even a little joy can make a difference. I hope everyone finds that joy and pursues what they truly want to do.”

Jacob concluded the interview with gentle words.

“Love yourself. You deserve to be loved.”

Source : ORICON NEWS