Filming for the second season of Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ has wrapped, generating excitement among fans. However, co-showrunner Matt Owens is departing the project to focus on his mental health after six years of involvement. He expressed gratitude to collaborators and hinted at a potential return. While the completed season is set to premiere in 2026, Owens’ absence may impact future seasons. Meanwhile, Netflix is also working on a new anime adaptation of the original manga.
Exciting News for ‘One Piece’ Fans: Season 2 Filming Wrapped!
The production of the highly anticipated second season of the Netflix sensation ‘One Piece’ has officially concluded, and fans are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming episodes. However, this excitement comes with a bittersweet note, as the series faces a significant change ahead of its release.
Matt Owens Bids Farewell to ‘One Piece’
Matt Owens, known for his work on Netflix’s ‘Marvel’s Luke Cage’ and ‘Marvel’s The Defenders’, is stepping away from the live-action adaptation of ‘One Piece’. His impressive background includes contributions to various Marvel projects and some ‘Star Wars’ comics, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry. As a writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner for ‘One Piece’, Owens played a pivotal role in shaping the show’s direction.
In a heartfelt statement, Owens expressed that the last six years working on ‘One Piece’ have been both a dream and a demanding journey. He has decided to take a much-needed break to focus on his mental well-being. In his message, he extended gratitude to Oda, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios, Netflix, and the entire cast and crew for their trust and collaboration. With plans to dive into therapy and indulge in the video game Marvel Rivals, Owens humorously reassured fans that this is not a goodbye forever, hinting at a future return.
As for what this change means for the series, Owens served as co-showrunner alongside Steven Maeda, whose extensive experience in shows like ‘Lost’ and ‘The X-Files’ may play a crucial role moving forward. While Owens’ absence may not be profoundly felt in the already completed second season, which is expected to debut in 2026, his influence on the show’s cheerful tone and narrative continuity could resonate in subsequent seasons.
The timeline for the next chapter of ‘One Piece’ remains uncertain. In addition to the live-action series, Netflix is also developing a new anime adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga, aiming for a more straightforward approach to attract new fans.