This week, it was revealed that Luffy will make his acting debut in the 3D TV series world alongside veteran Japanese actor Hiroshi Abe. It was also revealed that Hiroshi Abe would gain Gum-Gum Devil Fruit powers in the show’s special episode. Coincidentally, on March 10, the website MyNavi Student released an article named “Just Continue in 2D! If These Anime Were Made Into Live-Action Series It’d Give me a Weird Feeling.”
The article shows the results of a poll on their website that went on for the entire month of February, asking people to give examples of manga series that would yield a “weird feeling” if they were made into a Live Action movie or TV series. Of the 500 total votes, these were the Top 5 answers:
No. 1: Slam Dunk – 14,0%
No. 2: One Piece – 10,0%
No. 3: Neon Genesis EVANGELION – 7,0%
No. 4: Mazinger Z – 6,0%
No. 5: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure – 5,0%
Among the votes that went towards One Piece, some comments mentioned:
“Because you’d see clear as day that the movie was full of CG.”
“The casting would be difficult for both Hollywood and Japanese actors. Whoever they’d go with, I think it’d end up being criticized.”
“I think it would not be accepted [by the fans] if the anime voice actors weren’t cast in the movie themselves.”
The other comments concerning the top 5 also revolved around casting issues, the over-use of CG that would be necessary in the adaptation, or even uneasiness on a live-action movie due to the flops of popular manga series that were made into live action movies, such as Dragon Ball.
Three runner-ups included YuYu Hakusho, Naruto, and Fullmetal Alchemist.
What do you think? Could One Piece become a viable live-action series/movie, or would problematic casting, CG, or some other reason give you a “weird feeling?”