Matt Owens Departs as Co-Showrunner of Netflix’s One Piece After Two Seasons
In a significant shift behind the scenes of Netflix’s hit live-action adaptation of One Piece, Matt Owens, who served as co-showrunner and executive producer for the show’s first two seasons, has announced his departure. Owens cited the need for a break and a focus on his personal well-being and mental health as the primary reasons for stepping down from the series.
Owens made the announcement via his Instagram account, expressing deep gratitude for his experience working on the show. He described the past six years as a "life-changing journey" and a "dream come true," acknowledging the immense amount of work and dedication involved in bringing Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga and anime to life in a live-action format. He specifically thanked Oda himself, along with Shueisha (the publisher of One Piece), Tomorrow Studios (the production company), Netflix, and the entire cast and crew for their trust, partnership, and hard work throughout the project. Owens stated he was "stepping off the Going Merry," referencing the iconic ship from the series, to prioritize his own health and well-being.
Owens’ departure marks the second major shift in showrunning duties for One Piece. Steven Maeda, who co-showran the first season alongside Owens, exited the showrunning role after the initial season but remained involved as an executive producer. Joe Tracz, known for his work on Dash & Lily and A Series of Unfortunate Events, joined the series as the new co-showrunner and executive producer in April 2024. Tracz will remain with the series and oversee post-production for the upcoming second season.
According to reports, production on the second season of One Piece wrapped last month, suggesting that Owens’ departure will not significantly impact the immediate timeline for the season’s release. Despite stepping away from his role as co-showrunner, Owens’ influence on the series will continue to be felt. He co-wrote at least one episode for the second season and played a crucial role in shaping the overall creative vision and long-term blueprint for future seasons of the show. His deep understanding of the source material and his collaborative approach were instrumental in establishing the tone and direction of the live-action adaptation.
Sources indicate that Owens’ exit is not expected to jeopardize the show’s chances of renewal for a third season. The success of the first season, both in terms of viewership and critical acclaim, has solidified One Piece as a valuable asset for Netflix. The streaming service has invested heavily in the series, and the commitment to faithfully adapting Oda’s epic saga remains strong.
The first season of One Piece garnered significant recognition within the television industry, securing two Emmy Awards earlier in March. The show won for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited or Anthology Series or Movie and Outstanding Original Song in a Children’s or Young Teen Program ("My Sails Are Set"). These accolades highlight the high level of craftsmanship and dedication that went into bringing the world of One Piece to life.
Ahead of the second season, Netflix has announced several key casting additions, including Lera Abova as Nico Robin, a crucial character in the One Piece narrative known for her knowledge of ancient history and her ability to read Poneglyphs, and Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0, also known as Crocodile, a formidable antagonist and the leader of Baroque Works. These casting choices have been met with considerable excitement from fans, who are eager to see these iconic characters brought to life in live-action.
While the second season of One Piece is currently in post-production, Netflix has yet to announce a specific release window. However, given the production timeline and the extensive post-production work required for a series of this scale, it is likely that the second season will premiere sometime in late 2024 or early 2025.
The departure of Matt Owens from One Piece marks the end of an era for the show. His contributions to the series’ development and success were undeniable, and his passion for the source material will be missed. However, the strong foundation he helped establish, along with the continued involvement of Joe Tracz and the dedicated cast and crew, ensures that One Piece will continue to sail forward, bringing Oda’s epic tale to a new generation of viewers.
Fans eagerly await further updates on the second season of One Piece, anticipating the arrival of new characters, the continuation of the Straw Hat Pirates’ adventures, and the faithful adaptation of more iconic moments from the beloved manga and anime series. The legacy of Matt Owens will undoubtedly remain a part of the One Piece story as the series embarks on its next chapter. The future of the live-action adaptation looks promising, with the groundwork laid by Owens paving the way for future seasons and adventures in the Grand Line.
