Netflix’s Live-Action One Piece Loses Its Co-Showrunner

Matt Owens, co-showrunner and executive producer for seasons one and two of Netflix’s One Piece, has revealed he’s stepping away from the show.

On Instagram, Owens explained “the last six years working on the live-action One Piece have been a life-changing journey, and a dream come true. It’s also been a LOT. So I’m stepping off the Going Merry to take a break and focus on myself and my mental health. Thank you so much to [creator Eiichiro] Oda, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios, Netflix, and the entire cast and crew for your trust, partnership, and hard work.”

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As Deadline notes, One Piece‘s first season was co-showrun by Steven Maeda and Owens. While Maeda remains an executive producer, he departed his showrunning post after season one. Joe Tracz became the new co-showrunner and as well as an EP in April 2024. Tracz is remaining with the series and will guide season two’s post-production. The trade notes that One Piece “wrapped production on season two last month.”

Owens’ exit will reportedly not affect the show’s chances of being renewed for a third season, and he’s co-written at least one episode for season two. And his influence will seemingly still be felt moving forward; during his time on One Piece, he helped shape “the creative vision” for the series, Deadline writes, “including its long-term blueprint for future seasons.”

Earlier in March, One Piece’s first season won two Emmys for stunt coordination and best song in a kids/YA program (“My Sails Are Set”). Last year, Netflix announced several actors for key season two roles, including Lera Abova as Nico Robin and Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0. The season currently doesn’t have a release window.

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