Iñaki Godoy learned Japanese for this moment. The Mexican actor, who has become the face of Netflix’s One Piece adaptation as Monkey D. Luffy, sat down with series creator Eiichiro Oda for an interview that bridges the gap between the original manga and its live-action incarnation.
And because Godoy is apparently as committed to his craft as Luffy is to becoming Pirate King, he did the entire interview in Japanese—a language he learned specifically to speak with the man who created the character he’s now embodying.
The interview is a treasure trove of insights for fans. Oda, who had previously only communicated with the cast through notes and intermediaries, made his first set visit in Cape Town, South Africa, where the show films. “In that universe, the Grand Line is the harshest of the seas,” Oda explains. “That’s why there are giants and, of course, lots of bounty hunters. This needs to be a season full of new, surprising elements. That’s why it’s more challenging.”
Godoy’s preparation for this conversation speaks volumes about his dedication. Learning a new language to interview your boss is the kind of extra mile that most actors wouldn’t even consider, but Godoy understood that connecting with Oda directly was essential to honoring Luffy. “I was very nervous, I obviously wanted to honor Luffy,” he admitted in a separate interview. The result is a conversation that feels genuine—two creators (one original, one interpretive) discussing the world they both love.
Oda’s involvement in the live-action adaptation has been carefully calibrated. He’s not on set daily, but his approval is required for major decisions. When he visited Cape Town, it was a momentous occasion for the cast and crew—this was the man who had spent 25 years building the One Piece universe, now watching it come to life in a different medium. Godoy, as the lead, felt this pressure most acutely.
The interview reveals Oda’s philosophy about adaptation. He understands that live-action requires changes—condensing timelines, expanding roles, adjusting for practical realities—but he insists on maintaining the spirit of the original. “This needs to be a season full of new, surprising elements,” he says, acknowledging that Season 2’s Grand Line setting demands escalation. The East Blue was dangerous; the Grand Line is where pirates go to die or become legends.
Godoy’s Luffy has evolved between seasons. In Season 1, he was the optimistic newcomer, gathering his crew and declaring his dreams. In Season 2, he’s a captain with responsibilities, navigating waters that actively try to kill him. The interview shows Godoy understanding this progression—he asks Oda about the Grand Line’s specific threats, demonstrating his investment in the world’s mechanics.
What makes this interview special is the mutual respect on display. Oda doesn’t treat Godoy as merely an actor playing a part; he treats him as a collaborator in the ongoing creation of One Piece. Godoy, in turn, approaches Oda with the reverence of a fan who understands the magnitude of what he’s been entrusted with.
Their conversation is subtitled for international audiences, but the body language transcends language—two men who have given their lives to the same story, finally meeting in the middle.
For fans, this interview is proof that the live-action adaptation has the creator’s blessing. Oda’s involvement isn’t just contractual; it’s personal. He cares about how his world is represented, and he’s found in Godoy a Luffy who understands the character’s core: absolute determination, unshakeable loyalty, and the ability to find joy in the face of impossible odds.
Watch the full Iñaki Godoy and Eiichiro Oda interview on Netflix Tudum, then stream One Piece Season 2 to see their collaboration come to life.
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