Matt Owens, the co-showrunner of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “One Piece,” has exited the series.
In a social media post shared Friday, Owens announced he is stepping down from the show “to take a break and focus on [his] mental health.”
“The last 6 years working on the live action One Piece have been a life changing journey,” Owens wrote on Instagram. “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 Oda, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios, Netflix, and the entire cast and crew for your trust, partnership, and hard work. For now I’m gonna take a breath, do some therapy, try and rank up in Marvel Rivals, and come back refreshed for the new adventures that await.”
“One Piece” co-showrunner Matt Owens is departing the Netflix series.
(Paras Griffin / Getty Images for Netflix)
The “One Piece” Instagram account shared Owens’ post in its story Friday with the caption, “You set us on a course for something truly special.”
Starring Iñaki Godoy as the ever-optimistic pirate Monkey D. Luffy, “One Piece” is an adaptation of the long-running manga series by Eiichiro Oda. Premiering in 2023, the first season of the series followed Luffy as he assembled a crew while on his quest to find a legendary treasure and become the King of the Pirates. Joining Luffy aboard the Going Merry were navigator Nami (Emily Rudd), swordsman Zoro (Mackenyu), sharpshooter Usopp (Jacob Romero) and chef Sanji (Taz Skylar).
Oda and Netflix revealed in September 2023 that the series was renewed for a second season. In the video announcement, Oda teased the introduction of Tony Tony Chopper, the crew’s doctor and fan-favorite reindeer-human hybrid. Oda has since shared that Season 2 will include storylines involving Loguetown, Reverse Mountain (Twin Capes), Whiskey Peak, Little Island and Drum Island.
Owens shared showrunning duties with fellow writer Steven Maeda for the first season and Joe Tracz for Season 2. Filming for the show’s second season wrapped in February.
