One Piece Star Speaks Out About Race Swapped Season 2 Controversy

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Emily Rudd, known for her role in One Piece, has addressed the recent debate about changing a character’s race in the second season. Rudd portrays the charming navigation member of the Straw Hat pirates, Nami, in the live-action adaptation of One Piece on Netflix. Many of the actors in the series have been praised for their faithful portrayals to the original material, with Rudd consistently showcasing Nami’s spirit, ingenuity, and charm.

The second season of “One Piece” is set to introduce numerous new characters, which fans have generally embraced. However, one actor-character combination has sparked criticism from a specific segment of online viewers, resulting in some cast members, such as Rudd, needing to address the controversy publicly.

In a recent trailer for Season 2 of “One Piece,” Charithra Chandran made her first appearance as the main character Nefertari Vivi, which raised some eyebrows among fans because in the live-action series, the character’s race has been changed from the original version.

Actress Emily Rudd from Nami in One Piece series, among other cast members, joined Chandran’s fanbase amidst the recent uproar. She expressed her disapproval towards Vivi’s detractors via a now-removed Instagram Story, which was archived by user PewPiece.

She expressed on her social media platforms that the widely accepted norm (often referred to as a “canon”) should never be used to justify overt racism or any form of hatred. She strongly condemned those who show intolerance towards Chandran.

As a passionate cinephile, I wholeheartedly believe that the so-called ‘canon’ should never serve as an excuse for overt racism or any form of hate. I am immensely proud of our show, the remarkable cast we have, and the unique opportunity we’ve been granted to breathe life into a story centered around a vibrant found family from diverse backgrounds. It’s an honor to be part of such a meaningful project that champions inclusivity and respect for all.

In the original manga and anime series “One Piece,” Vivi is portrayed as a fair-skinned sailor who is a bounty hunter, while Chandran has Tamil-Indian origins. The depiction of Vivi, being a cherished character from “One Piece,” led to a wave of mostly racially charged criticism aimed at her. Notable figures like Rudd felt compelled to intervene in response.

Anime Corner)

Oda personally chose Charithra, and she possesses a deeper insight into her own characters compared to anyone else.

During a 2024 Instagram post following a November interview, Oda himself praised the casting choices for Season 2, stating that each actor, including Chandran, was “just right” or “ideal” for their respective roles.

I chose the cast members based on their photos and videos from Japan, but meeting them in person confirmed my decision – they were indeed the ideal picks!! The atmosphere on set was simply fantastic, and let me tell you, this season promises to outshine the first one!

As a dedicated cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that come 2026, I’ll be stepping into the world of “One Piece” for the first time on Netflix, as Season 2 unfurls. This swashbuckling series, inspired by the timeless manga and anime created by Eichiro Oda, follows a band of endearing pirates, captained by Iñaki Godoy’s Monkey D. Luffy, in their quest for the fabled treasure. Returning characters to look forward to in Season 2 include Rudd as Nami, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Jacob Gibson as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji. Can’t wait!

Was the Vivi Actor the Right Choice for One Piece Season 2?

As a die-hard One Piece enthusiast, I’ve been buzzing about Charithra Chandran’s portrayal of the adored Vivi character long before Season 2 hits Netflix. It seems this talented actress has sparked quite the discussion among fans.

Regrettably, a significant portion of the criticism directed at the actress seems to stem not from her portrayal of the character or her professional background, but rather from individuals who are disappointed that she doesn’t resemble the character as depicted in the original source material. This suggests these criticisms may be based more on personal bias than objective assessment.

Essentially, viewers haven’t had enough exposure to Chandran’s portrayal of Vivi to make a fair assessment of her acting skills in this role yet.

Based on the testimonies of the cast members from the “One Piece” series, including its creator, audiences can only rely on their words regarding the actress’s performance, which they all deem “perfect” for their respective roles.

Simply because the portrayal of the character differs from what fans are accustomed to, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that she isn’t well-suited for the role.

If she was good enough for Oda, she should be good enough for the rest of the One Piece fandom.

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2025-08-13 21:22