‘We’re Competing With Disney’: One Piece Anime Remake Updates ‘Old Story’ for New Generation With New Netflix Release

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Fans can now see the latest progress on Netflix’s exciting anime adaptation.

George Wada, CEO of Wit Studio, recently explained why Netflix is creating a new anime version of One Piece. In an interview with a YouTube channel, Wada discussed the decision to remake the series while the original anime by Toei Animation is still being produced.

Wada also recognized the evolving landscape and the new difficulties it presents, including the need to compete with major entertainment companies like Hollywood and Disney.

Netflix’s One Piece Remake Aims to Captivate a New Generation

Wada explained that the decision to remake One Piece came from something its creator, Eiichiro Oda, had said.

He pointed out that One Piece is now a very lengthy and detailed series, given how long it’s been running. He suggested that viewers accustomed to newer shows might not experience the same level of enjoyment when watching the older animation.

He always felt some remorse about it and hoped the story would live on for future generations. That’s what inspired me to retell it with updated methods that would appeal to modern viewers.

Although One Piece is incredibly popular around the world, its long run – almost 30 years – can be daunting for people wanting to start watching, particularly the early anime episodes. The anime will continue with episode 1156.

The show’s popularity is evident in its ability to gain viewers just by having a double-digit episode count instead of only four. Now, Netflix and Shueisha, the company behind Shonen Jump, are hoping to repeat that success with a new One Piece anime designed to be easily accessible to a potentially massive global audience.

Wada explained that companies like Netflix have fundamentally altered how content is consumed. He noted that creators are now aware their work reaches a global audience.

We’ve moved beyond just competing with companies in Japan. Now, we’re up against major international players. Because our products are viewed by a global audience, it’s crucial that we constantly improve how we make things and keep innovating.

Initially, Netflix highlighted the advanced technology used to make this new anime different from the original. But many One Piece fans interpreted this talk of “cutting-edge visuals” as a hint that artificial intelligence was used in the animation process – something Wit Studio had tried out before in a short, three-minute film.

Although Wada and Wit Studio have considered using AI before, they now view it as a potential problem for the anime industry, not a helpful tool to overcome current production challenges.

He explained that the situation is now concerning. We have a duty to support creative professionals – like artists and animators – and there are still many legal questions that need answers. Therefore, we’re closely monitoring developments to see how they’ll affect the industry going forward.

Netflix hasn’t announced a release date for its One Piece series yet, but they’ve confirmed that production is moving forward smoothly.

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2026-03-20 07:13