Netflix’s Bold Decision With Nico Robin’s Casting in One Piece Live Action Sparks Massive Outrage Among Fans
Seven new characters have been revealed to appear in the highly-anticipated live-action One Piece Season 2 thanks to the recent casting calls. Netflix had already announced One Piece Season 2 with a whole new batch of characters way back in 2023. The live-action One Piece cast faithfully brought to life Eiichiro Oda’s beloved pirate world anime, raking up stellar viewership numbers and reviews.
Long-term fans of the source material should not be too surprised by the new characters, but there are additional new characters: Tony Tony Chopper and Smoker. Casting calls have been underway throughout the first half of the year as the behind-the-show team gears up for production of Season 2 over the summer. The filming is scheduled to start in June, with the code name of the second season as Project Renaissance.
The characters below are obvious additions to One Piece Season 2, reassuring fans that none of the characters are being cut from the story. All will be recurring guest stars in Season 2, with the exception of Crocus.
One Piece Live-Action Casting For Season 2
Princess Vivi
Casting For: Female (17-20)
Ethnicity: Middle Eastern/North African or South Asian
Nico Robin
Casting For: Female (20-39)
Ethnicity: Hispanic/Latino
Smoker
Casting For: Male (25-35)
Ethnicity: White
Tashigi
Casting For: Female (20-29)
Ethnicity: Asian
Ms Valentine
Casting For: Female (20-29)
Ethnicity: White
Mr. 5
Casting For: Male (20-29)
Ethnicity: Black
Crocus
Casting For: Male (65-79)
Ethnicity: Open
Fans Are Not Happy About Nico Robin’s Casting
The casting for Nico Robin’s live-action counterpart is confirmed to be a 20-39-year-old female actor of Latin or Hispanic ethnicity. This decision by Netflix sparked a controversy among fans who are displeased about Nico Robin’s casting choice. Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their feelings.
Nico Robin is confirmed that she will be (20-39) years old female actor (Hispanic/Latino) in onepiece LiveAction season 2 pic.twitter.com/iqYOIcFngo
— Pew (@pewpiece) May 7, 2024
ONE PIECE SEASON 2 Casting Calls reveals information about upcoming new characters, their Age Range and Ethnicity.
1. Princess Vivi: Female (17-20), Middle Eastern/North African or South Asian
2. Nico Robin: Female (20-39), Hispanic/Latino
3. Smoker: Male (25-35), White
4.… pic.twitter.com/OGjQXNKduN— Anime News And Facts (@AniNewsAndFacts) May 7, 2024
Isn't she supposed to be Russian?
— coopdejoure (@coopdejoure) May 7, 2024
Can we just stop watching and supporting OPLA if they mess up the entire story again??
— Yamato Luvr (@luffyinspace) May 7, 2024
Latino sounds alright for Robin.❤️
— Gene (@worstgeneD) May 7, 2024
Thought she was from Russia according to Oda? I know Russia is a stigma these days, but you you use someone from one of the former Soviet union Counties, like Ukrain or one of those……
— Canyon50jm (@canyon50jm) May 7, 2024
The controversy arises from the fact that Nico Robin is supposed to be of Russian descent according to Eiichiro Oda, however, the casting calls for a Latino/Hispanic female actor. Despite this shocking news, some fans are excited to see Hispanic/Latin representation on-screen in the form of Nico Robin. An X user stated that Bruna Marquezine would be perfect for the role of Nico Robin if Netflix could get her to audition.
Bruna Marquezine (28) would be perfect if they can get her to audition and sign on 💯 pic.twitter.com/62h9fmpKEb
— ELBAF IS REAL (@KidUrouge98) May 7, 2024
Currently, Netflix’s One Piece is gearing up to begin filming this year and aiming for a 2025 release. If you are not caught up to Season 1, Netflix is streaming the show currently.
