This week’s issue of Shonen Jump will announce that Matt Owens will be the writer for the One Piece live-action series. Mr. Owens has been a writer for Marvel’s Luke Cage and a story editor for shows including Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and The Defenders. Outside of television, Matt Owens has written for Marvel comics including Elektra, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Star Wars: Mace Windu, and Marvel’s Luke Cage.

This is the first major news regarding the live-action series since its announcement in 2017. Matt Owens said the following, regarding his role on this new One Piece series:

One Piece is the most beloved story in my life. To be trusted by Oda-Sensei and everyone at Shueisha and Tomorrow Studios to take on the huge task of adapting this epic, heart-warming adventure into live-action is the greatest honor. I want to make the most of my passion for One Piece by creating a thrilling live-action series which is faithful to the original story and will not only satisfy longtime fans, but bring in new fans as well.

Producer Marty Adelstein said the following, regarding this news:

When I first saw Matt’s presentation explaining his vision of the live-action adaptation, I thought he would be perfect for the job. What impressed me the most is that he is a true One Piece fan. I am very excited to be able to work with a scriptwriter as talented as Matt.

On July 21, 2017, it was announced that a Hollywood live-action One Piece television series was to be produced. It is being overseen by Tomorrow ITV Studios under the supervision of Marty Adelstein, who is also one of the executive producers of Prison Break. This news, as well as the original live-action news, was announced as part of the anniversary celebrations for the One Piece manga. No further production or release details are available at this time.

Please see author Eiichiro Oda’s comment below from the original 2017 announcement, along with a translation:

There have been many talks about making a live-action series in the past 20 years. About three years ago [2014], we began to seriously consider it. After many twists and turns, we found a good partner. Coincidentally, we made the production announcement on the 20th anniversary. I am very happy. This announcement may cause some anxiety but my one condition for the series is to never betray the fans who supported my work for 20 years. Please get excited and wait for the next report. Please look forward to it!!

– Eiichiro Oda

Comment from Hiroyuki Nakano in 2017, the editor-in-chief of Shonen Jump magazine:

“There have been offers from various directions about live-action before but they did not really get settled for a number of reasons. This time, it’s finally come to the point where we can make an announcement. This means that we consider the project this time to have exceeded our expectations,… so please look forward to it.”

SOURCE: Background details, image and video via ANN and Polygon.com. Thanks to Kelly for providing a translation of the 2017 comments from Eiichiro Oda and Editor-in-Chief Hiroyuki Nakano. and image from natalie

UPDATE: Quotes from Mr. Owens and Mr. Adelstein were added. Translations thanks to Maddie.