Netflix’s live-action series One Piece loses its co-showrunner

Matt Owens leaves Netflix's One Piece as co-showrunner.

: Matt Owens, co-showrunner and executive producer for the first two seasons of Netflix's One Piece, is stepping away from the project. He cited a need to focus on his mental health after working on the show for six years. Steven Maeda, who co-showran the first season with Owens, is no longer in that role, but remains an executive producer. Joe Tracz, who took over as co-showrunner in April 2024, will continue to guide the series through its second season post-production.

Matt Owens, significant figure in the recent adaptation of Netflix's live-action One Piece series, has announced his departure. Owens has been integral to the success of the show's first two seasons, co-showrunning alongside Steven Maeda for the initial season and with Joe Tracz for the subsequent one. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Owens explained that it has been a transformative journey but emphasized the toll it had taken: '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.' His exit highlights the often grueling pace of showrunning, a pace that sometimes requires personal sacrifices for professional success.

Owens' influence on One Piece went beyond mere logistics; he was pivotal in molding the creative direction and long-term vision of the series, ensuring that it resonated with both longtime fans of the original anime and newcomers alike. With Steven Maeda stepping down as showrunner after the first season, Joe Tracz, a seasoned television writer and producer, took over the role alongside Owens. Tracz’s continued involvement ensures that the momentum created in the first season persists, with season two already wrapped and in post-production. Despite Owens' absence, the foundations he laid seem robust enough to carry future seasons forward without derailing the show's trajectory.

The timing of Owens' decision comes on the heels of the first season’s notable achievements. Earlier in March, One Piece bagged two Emmy awards: one for stunt coordination and another for the best song in a kids/YA program titled ‘My Sails Are Set’. These accolades demonstrate the creative energy and ambition underpinning the live-action endeavor. Furthermore, casting announcements for season two, featuring Lera Abova as Nico Robin and Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0, promise to deliver fresh dynamics and narratives to the fore. Though a release date for the second season is yet to be announced, the series maintains its critical and cultural momentum as eager audiences await its next chapter.

Joe Tracz's role as a guiding force adds stability during the transition. His previous work being expansive and engaging should bridge any gap Owens’ departure might leave. Meanwhile, Steven Maeda remains as executive producer, contributing to the broader creative oversight. Both figures remain central to maintaining the thematic integrity and dramatic beats that have characterized the show thus far. With a narrative blueprint crafted with Owens’ input, subsequent showrunners will look to cement these benchmarks as One Piece aims for renewal and potential success in future seasons.

The live-action adaptation has successfully crossed several thresholds since its inception, establishing itself as a significant player in Netflix’s portfolio of anime adaptations. The collaborative efforts by Tomorrow Studios, creator Eiichiro Oda, and the entire cast and crew have been critical in bringing the imaginative world of One Piece to life. Underpinning each phase of production was a strategy to respect the source material while ensuring adaptability to a live-action framework. This technique is anticipated to catalyze sustained interest and viewership as the series progresses into its upcoming phases.

Sources: Deadline, Instagram, Variety

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