Who is who in the new Netflix live-action version of 'One Piece'?

'One Piece' is a successful Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It was first published on July 22, 1997, and turned into an anime series in 1999. Now, Netflix is making a live-action series of 'One Piece,' released on August 31, 2023.

Photo: Netflix (publicity photo)

The story revolves around the search for a great treasure, the 'One Piece.' It was mentioned by Gold Roger, the 'King of Pirates,' right before he died. Whoever finds the treasure can take it home.

Picture: Toei Animation Co.

And so begins the adventure of young Monkey D. Luffy. He eats a mysterious fruit (Devil Fruit) which gives him powers of elasticity. Inspired by his childhood hero Shanks, he sets sail in the East Blue Sea towards his great adventure in search of the 'One Piece'. The anime series ran from 1999 to 2019.

Photo: Toei Animation Co.

The Netflix live-action version of 'One Piece' shows the characters of the legendary manga in flesh and blood. Who did the producers select to resemble the famous adventurers?

Photo: Netflix (publicity photo)

We start with the main character, also known as 'Straw Hat' Luffy. He is a young captain who dreams of becoming the King of the Pirates when he gets the 'One Piece.'

Picture: Toei Animation Co.

Monkey D. Luffy is played by Iñaki Godoy, a Mexican actor best known for the Netflix series 'Who Killed Sara' and ‘The Imperfects’ (2022) also by Netflix. Will this be his big step to international fame?

Picture: Netflix

This young man is the sword expert of the crew, although he has a very bad sense of direction.

Picture: Toei Animation Co.

The Japanese actor has a long career in Japanese films and is known for playing Seija in 'Knights of the Zodiac' (2023).

Picture: Netflix

She is an expert in maps and weather, she loves money, and her dream is to draw the biggest world map ever.

Picture: Toei Animation Co.

Nami is played by the American actress Emily Rudd. She appeared in several known productions such as the 'Fear Street' movies on Netflix (2021), the series 'Hunters' (2023), and the anthology 'The Romanoffs' (2018).

Picture: Netflix

Although he is a bit fearful, Usopp is the crew's sniper and his dream is to become a brave warrior.

Picture: Toei Animation Co.

Usopp's role is played by the Jamaican-born American actor Jacob Romero. He is not as well known as the other cast members, though he appeared in the hospital series 'The Resident' and 'Grey's Anatomy,' and he starred in the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) series 'Greenleaf' for 15 episodes (2019-20).

Image: Netflix

He is the crew's cook, but he is also a great fighter and a womanizer. He tends to argue a lot with Roronoa Zoro.

Picture: Toei Animation Co.

Sanji is played by the Spanish actor and writer Taz Skylar. Besides several theater productions, he starred in the movie 'The Deal' (2021) and appeared in the crime series 'Agatha Raisin' (2022).

Image: Netflix

He is a powerful and legendary pirate leader of the red-haired pirates. Shanks is Luffy's idol.

Picture: Toei Animation Co.

Before becoming Shanks, this British actor played in several series such as 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland' (2013-14), 'Queen of the South' (2016 - 21), and the acclaimed series 'Yellowjackets' (2021).

Image: Netflix

Captain Morgan is one of the villains of the series. He is after Luffy for revenge.

Picture: Toei Animation Co.

Born in the UK, this South African actor is also a successful Ironman competitor. He appeared in the movie 'Invictus' (2010) and also starred in the series 'Banshee' (2015, image) and 'Warrior' (2019 -21).

This character was initially the captain of the Arlong crew and the pirate with the highest bounty in the East Blue Sea. But then he was beaten by Luffy.

Picture: Toei Animation Co.

You may not recognize him in this photo as Arlong in 'One Piece,' but McKinley Belcher is known for his role as Agent Trevor Evans in the acclaimed series 'Ozark'. He has also appeared in 'The Passage' (2019), ' Marriage Story' (2019), and 'We Own This City' (2022).

Image: Netflix 

One of the strictest officers of the Arlong crew, Kuroobi is ruthlessly cruel and hates all humans.

Picture: Toei Animation Co.

Like his castmate Langley Kirkwood, this American actor has appeared in the series 'Warrior' (2023). We have also seen him in the Netflix show 'Ludik' (2022, image) and the movies 'Transformers: The Last Knight' (2017) and 'Tomb Raider' (2018).