While the fans are eagerly waiting for Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation season 2, they are also anticipating the changes the series will make in the Alabasta saga of the original anime and manga series. As the live-action versions are bound to make some modifications in the story or the characters, just like in season 1, no one knows whether these changes would be appreciated by fans or if they would be upset over it.
In season 1 of One Piece live-action, most of the changes were accepted by fans, but some may not be appreciated as much. The biggest one among them was Arlong’s arrival at Baratie and his early introduction. This scene was new and was not present in the anime or the manga.
However, One Piece Showrunner Steven Maeda knew that this huge change in the story would surely upset fans, but it was a bold move to introduce Arlong early and the creators including Oda were ready to risk it. He explained how the decision was made and Oda blessed it too.
Arlong’s Early Introduction At Baratie in One Piece Live-Action
The last pirate captain that the main character, Monkey D. Luffy, faced in the East Blue saga at the Baratie was Don Krieg in the original One Piece manga/anime plot. Nonetheless, Don Krieg and his pointless battle with Luffy were cut, giving more memorable and significant antagonists like Mihawk and Arlong more screen time.
Because of this, Netflix was able to see Luffy and Arlong fight on the Baratie, a scene that was not included in the original anime. The map ends up with him after he destroys the crew. In the manga, this encounter does not occur.
However, as Arlong held much importance in the later part of the series, his introduction much earlier helped the series reduce the extra time the story would have taken later on. While this change was not much appreciated by fans, it did help the series compact the storyline into 8 episodes.
Steven Maeda Knew Fans Would Be Upset Over Arlong’s Early Introduction
In an interview with Variety during the time of the release of the series’ first season, Showrunner Maeda talked about the changes done in the series. He explained how one of the biggest debates would be about the early introduction of Arlong at Baratie and his fight with Luffy. He said:
“One that I’m sure will be debated endlessly was not leaning into the character of Don Krieg and bringing Arlong up as the Big Bad of the first season. We made these decisions, and Oda blessed it, to bring Arlong to Baratie, introduce him earlier than he is in the manga.”
He also explained that when they decided on Arlong, they went to Oda for approval and Oda blessed the decision which gave them the final green light to bring Arlong early in the series.
According to Maeda, this was done to pick things up in the final two episodes, making Arlong the main antagonist of the first season.
