Young stars’ impacts are becoming more and more prominent in the entertainment industry, and two names that frequently come up in conversation are Xolo Maridueña and Millie Bobby Brown. However, the spotlight may soon be shifting to Iñaki Godoy, the actor portraying Monkey D. Luffy in Netflix’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of One Piece.
While everyone’s been buzzing about stars like Cobra Kai’s Xolo Maridueña and Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown, Godoy is expected to reach comparable, if not higher, heights thanks to his portrayal of the infamous pirate captain.
Iñaki Godoy and the Global Impact of One Piece
Created by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece is far more than a typical anime or manga. It holds a legendary status with over 500 million copies sold worldwide and an anime series that has been running for over two decades. For many, Monkey D. Luffy is the ultimate underdog hero because of the story of his adventures that have fascinated audiences for years. Although taking on this iconic role comes with a lot of pressure, Iñaki Godoy appears more than up to the task.
What separates this Mexican actor from other rising stars is not only the magnitude of the role he’s playing but the fanbase he’s inheriting. One Piece fans are fiercely loyal and have invested years in the series, so naturally, expectations for the live-action adaptation are high.
@onepiecenetflix has shared a reel on Instagram of fans surprising Godoy on his 21st birthday on 25th August. Godoy seemed genuinely moved by the heartfelt birthday wishes, and amidst the crowd, someone could be heard shouting,
He’s the king of Pirates!!
Seems like Godoy has already embodied the character of Monkey D. Luffy among the fans. The character is iconic, and any actor playing him needs to have not only the physical ability to pull off Luffy’s daring stunts but also the charisma, heart, and goofy charm that make him so beloved. And judging by fan reactions so far, Iñaki Godoy is absolutely nailing it. In fact, Oda himself has praised Godoy’s portrayal of Luffy, which is no small compliment given how protective the creator is of his characters.
The Road Ahead for Iñaki Godoy with One Piece
What makes this all the more exciting is the potential longevity of Godoy’s involvement with the franchise. Since there are still hundreds of chapters and episodes in One Piece to adapt, Godoy will probably have a lengthy career with the series if it is successful. Godoy will have more opportunities to keep expanding his profile in the industry the longer the program runs.
Moreover, Iñaki Godoy’s infectious enthusiasm for the project also shines through in interviews. He genuinely loves the role and is dedicated to bringing Luffy’s spirit to life. That passion is going to resonate with fans, especially in a series that’s so deeply beloved. While Xolo Maridueña and Millie Bobby Brown have had their iconic roles; One Piece fans are fiercely loyal, and Luffy’s popularity is only going to make Godoy’s popularity grow tenfold in the future.
There’s no doubt that One Piece is about to change Iñaki Godoy’s life forever. His talent, combined with the overwhelming popularity of the franchise, places him in a unique position to become one of Hollywood’s brightest new stars.
One Piece Live-Action is currently available to watch on Netflix.
