One live-action adaptation has taken the central stage, drawing attention from both die-hard fans and curious newcomers alike. As the One Piece cast steps into the spotlight, an interesting phenomenon has emerged in the realm of social media. While some actors may have been expected to lead the pack in terms of online popularity, the results have proven to be quite surprising as it is not Emily Rudd or Iñaki Godoy.
In the entertainment industry, anime adaptations have become a hot commodity in recent years. Streaming platforms and production companies are increasingly turning to beloved manga and anime series, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways. This trend attracted audiences worldwide, bridging the gap between animated favorites and live-action spectacles.
Unexpected Frontrunner of One Piece Cast’s Popularity Race
When it comes to social media following, Mackenyu Arata, who portrays Roronoa Zoro, has emerged as the unexpected leader among the Straw Hat crew. The Japanese-American actor, known for his roles in Rurouni Kenshin and Pacific Rim: Uprising, has amassed an impressive following across various platforms, outpacing his co-stars.
Mackenyu’s recent fantasy film, Knights of the Zodiac left many questioning because of its failure. But his performance as the Pirate Hunter could be vital, not just for the Netflix series’ success, but for his career trajectory too. If he can achieve Zoro’s complex personality balancing stoicism with movements of levity, he may finally achieve the breakthrough that eluded him in the KOTZ.
However, Mackenyu’s current Instagram account boasts over 5 million followers, significantly surpassing Emily Rudd‘s 3.1 million and Iñaki Godoy‘s 2.8 million. On Twitter, Mackenyu’s reach also extends to 1 million followers. This surprising development has caught many by surprise, considering the initial buzz surrounding Rudd’s portrayal of Nami and Godoy’s charismatic take on Luffy.
The Power of International Appeal
Mackenyu’s dominance in social media circles can be attributed to his unique position between Eastern- Japanese and Western- Hollywood entertainment industries. This broad appeal has undoubtedly contributed to his social media success, as fans from various countries flock to follow his updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the One Piece live-action production.
While Rudd and Godoy have certainly made their mark with their performances and have a growing fanbase, his pre-established popularity in Asia, particularly in Japan and China, has given him a significant head start in the social media race.
As Netflix’s One Piece series continues to gain traction worldwide, it will be interesting to see how the social media landscape evolves for the cast. Will Mackenyu maintain his lead, or will his co-stars catch up as their global recognition grows?
One Piece live-action is available to watch on Netflix.
