In 2023, Hollywood woke up to the charm of young Mexican actor Iñaki Godoy who played the role of Monkey D. Luffy in the Netflix live action series, One Piece. Based on the popular Japanese manga series, the fantasy adventure show saw Godoy become a huge rage with teenagers and young adults all over the world.
The star who was known for appearing predominantly in Mexican movies, became an overnight sensation following the huge success of the show. With his fan base becoming bigger everyday, the actor spoke about the effects of stardom and why he believed that being relatable and accessible to fans was his preferred MO.
Iñaki Godoy Has A Realistic Approach To Fame
As the young pirate captain of the Straw Hat Pirates leading a quest for a coveted treasure, Iñaki Godoy’s performance as Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece became a huge favorite with manga fans. Based on the Japanese animated series of the same name, the live action Netflix show which aired in 2023, became a big hit with viewers globally.
The series also introduced audiences to Godoy’s talent and catapulted him to fame overnight. The 20-year-old Mexican actor though, seems to be handling the adulation and life in the public glare without breaking into a sweat. In an interview with Teen Vogue, the star spoke of fame as an extension of his job, and being accessible to his fans was an important part of that.
Godoy believed that spending time with his fans, signing autographs, and taking pictures with them which usually points to a lack of privacy for a celebrity, were things that he welcomed. He believed that he owed it to his audience for the love they had for his character.
“I understand that Luffy and One Piece and my work mean something to people and I respect that and I take care of the people that love what we do.”
The actor revealed that he was not nervous or apprehensive about taking on this role as he was chosen by people who believed in his talent and ability to do justice to the part.
The Clincher That Made Eiichiro Oda Cast Iñaki Godoy in One Piece
The Japanese manga series One Piece which was adapted into a Netflix live action show, was the brainchild of superlative manga artist Eiichiro Oda who also served as the creative consultant for the 2023 series. Starring Mexican teenager Iñaki Godoy as the central protagonist Monkey D. Luffy, the show became a big hit with audiences worldwide.
One Piece also remained faithful to Oda’s original story and busted the myth that Hollywood was incapable of adapting Japanese material into the western landscape. A defining factor of this success was due to Godoy’s excellent performance as the central protagonist.
Oda in an interview with Teen Vogue, spoke of the laborious and extensive audition process in which he went through thousands of probables before zoning in on Godoy. Speaking of the spark that drew him towards the Mexican star and gave him the assurance that he was perfect for the role, the artist said,
“When I first created Luffy, I drew the most energetic child I could imagine: a normal child on the outside, but not at all normal on the inside. Iñaki was just like the person I drew; he felt absolutely natural.”
Oda’s instincts turned out to be spot on with One Piece gaining great success on the shoulders of its main character played to perfection by Godoy.
One Piece is streaming on Netflix.
