Eiichiro Oda acknowledged the phenomenal work by Emily Rudd in Netflix’s One Piece with a great gesture. The co-producer of the Live-Action and mangaka of the top shonen series gifted the actress an illustration of Nami, signed by himself and other artists.
Nami is the second member of the Straw Hat Pirates. She appears at the beginning of the manga, exchanging glances with Monkey D. Luffy as they escape Alvida’s ship, while her actual addition is presented in the Orange Town arc. The tangerine-haired girl is most notable as a cat burglar apart from being the navigator of the Straw Hats.
Emily Rudd perfected the character’s personality and deceptive nature, conveying Nami’s internal struggle as she was trapped in serving Arlong but also cared for Luffy’s crew. It is no surprise that One Piece renewed Netflix’s interest in anime adaptations after such brilliant performances.
Emily Rudd Got A Most Memorable Gift By Eiichiro Oda
Emily Rudd may not have had the best of auditions but she has been widely praised for nailing the role of Nami in Netflix’s One Piece. Avoiding the cartoonish depiction while still keeping originality, she accurately portrayed Nami’s breakdown during the Straw Hat Crew’s march to Arlong Park. Her character dynamic with Sanji has also been explored.
Rudd will be part of more iconic scenes in the upcoming scenes, especially after she gets the Clima-Tact weapon from Usopp. The navigator, possessing no Devil Fruit or fighting skills, will lock horns with fearsome opponents but manage to defeat them with strategic maneuvering and cunning.
The SAG-AFTRA Strike has ended, bringing good news about the development of One Piece Season 2. Instagram account Emily Rudd was happy that the actor strike had finally and posted a ‘One Piece dump’ on her. Among the many photos from the casting sessions, Rudd also posted a picture of the artwork given to her by Eiichiro Oda.
Oda really drew an illustration of Nami for Emily Rudd pic.twitter.com/IMH2vHAu8D
— nami daily 🍊 (@namidailyyy) November 10, 2023
Nami is at the center of the illustration, being her usual playful and bratty self by sticking her tongue out. In the background are five different signatures while Eiichiro Oda’s name is beneath Nami’s sketch. Obtaining an original artwork, let alone by the esteemed One Piece mangaka, is a badge of honor and one that Rudd will cherish throughout her time working for the live-action series.
Emily Rudd Recounted Her First Meeting With One Piece Mangaka Eiichiro Oda
Nami has a special place in the heart of Eiichiro Oda. In a way, it was through his fictional character that he was able to meet the love of his life. Oda married a former model who portrayed the role of Nami during a JUMP FESTA stage show that occurred in 2003.
Also Read: Eiichiro Oda Got Married to Real-Life Nami After One Piece Mangaka Met Her on a Stage Show
Emily Rudd had the opportunity to meet with the legendary mangaka when things began rolling for the One Piece Live-Action. Rudd was a bit nervous about meeting a man of that stature, terming Oda to be ‘kind of’ a God, as revealed during an interview:
“I also was able to meet Oda Sensei and it was easily the most scared I’ve ever been in my whole life. He’s a lovely dude, but, he’s kind of like a god, you know? So, I was like, ‘Oh man, I can’t. Hello, it’s so nice to meet you,’ I’m like just shaking.”
Reprising her role as Nami for Season 2, Emily Rudd will play a big role in the upcoming Alabasta arc. Her leadership qualities will be highlighted when she is made responsible for protecting Nefertari Vivi from the forces of Crocodile, one of the Warlords of the Sea.
