5 things Netflix’s One Piece might want to rework or leave out

Netflix’s live‑action One Piece was a major success, and fans are anticipating Season 2 (expected to release in 2026), and the series has been greenlit for Season 3 as well! As the show is doing well, the team has the chance to polish its approach.

Season 1 already made important changes by removing or adjusting parts of the manga that didn’t work on screen. As the story continues, Netflix has room to trim more of these weaker sections to maintain a smooth and engaging narrative for all viewers.

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The show should keep Sanji’s flirtatious side within limits

In One Piece Season 1, Netflix toned down Sanji’s extreme obsession with women, turning him into more of a lighthearted flirt than a creepy pervert. This was praised because the original manga and anime often went too far, especially in the Fishman Island arc, where his constant nosebleeds felt over the top.

The manga’s portrayal of Sanji’s perversion is viewed as distracting or unpleasant by many, so sustaining the toned-down version will conserve his likability and loyalty as he focuses on cooking.

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If the Fishman Island arc arrives, Hody’s weakness needs fixing

When the crew fights Hody Jones and his pirates, it is clear in the manga that Hody should have been a serious threat underwater. But the anime portrayed Hody as weak by letting Zoro defeat him early, which frustrated the fans.

If Netflix reaches the Fishman Island arc, they should avoid repeating this mistake. Giving Hody more credibility in their fight will preserve tension and make the battle feel earned and exciting.

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The underwear joke from Brook's character should be removed entirely

Another character in One Piece known for his perversion is Brook, whose running gag is asking to see women's underwear. The joke is awkward and might make sense in anime, but it does not fit well in live action.

Netflix wisely cut down and changed Sanji's character, and the show would benefit from removing Brook’s joke, as well. Brook can be funny and loyal without relying on awkward, outdated humor that may make viewers uncomfortable.

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Another weak arc that should stay off-screen is the Davy Back Fight

The Davy Back Fight involves playful contests between the Straw Hats and Foxy’s crew. It’s a brief, fun part of the manga, but not essential to the main narrative. The anime padded it out with extra episodes, making it slower, which affected the pacing of the series.

In a show with limited time and budget, this arc can either be skipped or reduced. Keeping the main adventure tidy helps maintain the pacing without diverting to unimportant side events.

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While approaching Alabasta, Pell’s fake death needs to be handled better

In the manga’s Alabasta arc, Pell appears to sacrifice himself by flying a bomb away, only to later survive off-screen, a twist many fans considered cheap and meaningless. As evidenced by Reddit discussions online within the fandom, Netflix should either have Pell die for real or avoid the fake-out entirely.

The live-action version already made Merry’s death matter by removing ambiguity; therefore, adjusting Pell’s scene would mirror the strong emotional storytelling.

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The five suggested changes, including keeping Sanji’s and Brook's twisted, charming nature in check, strengthening Hody’s threat, skipping pointless contests, and treating Pell’s fate seriously, will aid Netflix’s One Piece to remain focused and engaging.

Keeping the first season's edits in mind and avoiding weaker moments from the manga, the live-action series can continue meeting fan expectations while narrating a clear, coherent story for both new and long-time viewers.

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