Ahead of the One Piece remake, an anime studio head gives one reason why it’s going back to the start after 1,100 episodes
Jul. 2, 2024A very ’90s problem
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After over 1,100 episodes and 25 years on the air, One Pieceis set to be remade by Attack on Titan’s Studio Wit for Netflix.
Now, Studio Wit and Production IG president Takeshi Wada has addressed one of the potential reasons why the legendary anime is getting a makeover for modern audiences – and it’s a problem that might be familiar to those obsessed with ‘90s anime.
Japanese outletReal Soundpointed out to Wada that the original series is in a 4:3 format – something that those watching today will instantly recognize and perhaps be troubled by, thanks to the vertical black bars on the sides of the screen for anyone watching on a widescreen display.
In response, Wada said (via machine translation): “For young people who are used to watching today’s animation due to technological innovation, some may find it difficult to watch the images from 25 years ago, when One Piece started its animation broadcast, because of the different [ratio] format.”
Despite this, there are no reservations from original studio Toei Animation. Wada even revealed a good luck message for Wit as it continues its own journey on the Grand Line – after over 1000 episodes and counting.
“Toei Animation told us, ‘Please give it your all and we will continue to work hard on the latest episodes.’ I imagine that the manga, anime, and live-action overlap as we move forward and expand One Piece.”
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For more from the biggest new anime around, check out our guides to theDemon Slayer Infinity Castle movie trilogyandOne-Punch Man season 3.
I’m the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you’ll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.
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