The legendary Eiichiro Oda's manga, One Piece, is coming soon to Netflix in a live-action adaptation.

After four years since making its initial announcement, Variety reported that Netflix issued a 10-episode order for the project. Veteran Steven Maeda, whose credits include The X Files and Day Break, is the showrunner and executive producer for the highly anticipated series.

The live-action series follows in the footsteps of Netflix's live-action adaptation of the popular anime series Cowboy Bebop, premiering on November 19.

On September 3, 2021, Netflix officially unveiled the script for the first episode written by Matt Owens and Steven Maeda, titled "Romance Dawn." 

Netflix does not yet have a release date, but the streaming giant recently released a message revealing that they were working towards finalizing the release date.

But Netflix did recently announce its cast for the live-action adaptation. 

Iñaki Godoy (Who Killed Sara?) is starring as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu (Ruroni Kenshin: Final Chapter) as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd (Fear Street) as Nami, Jacob Romero Gibson (All Rise) as Usopp, and Taz Skylar (Boiling Point) as Sanji. 

Mackenyu Maeda's Acting Journey

Mackenyu Maeda, known simply as Mackenyu, will be starring as Zoro, and some might recognize him from Pacific Rim. He is of Japanese-American ethnicity and was born in Los Angeles to parents Tamami and Sonny Chiba. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mackenyu (@mackenyu.1116)

In 2005, he debuted in a mini-television series called Team Astro and a Japanese feature film Oyaji (2007). But after watching the legendary late actor Haruma Miura in the live-action adaptation of Genjo Senki, he was inspired to pursue a career in acting.  

He landed roles in several projects before he moved to Japan to improve his acting skills. 

Mackenyu's breakthrough came in 2015 as his role earned him the Best Supporting Actor at the Asians on Film Awards in the feature film called Tadaima. A year later, he starred in Chihayafuru parts one and two, winning him the Newcomer of the Year award and earning him nominations for Best New Artist and Best New Actor.

However, the most famous role in his career so far is Yukishiro Enishi, the main villain in the final part of the Rurouni Kenshin movie saga.

Mackenyu Maeda's Live-Action Movies

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mackenyu (@mackenyu.1116)

The actor has appeared in dozens of movies and series, including several live actions ones. One Piece will not be Mackenyu's first live-action series. 

In 2015, he landed the role of Eiji Tomari/ Kamen Rider in the live-action movie based on the popular manga Kamen Rider Drive: Surprise Future, created by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori. He also starred in the live version of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable - Chapter 1.

And now he will be adding One Piece to his credits. The 24-year-old took to Instagram to express his excitement, writing, "I am thrilled to announce that I'll be playing ZORO in the upcoming live action Netflix series ONE PIECE."

With plenty of experience and accolades, fans have no doubts that the actor will deliver in the upcoming live-action series.