Big news has come out for fans of Netflix's much-loved live-action series "One Piece". Series co-showrunner Matt Owens recently announced that he is stepping down from the project to focus on his mental health and personal life.
In an emotional post shared on Instagram on Friday, Owens described the past six years as "a dream come true" but also admitted that it has been "a lot" for him.
Owens wrote, "Working on the live-action One Piece has been a life-changing journey for me. It was an experience that inspired me creatively, but now it's time for me to take a step back. I'm stepping out of Going Merry so I can recharge myself."
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He thanked series creator Eiichiro Oda, publisher Shueisha, Tomorrow Studio, Netflix and the entire team for their support and hard work. In the post, he also revealed that he will now take some time for therapy, try to rank up in the video game "Marvel Rivals", and prepare for new adventures.
Matt Owens has been involved with this live-action adaptation since the beginning. In Season 1, he worked closely with Steven Maeda (who is also the executive producer), while in Season 2 he took on the role of co-showrunner with Joe Tracz.
Fans believe that Owens' passion for "One Piece" is what makes the show so special. Despite his departure, the official "One Piece" Instagram account paid tribute to him, saying, "You have set us on a special path, and we are grateful for that."
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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Joe Tracz will now single-handedly take charge of the production of the series. Currently, the second season of "One Piece" is in the post-production stage, and fans are eagerly waiting for its next chapter. However, there is no official announcement of the release date of Season 2 yet.
Owens' career has been impressive even before "One Piece." He has been a writer for popular series like ABC's Marvel series "Agents of SHIELD" and Netflix's "Luke Cage." His talent and dedication have earned him a special place in the entertainment industry.
Fans are now discussing how Owens' absence will affect the direction of Season 2. But one thing is for sure—his contributions will always be a foundation of "One Piece's" success. Are you ready for the Straw Hat Pirates' next adventure? Let us know in the comments!