Netflix Has a Shot at Redemption in One Piece Season 2 After Giving Mackenyu Underwhelming Zoro Fight Sequences

Netflix’s One Piece has been a rare success in the world of live-action anime adaptations. After many failures, the wonderfully directed and well-budgeted One Piece Live Action shines and targets a different kind of audience, further spreading the charms of One Piece.

The first season of the live-action show was great, but if there is one thing that needs to be pointed out, it is that they have to up the stakes when it comes to fight scenes, especially when it comes to one main character.

Although it is true that One Piece has a whole host of tropes and themes to offer, it is a Shonen, and action is a huge part of the story. Mackenyu’s Zoro is remarkably on point when it comes to demeanor but falls short with the action sequences.

Mackenyu’s Zoro falls short when it comes to fights

The Netflix One Piece live adaptation is bringing the spirit of Eiichiro Oda’s work to life while changing it to fit in with a different medium. It is understandable that not all parts of Oda’s imagination can translate well into a live adaptation.

This includes the moves that need a lot of flair, unnatural physiques, and even techniques that require a lot of CGI and are incredibly difficult to imitate. But the normal fight sequences are not a difficult hurdle for the series to move past.

The casting of the live-action was immaculate, and not just Iñaki Godoy for Luffy, Mackenyu’s portrayal of Roronoa Zoro stands out as one of the best choices as well.

The incredible calm and nonchalant vibe that Mackenyu brings to Zoro is evident and has a clear impact on the narrative as well. But it is surprising to see that the ‘warrior’ feeling that Zoro emanates cannot be embodied properly by Mackenyu.

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This may be because, unlike Zoro, who has a clear and exceptional mastery in combat and swordsmanship, Mackenyu’s fight scenes have been lackluster. This may have caused the impact of the character itself to fall.

Season 2 is the perfect opportunity to set things right

Zoro does engage in battle frequently in Season 1, and his most important fight is his duel with Dracule Mihawk, which was impactful but ended quickly.

It makes sense, considering Mihwak is the strongest swordsman in One Piece. But it does not make sense that the other fights do not embellish or bolster any confidence in Zoro’s abilities.

Compared to the other fights, they felt somewhat underwhelming. For instance, his encounters with the Black Cat Pirates, his involvement in the conflict with Buggy, and even his team-up with Sanji (although very hyped and entertaining) did not do a good job of assuring the viewers of his strength and abilities.

This can be remedied with Season 2 by giving Mackenyu ample space and opportunity to display Zoro’s raw skill in a solo fight in a way that can set a standard for Zoro as well as make up for this missing element.

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A good moment would be the adaptation of the Whiskey Peak arc in which we see Zoro taking on an entire group of Baroque Works agents solo. With this, Mackenyu can truly embody the spirit of Zoro.

You can stream One Piece and One Piece Live Action on Netflix.

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