Netflix’s live-action One Piece was a smash hit, proving that anime adaptations can work if given the proper care. With season two already confirmed, it is only a matter of time before more iconic characters join Luffy’s crew. The Straw Hats are nowhere near complete, and as they venture into the Grand Line, they are going to need bigger personalities to match the energy of the source material. Thankfully, there are some amazing actors who should step into these legendary roles.
Since One Piece is a very successful series, it is not unrealistic to want some A-list actors in the upcoming seasons. If One Piece could bring larger-than-life characters to life, then it could certainly do the same for the actors. Whether it is a perfect lookalike, an actor with the right vibe, or just someone who would be an absolute blast in the role, there are several actors who need to join the One Piece live-action adaptation next.
7 Franky – Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Franky Needs to Be Played by Someone Larger-Than-Life
Franky, Straw Hats' shipwright, is a larger-than-life character with an equally massive personality. He is loud, boisterous, and is literally built like a tank, which is why Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is the perfect choice. Johnson's charisma would bring Franky’s over-the-top antics to life, and to be honest, he already has the physique for it.
Seeing The Rock decked out in Franky’s signature star tattoos, rocking blue hair, and screaming "SUPER!" would be nothing short of legendary. His comedic timing and action-star prowess make him an ideal choice, even if the idea of him joining a Netflix series feels like a fever dream.
6 Great Trafalgar Law – Timothée Chalamet
Trafalgar Law Needs to be Played By a Well-Loved Actor
Trafalgar Law is one of the coolest characters in One Piece, with his laid-back but deadly aura. He is also a fan favorite, which means he needs an actor who can match his effortless charisma. Timothée Chalamet has the brooding intensity to pull it off, and his experience playing complex, emotionally charged characters like Paul Atreides from Dune would lend itself well to Law’s backstory.
Law’s connection to the Heart Pirates and his tragic past would give Chalamet plenty to work with. Plus, his natural slender build would make him look right at home in Law’s signature long coat and spotted hat. He might not be the most obvious pick, but he would bring depth to the role.
5 Boa Hancock – Gal Gadot
Boa Hancock is Beautiful and Confident, Just Like Gadot
Boa Hancock, the Empress of Amazon Lily, is known for her breathtaking beauty and overwhelming presence. Gal Gadot has the looks, poise, and action experience to bring the Pirate Empress to life. As Wonder Woman, Gadot proved she can play a powerful yet graceful warrior, which makes her a perfect fit for Hancock.
Boa Hancock’s arrogance and obsession with Luffy could also be fun to see Gadot play, giving her a chance to show off a more comedic side to her acting abilities. Her ability to switch from regal elegance to infatuated schoolgirl would be important in capturing Hancock’s unique personality.
4 Enel – Bill Skarsgård
Enel is an Eccentric Villain and Bill Bill Skarsgård Is Known for Those Types of Roles
Enel, the self-proclaimed god of Skypiea, is one of One Piece's most eccentric and overpowered villains. His unsettling presence and god complex make him a unique challenge to cast, but Bill Skarsgård is up to the task. After playing Pennywise in It, Skarsgård has proven he can be both creepy and captivating.
Enel's wide-eyed expressions and unsettling smile would be right up Skarsgård’s alley. His ability to play unpredictable, larger-than-life villains makes him an ideal fit. Plus, his tall, lean frame would work perfectly with Enel’s design, making the live-action adaptation feel even more surreal.
3 Jinbe – Dave Bautista
One Piece's Former Fish-Man Warlord Would Be Perfect in the Hands of Bautista
Jinbe, the Fish-Man Karate master and former Warlord, is one of the most honorable members of One Piece's Straw Hats. He is a powerhouse with a deep sense of loyalty, and there is no better actor to bring him to life than Dave Bautista. With his experience in action films and his background as a wrestler, Bautista has both the physicality and the acting skills to do Jinbe justice.
Jinbe is not just a brute, he is wise, calm, and deeply philosophical. Bautista has already shown his ability to balance action and emotion in roles like Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy, making him a perfect choice for the noble fish-man.
2 Ron Perlman – Kaido
If the One Piece Live-Action Wants To Succeed, It Needs a Good Kaido
Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, is a monstrous force of nature who is very dominant. Ron Perlman, known for his roles in Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy, has the gravelly voice and sheer presence to bring the Beast King to life. With his deep voice and imposing stature, Perlman would be an absolute scene-stealer as Kaido.
Kaido's mix of brute strength and surprisingly charismatic moments requires someone who can effortlessly shift between destruction and entertainment. Perlman’s experience playing hardened, larger-than-life characters makes him an excellent choice to portray One Piece’s most fearsome villain yet.
1 Perona – Anya Taylor-Joy
Perona was Tailor-Made for Anya Taylor-Joy
Perona, the ghost princess of Thriller Bark, is delightfully spooky and a bit of a brat. Anya Taylor-Joy, with her almost magical presence and gothic appeal, would be a fantastic fit for the role. With roles in films and series like The Queen’s Gambit and The Witch under her belt, she has the range to make Perona both eerie and hilarious.
Perona’s interactions with Zoro and her signature "Negative Ghosts" attack require an actress who can balance playfulness with menace. Taylor-Joy has an undeniable screen presence that would make Perona’s gothic aesthetic and mischievous personality stand out in the One Piece live-action.
