Key Takeaways:
– Joe Manganiello joins cast of One Piece live-action season 2 as Crocodile.
– Fans are concerned about his portrayal of Crocodile's smoking habit.
– Crocodile's smoking habit is a crucial part of his villainous character.
– Manga creator Eiichiro Oda removed the smoking element in the 4Kids dub version of the series.
– Netflix follows a strict policy of using smoking only for “reasons of historical or factual accuracy”.
Joe Manganiello, the acclaimed actor recognized from Magic Mike, will be stepping into the shoes of Crocodile, one of the main antagonists in One Piece live-action season 2. We've known Manganiello to be a phenomenal actor, and it's exciting to see him morph into the much-loved anime character. However, there's one aspect that leaves fans with an air of concern about his portrayal.
Crocodile's Symbolic Cigar Smoking: A Key Character Trait
Crocodile has been a consistent character in One Piece, making his introduction during the second saga and remaining vital in the narrative till now. The cigar-smoking habit of Crocodile is considered a significant part of his identity. It amplifies his villainous aura and exhibits his arrogant demeanor.
Crocodile's appearance with a cigar, despite not being heavily focused on, has always complemented his character as the former warlord and the leader of Baroque. Manga creator Eiichiro Oda had to omit this feature in the 4Kids dub version of the series but ensured that in the main series, Crocodile is always seen with a cigar.
The Problem: Manganiello's Realistic Portrayal Amid Netflix's No-Smoking Policy
There is no denying that Manganiello's performance as Crocodile will be high-octane. However, fans fear that he might not be able to accurately replicate Crocodile's complete look and attire. The cigar, a central part of Crocodile's character, might not make it onscreen owing to Netflix's stringent policy that allows depicting smoking for “reasons of historical or factual accuracy” only.
Earlier, a similar situation unfolded with the character Sanji, played by Taz Skylar. Sanji's character also had a trait of being a heavy smoker; however, this got axed in the live-action adaptation. The deviation sparked criticism from one piece fans, causing a ripple effect impacting Skylar's characterization.
The Way Forward: Addressing the Smoking-Relevant Criticism
Looking at the past backlash, the creators need to address this potential concern proactively. They can either bring about a justification for Crocodile's cigar-smoking habit or think of an ingenious way to retain the essence of the character without showing direct images of smoking. This will help ensure that Manganiello's performance as Crocodile in the upcoming season receives the appreciation it deserves.
With these swirling speculations, only time will tell how Manganiello's Crocodile confronts the no-smoking rule of Netflix. Will the creators find a middle ground or will Crocodile's character see another significant modification? Until then, the fans can do nothing but eagerly wait for the release of One Piece live-action season 2 on Netflix.
The live-action adaptation of the massively popular manga and anime series showcases how new-age streaming platforms are expanding their horizons. By casting remarkable actors like Manganiello and bringing larger-than-life anime characters alive, they are opening up new realms for storytelling. Let's see how this narrative unfolds!
