They say when the internet speaks, you should listen, especially when you’re casting people for upcoming shows.
True, the internet has a bad track record for choices and the vast majority definitely shouldn’t get their way all the time. But, there are instances when the fans, the actor they’re vouching for, and the role, all blend so perfectly that it would be blasphemous to cast anyone else.
Case in point, Jamie Lee Curtis as Doctor Kureha in One Piece.
Jamie Lee Curtis, an Oscar-winning actress, and known aficionado of One Piece may soon find herself sailing with the Straw Hat Pirates. Following the success of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece, there’s mounting speculation about Curtis potentially securing a role in the anticipated second season.
It’s no secret that Curtis is a dedicated fan of the One Piece series. On multiple occasions, she’s publicly expressed her deep affection for the story and has even gone on record saying that she dreams of being a part of this beloved world. Fans of the show have long desired to see Curtis portray Dr. Kureha, a prominent character known as the sage medical practitioner who mentored Tony Tony Chopper, and the tides might have just turned in their favor.
Recently, Curtis reignited the conversation with a declaration on Instagram. Addressing her commitment to support the current AMTPT strike, she pledged to actively lobby for the role of Doctor Kureha once the dispute finds resolution. This proclamation garnered significant traction, resulting in one of the showrunners of One Piece, Matt Owens, responding with an encouraging message. The exchange between the two, bubbling with enthusiasm and anticipation, has amplified fan excitement.
The character Dr. Kureha holds a special place in One Piece. As a seasoned doctor residing in Drum Island, she took the young Tony Tony Chopper under her wing, guiding him in the realm of medical treatment after the demise of Hiriluk. As the head of the Isshi-100, a consortium of Drum Island’s elite doctors, Kureha stands out not only for her expertise but also for her deep-seated bond with Chopper, making her an ally of the Straw Hat Pirates.
One Piece, since its live-action debut on Netflix, has taken the platform by storm. Garnering a staggering 37.8 million views within a fortnight of its launch, the show made its presence felt globally, clinching the Top 10 spot in 93 countries and ranking first in 46. The ensemble cast, featuring talents such as Inaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, and Taz Skylar, has brilliantly brought to life the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his band of pirates. The roaring success of Season 1 has naturally set the stage for an encore, with fans eagerly awaiting new developments and character introductions.
While the official details surrounding the second season remain closely guarded, certain inferences can be drawn based on the source material. If the series continues to faithfully mirror its anime counterpart, viewers can anticipate pivotal arcs like the Drum Island storyline, introducing vital characters such as the reindeer doctor, Tony Tony Chopper, and possibly the desert island of Alabasta, home to numerous allies and adversaries of the Straw Hat Pirates.
This year, Curtis celebrated her first Academy Award victory for her riveting performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once, reinforcing her prowess as an actor. Her recent portrayal of Laurie Strode in Halloween Ends marked the end of an iconic character arc, and with ventures like Haunted Mansion and the forthcoming Borderlands movie, her slate remains impressively versatile.
The live-action One Piece series has already proven its merit, merging the whimsical charm of its source material with a tangible allure of real-world cinema. As fans and stakeholders alike hold their breath, awaiting the culmination of the SAF-AFTRA strike, the potential casting of Curtis in this cherished universe serves as a beacon of excitement.
Time will tell how this venture unfolds, but the horizon looks promising.
Speaking of promising, the showrunners are hoping that Netflix will let them adapt the entirety of One Piece into live-action, spanning roughly a dozen seasons spread over a decade.
