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Smoker is set to play a crucial antagonist role in Season 2 of the One Piece live-action series.
Matt Owens serves as the screenwriter and executive producer for the live-action adaptation of One Piece. In an interview, Owens revealed intriguing details about the live-action rendition of Smoker.
1. During the filming of Smoker scenes at the end of Season 1, Matt Owens was absent
As Hollywood film and TV screenwriters initiated a strike on May 2, the live-action adaptation of One Piece was still in post-production. Although Owens noted they were nearly finished with the project, certain aspects like visual effects and final music remained incomplete when the strike began.
Matt Owens admitted he only watched the final cut of One Piece after the world had already seen it, at the time the series was streamed on Netflix.
The introductory scenes featuring Mihawk portray characters battling on the beach, Owens is fully appreciated when binge-watching the series on Netflix.
The production manager himself disclosed his absence during the filming of the masked character Smoker in the season finale. He only truly witnessed that scene when the series was available on Netflix.
2. Smoker is being prepared to become an extremely significant character for season 2
Owens states: 'The character at the end of the series holds immense importance in the upcoming season. As Garp said to Luffy, he must fend for himself. While Garp could be the navy checking on Luffy. Not all marines will grant Luffy freedom just because of who his grandfather is. So, we'll see this steadfast and determined marine (Smoker) as the main antagonist in season 2's narrative.'
3. The actor for the role of Smoker has yet to be decided
Although Smoker was glimpsed from behind at the end of season 1, the male actor portraying this character has not been chosen yet.
When asked if the selection process for Smoker began before the SAG-AFTRA strike, Owens stated no decision has been made yet. Not only due to the ongoing strike but also because they are still in the early stages of this process.
Furthermore, Owens later confirmed that he has not yet engaged in casting for part 2.
