September 1 Brings Heartbreak For One Piece Viewers
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Fans of the long-running One Piece franchise are in for a mixed month this September as several beloved specials and a film are set to leave Netflix’s streaming catalogue. While the departure of one title was already known, it turns out the exit will be larger than expected, with four entries in total disappearing from the platform. This news comes alongside ongoing discussions in the fan community about casting decisions for Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the series.
Fans had already been aware that Heart of Gold would be leaving on the first day of the month. Serving as a lead-in to One Piece Film: Gold, the TV special introduced characters and plot threads that carried over into the film. The cinematic follow-up, released in 2016, went on to gross over $70 million worldwide and remains well-regarded among fans for its larger-than-life worldbuilding.
Episode of Skypiea offers a shorter retelling of the Sky Island Saga, covering events from both the Jaya and Skypiea arcs. While the adaptation trims many details, it remains a favourite among fans looking for a more concise viewing experience.
Responding to the backlash, fellow cast member Rob Colletti defended the choice, stating, "Charithra was hand-selected by [franchise creator] Oda, and he has far more knowledge and understanding of his own characters than anyone else, particularly the hateful, unimaginative creeps who actually have the audacity to get on the internet to throw hate speech towards an actor without even seeing their absolutely amazing performance on the show."
Colletti also pointed to the cultural accuracy of the casting, adding, "But let's talk facts: 'Nefertari' is Egyptian. Where is Egypt? The Middle East. The kingdom of Alabasta draws heavily from Middle Eastern and Southern Asian culture. And you're complaining because the actor chosen to play the role... isn't white?! Do you know how ridiculous you sound?!... [Chandran] embodies EVERYTHING the heroes of One Piece are written to embody, and we are SO LUCKY to have her helping us tell this story."
Four Titles Set to Exit Streaming Catalogue
From the start of September, Netflix will no longer host four popular One Piece titles. These include the adventure-filled television special Heart of Gold, the big-screen spectacle One Piece Film: Gold, as well as two condensed retellings of major story arcs — Episode of East Blue – Luffy and His Four Crewmates’ Great Adventure and Episode of Skypiea.Fans had already been aware that Heart of Gold would be leaving on the first day of the month. Serving as a lead-in to One Piece Film: Gold, the TV special introduced characters and plot threads that carried over into the film. The cinematic follow-up, released in 2016, went on to gross over $70 million worldwide and remains well-regarded among fans for its larger-than-life worldbuilding.
The Success of One Piece Film: Gold
One Piece Film: Gold offered audiences a vibrant, high-stakes adventure in the opulent Gran Tesoro, introducing new characters and challenges for the Straw Hat Pirates. Critical reception has been generally favourable, with a 67% score from aggregated critic reviews and an audience approval rating of 82%, reflecting the film’s popularity among viewers. Its place in the One Piece legacy is cemented by its role in expanding the scale of the series’ storytelling.Revisiting the East Blue and Skypiea Arcs
Alongside the film, Netflix will remove two television specials that serve as abridged versions of earlier arcs in the anime. Episode of East Blue – Luffy and His Four Crewmates’ Great Adventure condenses the origin stories of the first five Straw Hat Pirates — Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji — from the East Blue Saga into a single narrative, giving both new and returning viewers a streamlined recap of their early journeys.Episode of Skypiea offers a shorter retelling of the Sky Island Saga, covering events from both the Jaya and Skypiea arcs. While the adaptation trims many details, it remains a favourite among fans looking for a more concise viewing experience.
Casting Discussions in the Live-Action Adaptation
The departure of these titles comes at a time when Netflix’s live-action One Piece series has been making headlines for reasons beyond its story. Casting announcements for the second season have sparked debates within the fanbase, particularly regarding Charithra Chandran’s role as Miss Wednesday.Responding to the backlash, fellow cast member Rob Colletti defended the choice, stating, "Charithra was hand-selected by [franchise creator] Oda, and he has far more knowledge and understanding of his own characters than anyone else, particularly the hateful, unimaginative creeps who actually have the audacity to get on the internet to throw hate speech towards an actor without even seeing their absolutely amazing performance on the show."
Colletti also pointed to the cultural accuracy of the casting, adding, "But let's talk facts: 'Nefertari' is Egyptian. Where is Egypt? The Middle East. The kingdom of Alabasta draws heavily from Middle Eastern and Southern Asian culture. And you're complaining because the actor chosen to play the role... isn't white?! Do you know how ridiculous you sound?!... [Chandran] embodies EVERYTHING the heroes of One Piece are written to embody, and we are SO LUCKY to have her helping us tell this story."
A Transitional Moment for One Piece Fans
While the removal of four titles from Netflix will leave a noticeable gap in the anime’s streaming availability, it also signals a period of transition for the franchise. With the live-action series moving forward and continued enthusiasm for the anime and films, One Piece remains a global cultural phenomenon. Fans may have to turn to alternative platforms to revisit these specials, but the buzz surrounding upcoming projects suggests that the Straw Hat Pirates’ adventures are far from slowing down.Next Story