After six years of dedication, Matt Owens, the co-showrunner behind Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece, has announced he’s stepping away from the series—temporarily. Owens, who played a crucial role in bringing the beloved manga to life, shared a heartfelt message with his fans on Instagram, revealing that he is taking a break to focus on his well-being.
“Working on One Piece has been a life-changing journey. A dream come true. But it’s also been a lot. So, I’ve decided to step away from the Going Merry for a bit, take some time for myself, focus on my mental health… I’m going to rest, recharge, and come back stronger for the adventures ahead,” Owens said in his post. His break, while necessary, is not permanent, and he plans to return when he’s ready to continue his work.
Owens’ departure comes as a shock to many fans who have praised the intricate details and hidden references in the first season, thanks to his deep knowledge of Eiichiro Oda’s universe. However, the show’s future remains intact, as his partner, Steven Maeda, stays on as co-showrunner, and the talented Joe Tracz, who joined the team for season 2, will now collaborate with Maeda moving forward.
Filming for season 2 wrapped up in December, and the episodes are currently in post-production. While we won’t see the new season until late 2025 or early 2026, Mackenyu (who plays Zoro) hinted that season 3 might be fast-tracked, with the team already gearing up for the next installment.
One Piece : How It Saved Matt Owens
What makes Owens’ story even more compelling is the personal connection he has with One Piece. For Owens, the series was more than just a project—it was a lifeline. In a 2023 interview with Deadline, Owens shared how the manga helped him through a dark time in his life.
“There was a time in my early twenties when I had just moved to Los Angeles, trying to break into the film and TV industry, and I was feeling really down. I thought it was the right time to start One Piece because there were hundreds of episodes, and I didn’t have anything else to do. I discovered it at a very low point in my life, but it helped me get out of that rut because One Piece is such a wonderful, positive, and inspiring series.”
The impact of One Piece on Owens is clear, and it’s a testament to the power of storytelling in all its forms. For many, One Piece isn’t just an anime or manga—it’s a source of hope, inspiration, and joy. With a rating of 4.2/5 on AlloCiné, the live-action adaptation has been met with enthusiastic reception, and if its success continues, it could see many more seasons to come.
In conclusion, One Piece is proving to be not just a pop culture phenomenon but a deeply personal journey for those involved. With Owens taking a well-deserved break, the series continues to thrive, and fans are eager to see where the story takes them next. As the live-action series gains more momentum, the future looks bright for both the production and its loyal viewers.
