Edited By
Carlos Mendoza

As One Piece gains traction in its live-action adaptation, followers are buzzing about potential shooting locations for upcoming seasons. The talk surrounds whether the crew could venture outside South Africa to film in regions closer to the anime's iconic settings.
Several fans show enthusiasm for exploring localities tied to the story. For instance, thereโs mention of filming Alabasta in the Maghreb and considering Italy for Water 7. However, the practicality of such moves is under scrutiny.
"South Africa just works because they film using a lot of set leftovers from where they filmed Black Sails."
Fans express concerns over budget, particularly in relation to CGI needs. One comment highlighted,
"One Piece needs to put a lot of their budget into CGI. I think that limits them to a certain extent when it comes to location shooting."
Recreating complex sets across various countries raises logistical issues. With tax incentives in South Africa, relocating the production could result in unforeseen costs.
Many worry about losing the heart of the show if the location changes. According to one fan, moving production could jeopardize the spirit infused by the Cape Town team, who are devoted to the project:
"Letโs imagine they move this new team to another country. Can they deliver the same quality?"
A sense of community and local support plays a crucial role as well. Production in South Africa boosted local jobs, and there are claims that the government actively promotes the show for investment purposes.
โผ๏ธ Fans are eager to see locations that reflect the anime.
โผ๏ธ Production team dynamics may shift with location changes.
โผ๏ธ One Piece benefits from tax incentives and local support in South Africa.
Curiously, while the idea of new landscapes excites some, the mixed sentiment signals a cautionary approach. Many fans seem to prefer sticking with whatโs already working in South Africa, at least for now.
Thereโs a strong chance that One Piece will continue filming in South Africa for its upcoming seasons. The tax incentives, combined with established production facilities, make this location a favorable choice for the team. However, as audiences clamor for more immersive environments that reflect the anime's essence, the production may experiment with select global shoots. Fans estimate a 60% probability of staying in South Africa, but thereโs also a significant 40% risk of expanding to new locales for iconic scenes, possibly echoing those locations in the anime.
A less obvious comparison can be made with the film adaptation of Lord of the Rings, which successfully utilized New Zealandโs diverse landscapes. While the initial production thrived locally, it later expanded to harness global insights, enriching storytelling. Similarly, One Piece might benefit by exploring different settings. If pulled off correctly, this shift could elevate the series without compromising its unique spirit.