Matt Owens, who has navigated Netflix's live-action adaptation of 'One Piece' through its initial two thrilling seasons, has made the poignant announcement of his departure from the show. On Friday, in an emotional Instagram post, Owens revealed that he is stepping away to "devote attention to my personal well-being and mental health." The second season of 'One Piece' has recently concluded its filming endeavors.
"The past six years of being intertwined with the live-action 'One Piece' have been a transformative odyssey—a dream manifesting into reality," Owens penned with deep sentiment. "It has also been an immense journey, filled with numerous challenges. Hence, I am disembarking from the Going Merry… I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Oda, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios, Netflix, and the entire ensemble of cast and crew for your unwavering trust, invaluable partnership, and tireless dedication."
Owens has been an integral part of the live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's long-running manga (which has also inspired a multitude of anime series) since its inception. He crafted a comprehensive long-term vision for the series and co-helmed both seasons to date, alongside Steven Maeda in the first season (who continues as an executive producer) and Joe Tracz in the upcoming second season.
Tracz will carry forward the oversight of post-production for season two, while Netflix remains tight-lipped about its release date. The official 'One Piece' Instagram account echoed Owens' message, commenting, "You have charted a course towards something truly remarkable."
Prior to his involvement with 'One Piece,' Owens penned scripts for two Marvel series: 'Agents of SHIELD' on ABC and 'Luke Cage' on Netflix. Alongside Maeda, Oda, Marty Adelstein, and Becky Clements, he and Tracz served as executive producers for 'One Piece.'
