Wit Studio, known for its acclaimed work on series like Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga, and Spy x Family, is embarking on what may be its most ambitious project yet: a remake of the iconic manga One Piece. With the original manga boasting over 1190 chapters and its long-running anime adaptation exceeding 1170 episodes, the sheer scale of the One Piece universe presents a unique challenge for introducing new fans to the story.
A Treasure for a New Audience
George Wada, president of Wit Studio, views One Piece as "a treasure Japan can be proud of." The studio's upcoming remake, titled The One Piece, is set to debut on Netflix in February 2027. The initial seven episodes will adapt the first 50 chapters of Eiichiro Oda's manga, focusing on the beginning of Monkey D. Luffy's journey in the East Blue. Wada stated that the studio has thoroughly absorbed the extensive source material to depict the start of this new voyage with its original excitement.
Wada emphasized the goal of presenting the beloved series with "with fresh imagery clothed in the air of the present day," aiming to capture the attention of a new generation of fans. He shared that his own ambition to work in anime was sparked by the impact of Patlabor 2: The Movie, a work that profoundly influenced his worldview and led him to a career in animation.
Wit Studio's approach to animation centers on depicting a world that serves as a solid vessel for characters' emotions and story. Wada believes that a creator's intent fuels the birth of characters and the shaping of narratives, and it is the studio's role to translate these feelings into animation.
Expanding Horizons and Elevating the Industry
Beyond the One Piece remake, Wit Studio is also developing a new original sci-fi anime titled LONA, slated for a spring 2027 premiere, which explores researchers investigating the thoughts of the deceased. Furthermore, Wada has spearheaded the creation of the Tokyo Anime Next awards. He established this new award show to ensure that the intricate nuances of Japanese creators' work are evaluated from a Japanese perspective and then shared globally.
Wada hopes that Tokyo Anime Next will achieve two primary objectives: first, to provide creators with pride and motivation through high national recognition, and second, to enhance the overall brand value of the anime industry worldwide by showcasing an award that is uniquely Japanese. He also expressed a strong desire to discover and collaborate with undiscovered talents, believing that building new works with emerging creators is the greatest joy in his profession.
