Matt Owens, the showrunner for both Season 1 and the upcoming Season 2 of Netflix’s live-action One Piece, has announced that he will be stepping down from the series due to mental health reasons. In an Instagram post, Owens shared that working on the show for the past six years has been a “life-changing journey” and a “dream come true,” but the experience has also been incredibly demanding. He explained that he is taking time off to focus on himself and prioritize his mental well-being.
Owens has been instrumental in adapting One Piece for Netflix, collaborating closely with creator Eiichiro Oda to bring the beloved manga to life. His departure comes after the production of Season 2, which is expected to cover the Alabasta Saga, one of the most iconic arcs from the manga. Season 2 will continue with Joe Tracz, who joined as co-showrunner, taking over the leadership role. Tracz will now oversee post-production and ensure the season stays on course.
The first season of One Piece was a major success for Netflix, ranking in the platform’s Global Top 10 for weeks and reaching the Top 10 in 93 countries. The success of the first season has set high expectations for the continuation of the series, with Season 3 already in early planning stages.
Owens has previously shared how One Piece helped him through difficult times in his life, and while he is taking a break now, he has not ruled out returning to the project in the future. He expressed plans to focus on therapy, unwind with some Marvel Rivals, and come back rejuvenated for future adventures.
