Season 2 of the Hollywood live-action drama series "Into the Grandline," based on Eiichiro Oda's popular manga "One Piece," which is currently serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha), will be released on March 10th. American actress Emily Rudd, who plays Nami, revealed a surprising similarity between herself and Nami, saying, "I was born to be Nami!"
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"ONE PIECE" is a spectacular maritime adventure romance in which the pirate crew "Straw Hat Pirates," led by Monkey D. Luffy, set out on the open sea. Season 2 depicts their great adventure on the "Grand Line," a sea that goes beyond common sense.
The live-action drama will be produced by Hollywood's Tomorrow Studios, which is responsible for TV dramas such as "Cowboy Bebop" and "Snowpiercer," with original author Oda serving as executive producer.
Ladd, who plays the Straw Hat Pirates' navigator Nami, has spoken in past interviews about her childhood surrounded by Japanese classics such as "Pokemon," "Yu-Gi-Oh!" and "Dragon Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" anime, staying in touch with Japanese works.
Ladd said, "Each and every (Japanese) anime work has shaped me into who I am today." She also revealed that she shares a common thread with Nami from her favorite series, "One Piece." "Like Nami, I'm good with maps. Whenever I go to a new town, my friends and family ask me to show them the way, just like Nami, the navigator of the crew, deciding the ship's destination. That's why I think I was born to be a navigator like Nami, and to become Nami!" Ladd's acting has drawn attention, as she possesses the qualities to lead her comrades, which could be said to be essential for playing Nami.
Ladd has also acquired active skills from a young age, such as going camping with her family. "When I went camping as a child, I always carried a paper map with me, and my family always entrusted me with the role of navigator. This is exactly the same as Nami's role. So from now on, I want to keep saying, 'I was born to be Nami!'" she said confidently.
Regarding Nami's characteristics, Ladd said, "She's so smart that she could be called the brains of the crew. She also has a strong desire to protect others. Not only her comrades, but I think she also protects herself by not easily revealing her true feelings. I also think she's a loving person. Even when she appears to be doing things that could hurt others, the real reason behind it is love. That's why I think she's a truly compassionate person."
In Season 1, Nami and the Straw Hat Pirates met trustworthy companions and deepened their bonds. In Season 2, they face one powerful enemy after another, so how will their bonds with their companions change? Also keep an eye out for the bonds that form with the new characters. Matt Owens, showrunner and executive producer, said of Season 2, "The crew will face challenges and confront various Devil Fruit users," hinting at an adventure on a scale even greater than Season 1.
In Season 2, which will be released on March 10th, Luffy, who has become a wanted man, a pirate's medal, and his crew set out on the Grand Line, each with their own dreams. The epic adventure is full of danger, with the assassin group Baroque Works standing in their way across several islands, including Rogue Town, Reverse Mountain, Twin Capes, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island.
Season 1 has been available on Netflix since August 2023. A third season has also been confirmed.
