The Straw Hats may sail a fantastical sea on-screen, but spend a few minutes with the cast of Netflix’s "One Piece," and it becomes clear that the real treasure they’ve picked up along the way isn’t just sword skills or stunt training.
In our lively, laughter-filled conversation at the Netflix headquarters in Los Angeles, the ensemble reflected on the unexpected ways their characters have reshaped their off-camera lives. Some lessons were profound, while some involved backflips at parties. Equally important skills in my book.
Emily Rudd, who plays Nami, didn’t hesitate when I asked what her character has taught her. She shares that the lesson cuts straight to the emotional core of the series.
“I think for me, with Nami, asking for help — that’s something that she obviously struggled with for a long time. That’s something that I struggle with. So her finally coming to that realization helped me come to the realization that it’s not weakness to ask people for help or support and to lean on the people that care about you because they want you to lean on them.”
It’s a sentiment that echoes one of the show’s defining themes: strength in being together.
Then there’s Iñaki Godoy, who plays Luffy, a character powered by instinct, optimism, and apparently, wicked backflips.
“I learned how to do a backflip. That was pretty cool,” he said, laughing. “After season one of 'One Piece,' I thought maybe I want to learn how to do a flip for season two. Fun fact, I didn’t do a flip in season two. It turns out that it’s actually quite tricky to do a backflip while shooting an action scene, and I decided: You know what, I don’t think I’m ready to take it to that level.”
Still, the effort paid off, just not in the way he expected.
“I was at a party once, and I didn’t know anyone. Then all of a sudden I do a flip, and suddenly I become flip guy, right? So I am immediately cool. That was a difficult moment, because I didn’t know anyone. Then I did this flip that I learned because of Luffy. Didn’t help me in the show, but it helped me in this other real-life scenario. And then I was a ‘flip guy.’”
The cast of 'One Piece.' Netflix
Mackenyu, ever composed, summed it up with a grin: “So Luffy taught you party tricks.”
If Luffy brings the spontaneity, Zoro brings the discipline. That’s exactly what Mackenyu says stayed with him.
“Zoro is true to himself. He knows what he’s lacking. He knows what he needs to be the best. He does not give up. He is very disciplined. That’s something he really taught me. To not give up, to give your best.”
It’s a takeaway that speaks to the grind behind the spectacle of a show like theirs. They go through the repetition, keep the focus, and refuse to quit when the work gets heavy.
Taz Skylar, meanwhile, has leaned fully into Sanji’s culinary prowess — and discovered that cooking might just be his most effective off-screen superpower.
“Cooking is a nuclear weapon when it comes to having an idea for a first date,” he said. “You got a couple of nice dishes that you can cook, it’s such a wonderful experience. Sometimes you can cook together, it’s a really cool way to break the ice. Cooking has been a really cool superpower.”
I asked about his go-to meal to cook for a date.
“I love a paella. I love cooking a paella. But paella — you have to be committed. It’s a long endeavor. If it’s going to be less of a team effort, and it’s just me cooking it, and I’m also not sure how hungry the vibe is going to be, then I’ll go for a tuna tartare. Just small dishes, it’s easy to put down. Or just having a really great piece of bread with a really great bit of olive oil, some tomato to scrub on it, and some Iberian ham to lay over the top of it.”
At this point, co-star Jacob Romero couldn’t help but jump in with a laugh after being mesmerized by Skylar’s detailed date moves description: “I just gotta calm myself down. I’ve just been on the first date with Taz.”
Iñaki Godoy of 'One Piece.' Netflix
Romero, who plays Usopp, hasn’t yet found a real-world use for his character’s signature weapon, but he’s ready.
“I’m definitely smoother with a slingshot now. I haven’t quite come across a life situation that that’s required of me, but I’m ready, so test me!”
More importantly, he’s taken something deeper from Usopp’s arc.
“Usopp reminds me a lot just about fear. That fear comes up. Fear is present. And bravery is not like a goal post that stays in one place. It moves as you reach it. There will always be something that asks more bravery of you, and to be there for what you stand for and the people that you love. That’s a wonderful reminder that I always appreciate.”
That idea of courage evolving feels especially resonant for a show that has quietly become a source of comfort and inspiration for its audience.
When I asked about stepping into roles that symbolize freedom and resistance, Rudd reflected on the legacy they’ve inherited.
“This show is about freedom. It’s about found family, regardless of who you are, where you’re from. It’s the freedom to follow your dreams and be exactly who you are and where you want to be. I don’t think it’s strange that people really connect with that and use that in tougher times,” Rudd shares. “I feel very lucky.”