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Fans of the One Piece anime have gotten used to new episodes on a consistent weekly schedule, something that few shows attempt anymore, but the occasional break does happen. Normally this is because of natural disasters that delay production or sporting events that pre-empt the anime’s timeslot, but this week’s One Piece episode has been delayed as the production looks to recast a character that will feature heavily in episode 1117.

Earlier this year, voice actor Toru Furuya stepped down from the role of Sabo in One Piece after a report that he had an affair with a fan. Last Friday, it was announced that Miyu Irino – best known as the voice of Sora in Kingdom Hearts – would replace Furuya as Sabo in Episode 1116 of One Piece. The character had a relatively small role in that episode but looks set to make a much bigger impact in the upcoming episode.

The change in Sabo’s voice actor, which was announced just a day before Episode 1116 aired in Japan, has been enough to cause the production committee to push One Piece Episode 1117 back a week. It will air on September 1, 2024 and a recap episode will take its place on August 25. That episode, dubbed Episode 1116.5, will feature a recap of the exploits of the Revolutionary Army and their efforts to overthrow the World Government.

This is one of the constant dangers of One Piece’s unique release schedule. Without seasonal breaks to act as a buffer for the animators, any change in the production can ripple into delays. The fact that Toei manages to put out beautifully animated episodes so often is something of a miracle in the anime world.

Episode 1117 of One Piece will air on September 1, 2024, with a recap episode taking its place on August 25.

THE ONE PIECE IS REAL...ly important to Popverse! That's why we've put together the key articles to keep your fandom of the manga-turned-anime-turned-live-action-show alive:

• How to watch One Piece One Piece in chronological and release order (All 1,100+ episodes plus the movies!)
• When the next episode of One Piece is coming
• The One Piece English cast shared the life lessons they've learned playing the Straw Hats for nearly 20 years
• Why One Piece's Monkey D. Luffy is the perfect hero for the dark times ahead
• Every difference between the live-action One Piece and the original manga
• One Piece Gear 5 Form: Everything we know about Luffy's latest transformation
• Wondering what ethnicity and nationality the One Piece pirates are? Here is what Oda himself has to say
• Ranking the One Piece anime's arcs, from best to worst
• Why is One Piece more popular now that the anime is 25 years old? We asked around and found out
• The English cast of One Piece explain what they love about Eiichiro Oda's storytelling - "He's a genius!"