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Straw Hats around the world have had their eyes fixed on Cape Town, where season two of the live action One Piece series from Netflix is currently filming. We know that at least one cast member has wrapped up filming their scenes, but not before the set was visited by none other than Eiichiro Oda himself. The One Piece creator was on set to make sure that he met all the new cast members in person and to give an update on the show’s progress.

The visit was recently confirmed by Netflix, who also posted a message from Oda himself.  The mangaka didn’t share any big details of the show’s second season – even he probably doesn’t know when it will arrive – but he did praise the “huge” sets and the “insane” attention to detail that the crew are showing for the original work.

The most interesting bit of news that Oda shared about his recent visit to the One Piece season two set was that this was the first time that he had seen the new cast members in person. He revealed that he gave his input on all the cast members based on photos and video auditions. Oda has an executive producer credit for the Netflix series and has been heavily involved in casting for both seasons so far, so it was probably important for the cast to get his final blessing.

What does Eiichiro Oda think of how One Piece season two is shaping up? “The vibe on set was just the best, too! Trust me, this is going to surpass season one!” That is pretty serious praise, considering how well-received season one was. We’re pretty excited to see how it all comes together, though we’re certain Tony Tony Chopper will both steal our hearts and invade our nightmares.

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!"