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Considering some of the weird powers in Netflix’s One Piece live-action series, it isn’t surprising that the show relies heavily on CGI to bring the characters to life. Between Luffy’s stretching powers and Buggy’s terrifying clown powers, there is plenty of uncanny valley to be had. However, the best thing about season one was that so much of the show – from the sets to the costumes to the prosthetics – was real. It was one of the most expensive shows Netflix has ever made for a reason and, according to one of the new stars of One Piece season two, the producers are still using practical effects where they can.

While we’re still waiting for a release date for One Piece season two, the social media team in charge of promoting the show are still working as hard as ever. In a quick Q&A with David Dastmalchian, who is portraying the villainous Mr. 3 in season two, the star assured fans that the series is still relying on practical effects throughout filming. When asked what the most impressive set in the show was, he said, “The giant’s cave. They used one scaled-down. When the giant was inside of it, it looked like he was filling the entire cave. So massive.”

We’re expecting the post-production period for Netflix’s One Piece season two to be lengthy, considering the weird stuff that the Straw Hats will encounter when they finally enter the Grand Line. A lot of that time (and budget) is going to be used to bring the strange Devil Fruit powers of Luffy and Mr. 3 to life, but we’re pleased to hear that they are still giving us some of the practical effects that made season one feel so real. Embracing the challenge of making a giant feel giant is what is going to make One Piece feel special again.

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!"