Summary

Joe Manganiello is cast as Crocodile in Netflix's One Piece, a highly anticipated character for fans.
Season 2 of the live-action adaptation sets the stage for the intense Alabasta arc with Crocodile.
Crocodile's storyline introduces ancient weapons and lore, potentially leading to more seasons.

So far, Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation has featured a couple of antagonists from the East Blue saga. As the Straw Hats enter the Grand Line, they will encounter more villains who are much stronger than the ones they have already come across. Among these characters is the main antagonist of the Alabasta saga. Joe Manganiello has officially been cast as Crocodile, the ruthless and cunning president of Baroque Works who also goes by the name of Mr. 0.

Fans who started watching Netflix’s One Piece live-action remake because they fell for the anime or manga first have high expectations for the main villain of the next saga. Crocodile has remained a prominent character long after the dissolution of Baroque Works. So, with his anticipated appearance in the One Piece season 2 live-action adaptation, what would it mean for the future of the Netflix series?

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By Catherine Armecin Martin

Crocodile Is One of the Most Anticipated Characters in the One Piece Remake

Crocodile is undoubtedly among the most iconic One Piece villains. Even though he wreaked havoc on the kingdom of Alabasta, he became an unexpected ally to Luffy when he saved him during the Paramount War. Most fans have an immense attachment to Crocodile, even showing admiration for the man. He has even been the subject of a series of fan theories, some of which are rather famous in the fandom. Seeing how loved he is by One Piece fans, expectations for the Netflix series and Joe Manganiello's performance will be quite high.

Most viewers of Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation are fans of the original content. Admittedly, the remake was quite different in its interpretation, highlighting the darker and grittier themes of the One Piece manga. However, this bold choice to not be a caricature of the anime helped make it a hit among fans, both old and new. The challenge is to maintain and expand the audience by living up to their expectations. And with One Piece season 2 introducing fan favorites, including Crocodile, the pressure is on.

The Alabasta Saga Hinges on Baroque Works and Crocodile’s Schemes

Netflix’s One Piece season 2 live-action adaptation will set the stage for the nail-biter that is the Alabasta arc. Since the key players, particularly the Baroque Works officers, have already been cast, it’s more or less understood that there has to be a third season for the Netflix series. The Alabasta saga may have different arcs, but its backbone will always go back to the syndicate built by Mr. 0. Aside from the Straw Hats and Vivi, the ones who play the most crucial part in this saga are the Baroque Works officers and Crocodile.

When the Straw Hats leave Logue Town and go through Reverse Mountain, they encounter Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9, two Baroque Works officers. As most fans know, Miss Wednesday is Alabasta’s Princess Nefertari Vivi, who went undercover to find out who’s been trying to take over her kingdom behind the scenes. This moment is the first allusion to Crocodile. Without being seen or formally revealed to the audience, Crocodile makes his presence known as early as Whiskey Peaks through his officers.

As one of the Seven Warlords of the Seas, Crocodile hides behind his self-made image as the hero of Alabasta. This well-crafted facade enables him to run his syndicate under the alias of Mr. 0, scheming his way to the top. As Mr. 0, he makes a mysterious “appearance” in almost every arc in the Alabasta saga before making his official debut in the final arc.

Tales of his cruel acts also surface throughout the story, fueling the Straw Hats, especially Luffy, to fight him. Following this storyline, fans can expect the tension to build up in season 2, ultimately leading to an epic showdown when One Piece season 3 is (hopefully) released.

Crocodile Is the First to Mention Ancient Weapons in One Piece

The ancient weapons play significant roles in the story of One Piece; however, their full potential has yet to be revealed in the manga. Fans had their first insight into these mysterious weapons through Crocodile. Although he eventually wanted to take over Alabasta and become its new king, his initial reason for invading the kingdom was to find one of the ancient weapons, Pluton. As far as Crocodile knows, knowledge of its whereabouts has been passed down for generations in the Alabasta royal family.

Crocodile’s persistence also leads to the introduction of the poneglyphs, whichonly his partner, Miss All Sunday, can decipher and read. Although the explanation for the poneglyphs and their relevance to the ancient weapons, and ultimately the Void Century, will take a couple of arcs, it still pays to plant the seeds of this story as early as now. Netflix’s One Piece season 2 live-action adaptation will prepare the audience not only for the highly anticipated Alabasta arc, but also for the deeper lore that exists in One Piece.

Crocodile’s Successful Introduction Could Mean More Seasons

As mentioned, there is a lot of pressure on the creators, cast, and crew behind Netflix’s One Piece live-action remake. Just like how things became more serious for the Straw Hats as soon as they made their way to the Grand Line, the same can be said about the people who have made the live-action adaptation possible. Now that he has to carry the weight of the character he will portray, Joe Manganiello will have to impress the fans and critics. After all, they’re the ones who get to make season 2 a hit or miss.

Although many are also excited about the appearance of other One Piece characters in season 2, Crocodile is the one who could ultimately change the game for the Netflix series. The extent of his exposure and presence in season 2 remains unknown. However, by giving the most epic introduction (perhaps with the same energy as Buggy the Clown in season 1), fans will be left wanting more of this charismatic and cunning antagonist. And if it’s something people want to see more, then it’s likely for Netflix’s One Piece to further their live-action adaptation.

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Release Date: October 20, 1999
Network: Fuji TV
Directors: Hiroaki Miyamoto, Konosuke Uda, Junji Shimizu, Satoshi Itō, Munehisa Sakai, Katsumi Tokoro, Yutaka Nakajima, Yoshihiro Ueda, Kenichi Takeshita, Yoko Ikeda, Ryota Nakamura, Hiroyuki Kakudou, Takahiro Imamura, Toshihiro Maeya, Yûji Endô, Nozomu Shishido, Hidehiko Kadota, Sumio Watanabe, Harume Kosaka, Yasuhiro Tanabe, Yukihiko Nakao, Keisuke Onishi, Junichi Fujise, Hiroyuki Satou