"It's Going to Take Me Years": One Piece Season 2 Star Is Ready to Give the Anime a Run

Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation was a massive success, and as the series gears up for its second season, new cast members are stepping into the spotlight. Among them is Callum Kerr, who will portray the formidable Marine Captain Smoker. Taking on a fan-favorite character from Eiichiro Oda’s legendary series is no small task, and Kerr is fully aware of the expectations that come with the role. In a recent interview with The One Sheet, he opened up about his preparation process, including his attempt to dive into the anime’s extensive history.

Despite his excitement, Kerr quickly realized the daunting nature of One Piece's long-running anime, which has surpassed 1,000 episodes. He admitted that while he was able to binge the live-action’s first season, fully catching up with the anime would be a long-term challenge. However, he remains committed to understanding Smoker’s character by watching key moments in the series and gradually working his way through the anime, even if it will take him years.

Callum Kerr's Unique Approach to Smoker

How Callum Kerr Is Bringing Smoker to Life

Jumping into a well-established series can be overwhelming, but Kerr took a strategic approach to preparing for his role. Given his tight schedule, he first focused on One Piece's live-action season one to understand the show's tone and performance style. However, since Smoker has yet to appear in the adaptation, he knew he needed to look beyond the live-action. That is when he turned to the anime, selectively skimming through scenes featuring Smoker to get a feel for his personality and fighting style.

Once production began, Kerr committed to a deeper exploration of the anime, starting from the very beginning. He acknowledged that watching all 1,000+ episodes would be a long-term endeavor, especially with his busy life and a baby to care for. Nonetheless, his dedication to gradually absorbing One Piece's massive world shows his commitment to honoring the source material and delivering a faithful performance.

Balancing Commitment With Real-Life Challenges

The Challenge of Catching Up With One Piece

Kerr's experience sheds light on the challenge of adapting One Piece into live-action, not just for actors but for newcomers in general. The sheer length of the anime can be intimidating, and even dedicated fans have taken years to catch up. His journey mirrors the experience of many viewers who dive into the series and realize just how much content there is to explore. However, his approach by starting with Smoker’s key moments before working through the full story was a very practical way to get the information he needed without getting overwhelmed.

Despite his packed schedule, Kerr remains enthusiastic about the role and the One Piece fandom. While he might not be able to binge the entire anime in one go, his willingness to immerse himself in its world shows his respect for the character and the fanbase. If his performance in season two reflects even a fraction of his dedication, One Piece fans can look forward to an exciting and authentic portrayal of Smoker when the live-action returns.

Source: @TheOneSheet on X