Netflix One Piece showrunner Matt Owen has announced that Joe Manganiello will join the cast of their live-action adaptation of its second season. His official coronation as Mr. 0, better known as Crocodile, has been confirmed. The versatile actor is known for his career roles in some amazingly popular movies including Spider-Man, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, and Magic Mike.
Manganiello’s casting has already stirred excitement among fans, but it’s his recent appearance that has truly set tongues wagging. The actor seems to have fully embraced his new role, subtly hinting at his character’s backstory in a way that only die-hard One Piece specialists would appreciate.
Joe Manganiello’s Flower Has Hidden Meaning
At the latest Geeked Week event, Joe Manganiello made a conspicuous impression by adoring himself with a carefully chosen accessory – a flower. This simple addition to his outfit in that event was far from random. For fans who are well-versed in One Piece, the flower will immediately remind one of a character who may be deeply entwined with Crocodile‘s past: Nefertari D. Lily, a pure resemblance to Princess Vivi and Titi.
Lily is not only a significant figure in Crocodile’s backstory but in the whole One Piece universe. Even then the full extent of their relationship remains shrouded within the original manga and anime, and her connection to Crocodile is undeniable. By taking up this floral element into his appearance, Manganiello exemplified not only his dedication to the role but also his deeper understanding of the details that make One Piece such a favorite franchise.
His choice to include this subtle nod speaks highly about his preparation for portraying the role of Crocodile. It suggests that Manganiello has already dug into the source material.
This small gesture has raised fans’ speculations tenfold. Some are now wondering if the live-action adaptation might indulge in Crocodile’s backstory greater than its animated counterpart. The inclusion of such a specific reference has led to theories about potential flashback scenes or expanded narratives in the upcoming season.
Joe Manganiello is a Perfect Fit for Crocodile’s Character
The One Piece community has highly approved of Manganiello’s casting as Sir Crocodile and for good reason. His imposing physical presence and ability to exude an aura of power and menace make him an ideal choice for the role of the Desert King. Crocodile, the leader of the Baroque Works, requires an actor who can convey authority and danger with minimal screen time – a task Manganiello is well-equipped to handle.
Crocodile was introduced as a looming threat, a shadowy figure before taking center stage. Manganiello’s previous roles and skills will be crucial in building up Crocodile’s presence throughout the second season. His ability to do a lot with very little screen time perfectly aligns with Crocodile’s narrative arc.
Netflix has also secured top-tier talent for key roles in the One Piece adaptation including Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha, David Dastmalchain as Mr.3, and Lera Abova as Miss All Sunday (Nico Robin). It thus ensures that the characters are brought to life by performers with gravitas to match their importance in the One Piece universe.
One Piece Live-Action Season 1 is available to stream on Netflix.
