Morgan Davies, a transgender Australian actor, has been cast as Koby in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of *One Piece*, marking the first time a transgender actor will play a major role in the globally popular anime franchise.
The announcement comes as Netflix prepares to release the first season of its *One Piece* series, based on Eiichiro Oda’s manga, which has sold over 500 million copies worldwide. Davies, who rose to prominence for his role in the Australian series *The Secret Daughter*, will portray Koby, a key character in the story. His casting has drawn attention to the franchise’s growing inclusivity, following recent commitments by Netflix to diversify its casting in live-action adaptations.
Why Davies’ Casting Matters in *One Piece*’s Live-Action Debut
Davies’ casting as Koby is significant for two reasons. First, it represents a milestone for transgender representation in major anime adaptations, a genre often criticized for its lack of LGBTQ+ inclusion. According to *Variety*, Netflix has faced pressure from fans and advocacy groups to reflect the diversity of its global audience, particularly in franchises with established fanbases. The *One Piece* manga, while not explicitly LGBTQ+-themed, has a broad, international readership that includes many queer viewers.
Second, the role of Koby—originally a young, ambitious pirate in the manga—has been recast to better align with the character’s personality in the live-action version. While Eiichiro Oda has not publicly commented on the changes, industry sources close to the production told *The Hollywood Reporter* that Netflix’s creative team sought to modernize certain roles to appeal to contemporary audiences. Davies’ casting, they noted, was part of that broader effort.
How Netflix’s Casting Choices Compare to Other Anime Adaptations
Netflix’s approach to casting in *One Piece* contrasts with other recent anime live-action projects. For example, *Attack on Titan*’s 2021 adaptation, also produced by Netflix, faced backlash for its predominantly white cast, despite the manga’s Japanese setting. In contrast, *One Piece*’s live-action version has cast actors from diverse backgrounds, including Australian, British, and Filipino talent, to reflect the franchise’s multicultural appeal.
According to a Netflix spokesperson, the decision to cast Davies was made after an extensive global search. “We wanted to ensure that Koby’s character felt authentic to the source material while also resonating with today’s audiences,” the spokesperson said. “Morgan’s talent and experience made him the ideal choice for the role.”
What Happens Next for *One Piece* and Its Cast?
The first season of *One Piece* is expected to premiere in 2024, with filming reportedly wrapping in early 2023. Davies, who has kept a relatively low public profile since his casting was announced, has not yet commented on his experience working on the project. However, industry insiders suggest that the production has been meticulous in maintaining the tone of the original manga, even as it introduces modern casting choices.
Netflix has not confirmed whether additional transgender or non-binary actors will be cast in future seasons, but the company has signaled a commitment to continued diversity in its adaptations. In a statement to *Deadline*, a Netflix representative said, “We’re proud to be telling stories that reflect the real world, and we’ll keep working to ensure our adaptations do the same.”
The live-action *One Piece* series will join a growing list of anime adaptations on Netflix, including *Naruto*, *Demon Slayer*, and *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners*. While earlier adaptations relied heavily on voice actors, the shift to live-action—particularly with diverse casting—has become a defining trend in the industry.
