When Netflix released the live-action adaptation ofOne Piece, it surprised both skeptics and diehard fans alike. Faithfully translating a huge anime and manga full of fantastical characters, deep lore, and over a thousand chapters into live action seemed like an impossible feat. Yet, the show managed to capture the spirit of the Straw Hat crew, and especially the heart of the series, Monkey D. Luffy. But if the series wants to continue honoring the source material while pushing creative boundaries, there is one non-canon moment that needs to be brought into the fold.
That momentcomes from the 2019 movieOne Piece: Stampede, and it arguably defines Luffy’s character better than some canon scenes ever have. In it, Luffy comes into possession of an Eternal Pose pointing directly to Laugh Tale, the final island where the One Piece treasure lies.Every pirate’s dream is in his grasp, but Luffy does the unthinkable: he smashes the Eternal Pose, refusing to take the shortcut.It is bold, emotional, and undeniably Luffy. And it is exactly the kind of scene that the live-action series could use to take the series to the next level.
Luffy’s Values Over Victory
The Journey Over the Destination: Luffy’s Pirate Code
At the core ofOne Pieceis not just a hunt for treasure, but a journey filled with growth, friendship, and belief in one’s ideals. Luffy’s destruction of the Eternal Pose is not just a dramatic gesture, it is a symbol of what he truly values.Rather than taking a convenient path to glory, Luffy reaffirms that the journey itself matters more than the destination.It is not just about getting to Laugh Tale; it is about how he gets there, and more importantly, who he gets there with.
This scene beautifully shows Luffy’s deep-rooted belief in camaraderie and integrity.For him, the idea of skipping the trials, bonds, and stories formed along the way cheapens the entire adventure.He does not want to arrive at the end if it means compromising those values. That is something that would resonate powerfully in a live-action series aiming to develop these emotional layers. More than a cool action moment, it is a character-defining decision that deserves to be spotlighted.
Adding this scene to the live-action adaptation could also help distinguish Netflix’s version as more than just a faithful retelling. It would demonstrate a willingness to include emotional beats that may not be part of the official canon but are thematically on point. It is a way to deepen Luffy’s character in the eyes of new viewers while rewarding longtime fans who know the significance of the moment.
What Makes the Scene So Powerful
An Eternal Pose and a Moment of Pure Defiance
What makes thisStampedescene unforgettable is how it flips expectations. Luffy is literally holding the key to everything pirates dream about. Surrounding him are dangerous rivals and Marines who would kill to seize it.Instead of fleeing or fighting, Luffy chooses to eliminate the possibility entirely.It is not just defiance, it is leadership. At that moment, he reminds everyone that he plays by his own rules, and those rules revolve around loyalty, freedom, and honor.
The stakes in the scene are not just physical, they are philosophical. Luffy is saying, “If I cannot reach my dream with my crew, it is not worth reaching.”That is a lesson fans have seen throughoutOne Piece, whether he is risking his life for a friend or walking away from opportunities that do not feel right. Making this scene canon would cement that recurring message in an incredibly impactful way, especially if executed with the emotional nuance live-action actors can bring.
Moreover, the visuals of that moment, Luffy crushing the Eternal Pose while surrounded by chaos, would be stunning in a live-action format. It is a cinematic, powerful act that could visually define an entire season. It is rare for anime films to offer something that could work so seamlessly in a different medium, but this scene is practically made for it.
Why Netflix Should Take the Risk
How Netflix Can Turn a Movie Moment Into Canon Gold
Netflix’sOne Piecehas already shown it is not afraid to take calculated risks. From reordering events to fleshing out emotional subplots, the showrunners understand that adapting to such a rich world requires creativity as much as fidelity. Introducing the Eternal Pose scene, even in a flashback or re-imagined format, would be a bold move, but one that aligns with both the story’s message and Luffy’s character arc.
In fact, the scene could serve as a thematic milestone in a future season when the crew gets closer to the Grand Line’s final chapters. By planting that moment early on, it would emphasize just how serious Luffy is about the “how” of his journey. It would give viewers a profound insight into his moral compass and elevate the stakes of what’s to come. It’s the kind of scene that could stick in fans’ minds long after the credits roll.
By incorporating a beloved non-canon scene into the live-action canon, Netflix would be embracing the largerOne Pieceuniverse, including films and side stories that have enriched the franchise.
Additionally, by incorporating a beloved non-canon scene into the live-action canon, Netflix would be embracing the largerOne Pieceuniverse, including films and side stories that have enriched the franchise. It’s a chance to bridge media, reward passionate fans, and introduce new audiences to the depth of Luffy’s ideology without derailing the central narrative.
The Moment That Deserves a Second Life
Making the Best Non-Canon Scene Officially Legendary
Luffy’s destruction of the Eternal Pose is more than just a “cool” scene; it is a thesis statement. It captures the very soul ofOne Piecein one unforgettable act of defiance and self-determination. While it may not be canon in Eiichiro Oda’s official timeline, its emotional resonance and thematic clarity make it worthy of more than just a movie cameo. It is a defining moment that shows Luffy is not just chasing treasure, he is chasing freedom, friendship, and a dream worth fighting for the hard way.
If Netflix wants itsOne Pieceadaptation to be more than a faithful summaryof existing events, it should embrace moments like this. They represent opportunities to deepen characters, explore powerful messages, and surprise audiences, without betraying the source material. By making this scene canon in its own right, Netflix could take Luffy’s journey even further and give the live-action series a moment that lives rent-free in all fans heads.
One Piece
Cast
One Piece follows young pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew as they embark on a daring quest for treasure. Released in 2023, the film brings the adventurous world of the popular manga to life, capturing Luffy’s relentless pursuit of the legendary One Piece treasure.
