The first season of Netflix's One Piece live-action series exceeded expectations, but season 2 will raise the stakes by improving Zoro's fight scenes. One of the show's standout performances came from Mackenyu, who played Roronoa Zoro with a level of skill and intensity that perfectly captured Luffy's iconic swordsman.

However, as the show moves into its highly anticipated season 2, fans can expect an even deadlier and more formidable Zoro. Mackenyu himself has teased that One Piece season 2 will have more action, and his character will take things up a notch.

Mackenyu Has Teased A "Deadlier" Zoro In One Piece Season 2

The Zoro Actor Brought In The Team From Rurouni Kenshin

Roronoa Zoro Blocking Attacks from Baroque Works Agent in first One Piece live action appearance

In a recent interview with crunchyroll.com, Mackenyu was asked about "a favorite combat scene" from his career that he's "most proud of." Mackenyu highlighted his past work as Yukishiro Enishi in Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, while also teasing its impact on Zoro in One Piece season 2:

The action scenes from Rurouni Kenshin. That action was pretty cool and that was one of the reasons why I brought in the team from that show to One Piece. Season 2 has a lot more action and Zoro is a lot deadlier.

Given that Rurouni Kenshin is known for its incredible swordplay and high-intensity combat, this statement hints at major improvements in Zoro’s fights. It raises an exciting question of how One Piece season 2 will take Zoro’s character and his fighting prowess to the next level.

In season 1, Zoro’s swordsmanship was already impressive, with sequences that showed his mastery of the three-sword style. However, the live-action adaptation was limited by time constraints and budget, meaning Zoro’s true potential has not yet been fully realized. With a larger budget and more experienced fight coordinators, season 2 can introduce new layers to Zoro’s combat style.

One Piece season 1 shows Zoro's raw power and skill, but season 2 could focus on the strategic side of his fighting with how he analyzes his opponents, adapts to their styles, and uses his three-sword technique in increasingly creative ways. Whether he is facing off against a formidable Marine or another bounty hunter, Zoro’s battles are bound to become more memorable.

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With season 2 expanding the Straw Hats' journey, Zoro will face even tougher opponents, including some of the most iconic fights from the One Piece saga. The addition of Rurouni Kenshin’s fight choreographers means the action will likely be more fluid and realistic, capturing the weight and danger of each battle. Mackenyu’s dedication to performing his own stunts will also make sure that Zoro’s fights will feel as raw and authentic as possible. If season 1 proved Zoro’s talent, season 2 will solidify him as a truly lethal force.

Tying Zoro’s Growth To The One Piece Anime

How Zoro's Growing Strength in the Live-Action Matches His Anime Counterpart

Fans of the One Piece anime know that Zoro's journey is one of constant improvement. From his early battles against Mihawk and Mr. 1 to his later clashes with the likes of Pica and King, Zoro evolves into one of the most fearsome swordsmen in the world. The live-action series has the opportunity to mirror this development, making sure that Zoro’s battles become more refined, brutal, and strategically complex as the story progresses.

Season 2 will likely adapt One Piece's Loguetown and Alabasta arcs, which have important moments in Zoro's growth. His battle against Mr. 1 in Alabasta, where he learns to cut steel, is one of the most defining moments of his journey. If the live-action series remains faithful to this scene, it could be a turning point for the character, cementing his deadlier abilities. Additionally, the introduction of Haki in later arcs gives Zoro an even greater edge, a development that fans will be eager to see translated into live-action.

Zoro’s Fights Are About to Get More Brutal

A More Dangerous Zoro Awaits Audiences in One Piece Season 2

Zoro in One Piece episode 1110

The One Piece anime has never shied away from making Zoro's fights violent, and it seems the live-action show is following suit. Mackenyu’s statement that “Zoro is a lot deadlier” suggests that not only will the choreography be more polished, but the fights themselves may carry greater weight and consequences. In the anime, Zoro is known for pushing himself to the absolute limit, often enduring extreme injuries to achieve victory. The live-action adaptation will likely highlight this determination, showing just how much punishment Zoro can take while still standing tall.

Zoro holding his sword with his teeth in One Piece 289

Season 2 of Netflix's One Piece is shaping up to be even bigger than its predecessor, and Roronoa Zoro is at the center of the action. By drawing inspiration from the anime and bringing in experts from Rurouni Kenshin, the series is set to take Zoro’s combat skills to the next level, making him an even more formidable warrior.

For fans of One Piece, Zoro’s growth has always been a thrilling part of the journey. Whether in anime, manga, or live-action, he remains one of the most beloved and powerful swordsmen in anime history. If season 1 was an introduction to Zoro’s abilities, season 2 will be his true breakout moment and a chance to prove why he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the One Piece universe.

Source: crunchyroll.com

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One Piece (Live-Action)
Release Date
August 31, 2023
Network
Netflix
Showrunner
Matt Owens
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Iñaki Godoy
    Monkey D. Luffy
  • Headshot Of Emily Rudd
    Emily Rudd
    Nami

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

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.

Directors
Tim Southam, Marc Jobst, Josef Kubota Wladyka
Writers
Tiffany Greshler, Diego Gutierrez, Allison Weintraub, Lindsay Gelfand
Franchise(s)
One Piece
Main Genre
Adventure
Creator(s)
Matt Owens, Steven Maeda, Eiichiro Oda
Producers
Chris Symes, Matt Owens, Stephen Welke, Steven Maeda, Eiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein, Marisa Sonemann-Turner, Becky Clements, Rudi Van As
Seasons
1
Story By
Eiichiro Oda
Streaming Service(s)
Netflix