With hype building for season two of Netflix’s live-actionOne Pieceseries, the question on every fans' mind has been how the hit series would bring Chopper to life. While characters like Luffy and Sanji might have larger-than-life personalities and act like living cartoon characters, they’re still human, making them relatively easy to imagine in live-action. As an anthropomorphic reindeer though, Chopper presents a larger problem. But now, we know what the reindeer will look like in live action, and it rings true to what anime fans know.
The first bit of footage fromOne Pieceseason two was shared recently by Netflix, and it was there fans got a first look at how the series would handle the Straw Hats' doctor. Though the character is mostly a creation of CGI,SupermanandGuardians of the Galaxy 3actressMikaela Hoover provides facial capture and the voice of Tony Tony Chopper.The result is a creation that, while not quite seamlessly blending with the cast, fits in well with the series' goofy and over-the-top tone. Still, the new trailer has fans asking how it compares to the original series.
Netflix’s Tony Tony Chopper Design Is A Unique Take On The Original Anime
It Isn’t Easy Bringing an Anthropomorphic Reindeer to Life
Overall, the effect used to create Chopper looks rather impressive. ThoughOne Piecewas Netflix’s second-highest budget show as of 2023, the project is still operating on a TV show’s budget, meaning the CGI can be suspect. It is very rarely great. However,One Pieceis beating the odds. In our first look at Chopper, details like his tuft of fur and even the textures on his hat look natural. These small details make Chopper feel like a part of the world without leaning into any uncanny valley territory.
In terms of adapting Chopper’s spirit, the anime really just can’t be beat
Looking at Chopper ahead of season two, it is easy to see that his character design is pulled straight from the One Piece manga. We are shown the character’s pre-timeskip design, which includes his iconic pink hat. From his large eyes to his petite hooves, Chopper looks incredibly adorable in live-action. However, we have yet to see what the Straw Hat doctor looks like interacting with characters like Luffy or Sanji on set.
As for anime fans, well - there is little to complain about. However, one note must be said:Netflix’s version of Chopper can never fully compare to kawaii charm that oozes out of the anime and manga. Chopper easily ranks amongOne Piece’smost outlandish characters, and that’s something that can easily break the live-action series if taken too far.
Netflix’s Chopper Is Different From The Anime, But It’s A Great Look Nonetheless
Fans Have Good Reason to Be Hyped For Chopper in One Piece Season 2
Though some fans may bemoan Netflix’s Chopper is made with CGI rather than a practical effect, it’s understandable why the team would want to use technology to bring the pirate to life. Yes, practical effects definitely have many benefits, as can be seen with thetricks used to make Grogu look real inThe Mandalorian, but that might have been difficult given the physical needs of Chopper’s character. Chopper is a very action-focused character, always running around to help the other Straw Hats, so a puppet would make that difficult.
Chopper’s live-action actress, Mikaela Hoover, is a frequent collaborator with James Gunn and has played Floor the rabbit inGuardians of the Galaxy 3, Camilla inThe Suicide Squad, and Cat Grant inSuperman.
Additionally, Chopper is also a character who wears his heart on his sleeve. His over-the-top reactions to Luffy’s antics are part of his appeal. While capturing a wide range of emotions isn’t impossible to do with a practical puppet, or even a puppet enhanced by CGI, just going all digital means the series' artists don’t have to write around the practical effect’s limitations, opening Chopper’s character in the live-action series up to more possibilities. The result is something that fits in right alongsideLuffy’s most hilariousOne Piecescenes.
If there is one concern about making Chopper through CGI, it’s what the choice may mean for the character’s screen time. Even simple CGI can be prohibitively expensive, andOne Pieceis on a tight budget given its scale. There’s a good reason not many shows feature main cast members who are entirely CGI.Star Wars' best practical effectsaren’t just a demonstration of artistry, they can also be a budget move.
After seeing Chopper’s first look ahead of season two, there is no doubt Netflix is clearly investing heavily inOne Piece, so it’s very possible (if not downright likely) Chopper will have a good amount of screen time. Now that fans have a look at the lovable character, the only question is how much timeOne Piecefans will get to spend with Tony Tony Chopper in season two because they are already obsessed with the doctor.
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.
