Eiichiro Oda paid a visit to Season 3's set and left behind a special mark in the sands of Alabasta.
Production on One Piece's live–action Season 3 is currently underway in Cape Town, South Africa. Eiichiro Oda, who has served as a creative supervisor on the live–action adaptation since the beginning, recently visited the set to see the progress for himself.
Netflix released a short behind–the–scenes video showing Oda exploring the massive desert set. For many fans, the visit is an encouraging sign, as few story arcs hold as much significance within the One Piece community as Alabasta.
Oda Draws Luffy In The Sand
The highlight of the visit came near the end of the clip. Instead of giving a speech or making a formal announcement, Oda, using his index finger casually drew a giant portrait of Monkey D. Luffy directly into the sand.
The moment lasted only a few seconds, but it quickly spread across social media. Fans praised Oda's ability to effortlessly sketch his iconic protagonist, even on an unusual canvas like a desert dune. Others jokingly called it the most valuable patch of sand in the world.
The scene also felt symbolic. Nearly three decades after creating Luffy, Oda was now leaving his character's image on the set of a live–action adaptation watched by millions around the globe.
A Warm Reunion With Iñaki Godoy
Oda's interaction with Iñaki Godoy, the actor who plays Monkey D. Luffy in the Netflix series, was priceless.
The two greeted each other enthusiastically, many viewers commented on how natural and friendly their relationship appeared and their reunion only strengthened that perception.
Ever since Season 1, fans have often pointed to Godoy as one of the cast members who best captures the spirit and energy of Oda's original characters.
Why Oda Was There
The visit wasn't simply a promotional appearance. Oda has played an active role in shaping the live–action series from the beginning. Over the years, he has reviewed scripts, provided feedback on creative decisions and closely monitored how the world of One Piece is adapted for a new audience.
His presence in South Africa highlights just how important the Alabasta Saga is to both Netflix and the creator himself.
Spoiler Warning: Season 3 Will Focus On Alabasta
Netflix has officially confirmed that Season 3 will be titled One Piece: The Battle of Alabasta and is currently targeting a 2027 release.
As a result, fans now expect the season to focus entirely on the legendary Alabasta storyline. The arc centers around Princess Vivi, the criminal organization Baroque Works and the powerful Warlord Sir Crocodile, one of the Straw Hats' most dangerous opponents.
For many viewers, Oda's visit serves as a reassuring sign that one of One Piece's most iconic adventures is receiving special attention behind the scenes.
It is safe to say, that the journey to Alabasta is well underway.
