"I hate that it is about opla" - One Piece X LEGO collaboration divides the fandom

One Piece
One Piece X LEGO set releasing on August 1, 2025. (Image via LEGO/Netflix)

LEGO is setting sail for One Piece, the legendary story of pirates and dreams. In a historic new collaboration, LEGO is partnering with Netflix and Tomorrow Studios to release a new series of sets based on the live-action series by Eiichiro Oda's original work. New One Piece X LEGO sets will be available from August 1, 2025. It will include the Going Merry Pirate Ship, Baratie Floating Restaurant with interior, and collectible minifigures from Live Action!

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However, this new venture has brought about mixed feelings from fans. While many are excited to build their favorite moments from One Piece, some are concerned that the new focus is placed heavily upon the live-action series, and they are underrepresented in their favorite form of media, the anime and manga.


How fans reacted to the One Piece X LEGO collaboration, explained

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The One Piece x LEGO crossover has created a storm of mixed opinions within the fan community, splitting the masses into two distinct factions. The core of the controversy lies in LEGO opting to focus the new sets on the One Piece live-action show instead of the original anime or manga. While some fans appreciate the live-action series and its broader mainstream appeal, many long-time supporters of the original material feel this choice misses the mark entirely.

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A large portion of the fandom sees this collaboration as a missed opportunity. One Piece has been part of the manga and anime landscape for over 25 years and could have provided LEGO with endless possibilities for enticing LEGO sets that would have ranged from characters to settings to iconic ships.

"I hate that it is about opla," a fan said.
"Why is it based on the live action characters though?" someone questioned.
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"Its sucks why they collabbed with live action series and not the manga/anime series," a fan described.
"I like live action but why did they base it on live action," a fan mentioned.

To viewers who have grown up following Luffy's journey in East Blue and beyond, the possibilities of constructing places like Arlong Park, Enies Lobby, or even Wano seem limitless. There is disappointment that LEGO opted to draw from the newer, visually restrictive world of the live-action adaptation rather than embracing the colorful, expansive imagery that characterized the anime.

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Luffy as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)
Luffy as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Even fans who like the live-action series question the choice. Though they like the cast and the genuine efforts to translate Oda's world, most ask themselves why LEGO didn't incorporate the anime's rich design and stylistic diversity, which are made to fit LEGO's visual style. This confusion is reflected in comments where there is a clear fondness for the live-action.

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"Buggy was born for this moment," someone mentioned.
"Coldest Lego collab yet 🥹🫱🏼‍🫲🏽," a fan described.

At the same time, there is a vocal group that is genuinely stoked about the news, and these fans commend the attention to detail and specifically emphasize the great articulation of characters like Buggy and Sanji that've been translated into minifigure form. The hype for the release is palpable, demonstrating a level of excitement that cannot be denied. For the new fans introduced by the live-action adaptation, this partnership is a natural and thrilling expansion.

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Final thoughts

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One Piece X LEGO has undoubtedly got the community buzzing, not just for what was included, but for what wasn't. Many newcomers and fans of the live-action adaptation are excited to be able to see characters like Buggy and Sanji in LEGO brick form, meanwhile long-time anime and manga fans feel a sense of separation.

Their frustration is rooted in the decades of source material being left untouched. Still, it's exciting to see this collaboration making strides for One Piece to reach new audiences.

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Related links:

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Edited by Niharika Dabral
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