Eiichiro Oda says Netflix got Chopper right in their ‘One Piece’ adaptation
Fans were worried about Chopper’s CGI.
Netflix has finally unveiled the first look at Tony Tony Chopper in the live-action 'One Piece’ adaptation, and while fans were initially concerned about how the beloved reindeer would translate to CGI, creator Eiichiro Oda has reassured everyone that the design is faithful to the original vision.
Oda’s reaction: “We’ve brought Chopper to life”
During the Netflix Tudum 2025 event, Oda shared his thoughts on Chopper’s live-action debut, stating:“The key to season 2 is, of course, our weird talking animal. After extensive trial and refinement by the entire team, the day has come to finally unveil him! From his form and fur to his expressions and voice, and even lighting and gravity simulation—a world-class team brought their skills together in bringing Tony Tony Chopper to life, and now he’s ready to be introduced to the world!”
His statement reassured fans that great care was taken to ensure Chopper’s appearance, movement, and personality remained true to the original manga and anime.
Fan concerns and first impressions
Before the reveal, fans were worried about how Chopper’s cartoonish proportions would translate into live-action. However, the footage showcased a faithful adaptation, featuring:
- Large expressive eyes
- His signature blue nose
- The iconic pink hat
- Smooth CGI animation
The reveal was met with mixed reactions, but many fans praised the attention to detail and high-quality CGI work.
Who is voicing Chopper?
Netflix confirmed that Mikaela Hoover (’Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3′, ‘Superman’) will be voicing Chopper in season 2. Hoover also provided facial motion capture, ensuring that Chopper’s expressions and personality feel authentic.
With 'One Piece’ season 2 set to release in 2026, Chopper’s reveal marks a major milestone for the adaptation. While some fans remain skeptical, Oda’s approval and the high-quality CGI work suggest that Netflix is committed to doing justice to the beloved Straw Hat doctor.
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