Although Netflix has broken the so-called “anime adaptation curse,” the portrayal of Shanks’ trusted lieutenants has sparked heated debates among fans.
The One Piece live-action series on Netflix earned widespread praise for its Straw Hat crew cast, who seemed to step right out of the manga pages. From Iñaki Godoy’s energetic Luffy to Mackenyu’s cool Zoro, everything felt spot on. However, the biggest disappointment for fans currently lies with the Red Hair Pirates, regarded as the gold standard among pirate crews.
Benn Beckman: From “East Blue’s Smartest” to a Stranger on Set
In Eiichiro Oda’s original work, Benn Beckman embodies calm authority and power. Not only is he the smartest man in East Blue, but his presence commands respect even from Navy Admirals. A single glance from Beckman carries the weight of decades of battle experience.
However, the live-action Benn Beckman, played by Laudo Liebenberg, has faced harsh criticism. On social media platforms like Twitter and X, fans have bluntly called him a “tired cosplayer.” The character’s look completely loses the legendary first mate’s aura. Instead of a battle-hardened warrior with sharp, intelligent features, viewers see a rather ordinary figure lacking the intimidating presence of a Haki master.
Lucky Roux: When a Distinctive Look Is Overlooked
Similarly, Lucky Roux, portrayed by Ntlanhla Morgan Kutu, has not escaped public scrutiny. In the anime and manga, Roux is memorable for his round, hefty build combined with incredible speed, a fascinating contradiction that defines his character.
Although the actor has worked hard to capture Lucky Roux’s spirit, fans continue to complain that the makeup and costume department downplayed the character’s physical power. Lucky Roux should be a massive wall of muscle and fat, an unmistakable silhouette. The live-action version looks bulky but lacks the unique essence, making him fade into the background among an otherwise impressively cast lineup.
High Expectations or Production Missteps?
Fans are so critical because the Straw Hat cast set such a high bar. When viewers fully embraced Iñaki as Luffy and Emily Rudd as Nami, they expected the Red Hair Pirates, who inspired Luffy, to look truly formidable. Instead, Shanks’ crew appears like a “fan-made production,” breaking the immersion in Oda’s world.
The criticism goes beyond aesthetics to atmosphere. If Benn Beckman looks more like a petty thug than a legend, the perceived danger of the New World loses its impact for the audience.
The Red Hair Pirates represent a milestone Luffy strives toward. If their image is diminished, the value of his dream to become Pirate King suffers as well. As these characters gain importance in future arcs, Netflix may need to seriously reconsider their designs or even recast to restore the dignity of Shanks’ right-hand men.