Within the Straw Hat crew, Usopp was often considered the toughest character to bring to life in the live-action adaptation. In the original manga, this “master storyteller” is a complex mix: cowardly yet frequently lying, but with a kind heart. This made it a huge challenge for any actor to portray him convincingly without annoying the audience.
However, entering One Piece season 2, Jacob Romero Gibson has proven the opposite. Not only did he do well, but he also elevated Usopp to a whole new level, with many fans declaring him the standout character of the season. Here are three reasons why!
1. Jacob Romero Gibson Captures Usopp’s True Spirit
The biggest strength of live-action Usopp lies in Jacob Romero Gibson’s performance. He portrays Usopp’s cowardice with charm, never going over the top or becoming irritating.
In every scene, from his eyes to his gestures and signature tall tales, Jacob makes viewers believe this is truly Usopp stepping out of the pages. More than just the comedic side, he explores Usopp’s insecurities, doubts, and deep desire to be brave. This makes Usopp feel relatable and deeply human.
2. Little Garden Arc: The Stage for a Hero Born from Fear
The Little Garden arc in season 2 is where Usopp truly shines. While in earlier episodes he often hung back, here he begins to show courage, even if his legs still tremble.
True to the manga’s spirit, Usopp proves that courage isn’t the absence of fear but moving forward despite it. Jacob Romero Gibson makes the most of these moments, drawing all eyes to him and sometimes even stealing the spotlight from the crew’s main fighters.
3. Perfect Balance Between Humor and Heroism
The hardest part of adapting Usopp is maintaining balance. Too funny and he becomes a cheap comic relief, too serious and he loses his essence.
Season 2 finds the perfect sweet spot. Usopp still delivers his innocent lies, but when it’s time to fight, his bravery is genuine. Even his role in boosting the crew’s morale on Drum Island is portrayed smoothly.
This approach makes Usopp an indispensable piece of the crew, a man constantly battling himself to protect his friends, which is why he deserves to be the best character of season 2.