Some viewers of Netflix’s One Piece Season 2 debated a change to one character’s appearance, with some believing it shouldn’t have been altered, while others felt the new look was perfect. Season 2 of the live-action series introduced Brook earlier than in the original manga. He appeared in a flashback in Episode 2, showing him as a happy violinist on the Rumbar Pirates’ ship, playing Binks’ Sake to soothe Laboon the whale.
Many online fans are pleased with the casting of Martial T. Batchamen as Brook, believing he captures the character’s original look and feel, especially with his afro.
A lot of people on X, including users like @peronyawns and @trafalgarology, are surprised to see some fans questioning Brook’s race in the original One Piece manga. Many fans have always seen Brook as Black, pointing to his iconic afro and his position as the Soul King as evidence, so this debate is unexpected.
In a September 2024 Q&A (reported by Popverse), the creator of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, revealed that if Brook were a real person, he would be Austrian.
Even so, Eiichiro Oda approving the casting of Martial T. Batchamen as Brook in the Netflix series (where he was a creative advisor) might suggest he’s reconsidered his views and reimagined the popular character as a Black man.
Season 2 of One Piece continues the adventures of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they begin their voyage into the perilous Grand Line. They face off against deadly assassins working for Mr. Crocodile and his organization, Baroque Works. The show features Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero, Taz Skylar, Lera Abova, David Dastmalchian, and a talented ensemble cast. One Piece Season 2 debuted on Netflix on March 10th.
Why Brook Has a Bright Future In Netflix’s One Piece
Martial T. Batchamen, who plays Brook in Season 2 of One Piece, is already receiving praise, with many believing his short on-screen time confirmed he’s a perfect fit for the character.
Beyond sharing a family history with Black characters, this portrayal beautifully captured Brook’s personality through his singing, distinctive laugh, and genuine nature, hinting at a more significant role to come. Many fans were also thrilled to see Brook depicted as a Black man, as the Netflix adaptation finally resolved long-standing discussions about the character’s race.
Fans loved Brook’s introduction, which hints at a bigger role for him with the Straw Hat crew in the future. He first joined Luffy and his friends on Thriller Bark, where they helped him recover his stolen shadow from a zombie version of Ryuma. Grateful for their help, Brook asked to join their crew, and a new member was added to the Straw Hats!
I’m really hoping we see Brook join the live-action Straw Hat crew in future seasons of One Piece! They already gave us a glimpse of him in a flashback during Season 2, which feels like a pretty clear setup. The initial reaction to that debut was so positive, it definitely makes me think they’re planning to bring him back – and hopefully, sooner rather than later, as their musician!
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2026-03-12 00:36