Matt Owens, the co-showrunner and executive producer for the first two seasons of Netflix’s One Piece, has announced his departure from the show.

In a post on Instagram, Owens expressed his gratitude, stating that the past six years of working on the live-action One Piece have been a life-altering experience and a dream come true. However, he mentioned that it has also been overwhelming, and he’s decided to take a break to focus on his mental health and well-being. He thanked creator Eiichiro Oda, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios, Netflix, and the entire cast and crew for their trust, partnership, and dedication.

As reported by Deadline, the first season of One Piece was co-run by Steven Maeda and Owens. Although Maeda remains an executive producer, he stepped down as co-showrunner after the first season. Joe Tracz took over as the new co-showrunner and executive producer in April 2024 and will continue with the series, overseeing post-production for the second season. Notably, One Piece recently wrapped up production on its second season.

Owens’ departure is not expected to impact the show’s chances of being renewed for a third season. He has co-written at least one episode for the second season, and his influence on the series will still be evident. During his tenure, he played a significant role in shaping the show’s creative vision, including its long-term plan for future seasons, as noted by Deadline.

Earlier this month, the first season of One Piece won two Emmy awards for stunt coordination and best song in a kids/YA program (“My Sails Are Set”). Last year, Netflix announced the casting of several key roles for the second season, including Lera Abova as Nico Robin and Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0. A release window for the second season has not been confirmed yet.

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