One Piece to Return in April 2025 - NEW Film Announced
One Piece fans were treated to major updates at Jump Festa 2025, leaving everyone thrilled for the anime’s future. After being on hiatus since October 2024, the beloved series is finally returning on April 6, 2025, with a brand-new time slot at 11:15 p.m. JST. This marks the first change in its airing time in nearly 20 years!
Series creator Eiichiro Oda shared a heartfelt message, promising that One Piece will continue to grow across all formats: manga, anime, movies, and even the live-action adaptation. He teased exciting announcements for next year and said the anime would be made more accessible and enjoyable with updates that align with modern times.
One of the biggest announcements was a cast change for Franky, the shipwright of the Straw Hat Pirates. After nearly 20 years, Kazuki Yao, who has voiced Franky since 2005, is stepping down due to health reasons. Yao, who also voiced Jango and Bon Clay in the series, expressed his gratitude to Eiichiro Oda, the staff, and fans, thanking them for their support over the years. He mentioned this decision was for his well-being, sharing his heartfelt thanks to his family and beloved dogs.
Taking over Franky’s voice is Subaru Kimura, a talented actor and rapper known for his iconic roles, including Aoi Todo in Jujutsu Kaisen and Hanamichi Sakuragi in The First Slam Dunk. Kimura has been part of One Piece before, voicing a young Buggy in 2021, and fans are eager to see how he’ll bring his own flair to the beloved character.
Additionally, One Piece continues to expand its reach with exciting projects, including new movies and a special collaboration with the Los Angeles Lakers for “One Piece Night” in 2025.
For those unfamiliar, One Piece follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy, a determined pirate searching for the legendary treasure known as the One Piece. With his unique rubber powers and a crew of loyal friends, Luffy aims to become the King of the Pirates, overcoming every challenge in his path.
Fans can stream One Piece on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, ensuring everyone is ready for its highly anticipated return. The adventure is far from over, and the Straw Hats are ready to set sail once again!