Add as a preferred source on Google
The first look of Netflix’s One Piece Season 2 was released on August 10, 2025. Fans not only got to see the Straw Hat Pirates but also a few of the new characters who will be making their debut in the upcoming season. One of the debutants from Netflix’s One Piece Season 2 is Charithra Chandran, who will be playing the role of Miss Wednesday/Nefertari Vivi. When the casting was first revealed, Charithra Chandran faced significant backlash online due to being a person of color, but the latest trailer proved that One Piece did not deviate from its stance and kept her in the series.
What Is The Controversy Surrounding Charithra Chandran?
The controversy surrounding Charithra Chandran dates back to when Netflix first announced the new cast of the One Piece Season 2. Several people commented on social media that she was not fit to play the role of Nefertari Vivi. The comments mainly revolved around her skin color. People were commenting all sorts of discouraging stuff like “Looking at Vivi like this, I wish Crocodile wins in the Alabasta arc so we can’t see this Vivi again,” and “We don’t want you in One Piece.” However, Charithra took a screenshot of those comments and answered the trolls in the classiest fashion by replying, “Thank you so much for all your support.”
The One Piece Cast Stands With Charithra Chandran
With the latest backlash against Charithra Chandran, the cast of One Piece is showcasing their support for her. Emily Rudd, who plays Cat Burglar Nami on Netflix’s One Piece, said,
Perceived “canon” does not excuse blatant racism or hate of any kind. I am beyond proud of our show, our cast, and the opportunity we have to bring to life a story centered around a diverse found family – by an equally diverse found family,
She shared this on her Instagram story. It is not only her, Camrus Johnson (Mr. 5), Jacob Romero (Usopp), and Sophia Ann Caruso (Miss Goldenweek) who have also shown their support. Even Rob Colletti (Wapol) shared a long post on his social media explaining his discomfort about how the One Piece fandom is comfortable with unrealistic things like a rubber pirate, giants, talking fish, etc., but draws the line when Nefertari Vivi is not portrayed by a white woman.
Eiichiro Oda Handpicked Every Cast Member For One Piece Live Action
Before Netflix’s One Piece Season 1 was released, the showrunner Matt Owen revealed that every cast member was handpicked by Eiichiro Oda himself. The same thing happened for One Piece Season 2, also. There are no fan expectations or suggestions involved, as the entire decision is made by the creator of One Piece. Putting emphasis on this point, Rob Colletti wrote,
Charithra was hand-selected by Oda, and he has far more knowledge and understanding of his own characters than anyone else, particularly the hateful, unimaginative creeps who actually have the audacity to get on the internet to throw hate speech towards an actor without even seeing their absolutely amazing performance on the show…
One Piece Season 2 Live-Action series will be available to watch on Netflix.
Priyanko is currently pursuing his Master’s in Economics. He loves to read manga or watch anime in his spare time. He is a massive fan of One Piece, Naruto, and Haikyu. Amidst the Great Pirating Era, he wishes to become the greatest Hokage, even though he is short.
Leave a Reply