Maximilian Lee Piazza on His Love of One Piece and Playing Young Zoro in the Live-Action Series
The live-action One Piece series on Netflix feels like a true watershed moment, breaking a long-standing chain of lackluster adaptations to create something fresh, fun and beautiful while perfectly capturing the energy of both the manga and anime series that came before it. That is no small feat.
A million little pieces had to come together for it to work, from the playful yet profound writing to the fantastic environments and set pieces, action-packed choreography and so much more, but we think it's the actors that truly sell the story of One Piece. While Mackenyu is the primary actor playing the "pirate hunter" Roronoa Zoro, we also see his youth vibrantly brought to life by 14-year-old actor and martial artist Maximilian Lee Piazza. We had the pleasure of speaking with Maximilian to learn more about his history with One Piece and what being part of the series means to him in the interview below.
Sweety High: When did you discover your passion for acting? Was there any specific "aha" moment that made you realize it was the path for you?
Maximilian Lee Piazza: Discovering my passion for acting has been one of those things that I feel has always been there. When I was around 5 years old, I could impersonate people really well. I used to play a game with my parents where I would do my impersonations, and they had to guess who I was imitating. The best part was being able to entertain them and witnessing their positive reactions. I believe that's what gave me the confidence and interest to pursue acting a few years ago.
As for an "aha" moment, I definitely had one while filming the sword choreography and action scenes for One Piece. I truly felt like I was in my element, like everything had fallen into place. It was my confirmation that acting was not just a passion but my life's path. I knew right then and there that alongside dramatic roles, I could see myself doing more action movies that allowed me to tap into my martial arts and weapons background. It was as if a new door had opened, and I wanted to step through it.
(Image courtesy of Maximilian Lee Piazza)
SH: Were you a fan of One Piece before you got cast? What has it meant to you to join such a beloved and long-standing franchise?
MLP: Not just a fan, but a superfan, long before I landed the role in the live-action adaptation. My love for One Piece started the moment I watched that very first episode. Everything about it, from the imaginative storyline to the close-knit bond of the Straw Hat crew—and the way they discovered each other and found the courage to chase their dreams together—it all really resonated with me.
I might have gone about it a little backward, starting with the anime before reading the manga, but I consider myself lucky to have stumbled upon this treasure in the first place.
As a superfan, when I got the news that I was auditioning for the role of
young Zoro, it was a mix of excitement and pure nerves. It felt so surreal, but I tried my best to stay calm and focused on interpreting the character in a way that felt authentic for the live adaptation. It wasn't an easy process for me, but I decided to put my trust in the universe and remind myself that if the role was meant for me, it would come to me, no matter what.
Being a part of such a beloved franchise is one of the most incredible and unforgettable achievements in my young life. It's like a dream come true, and I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity.
(One Piece via Netflix)
SH: What can you tell us about this version of Zoro?
MLP: In playing young Zoro, it was important to reveal how his past shaped the person he grows into as an adult. It's about understanding why he puts up emotional walls and what drives his strong determination to fulfill a promise he made, even if it means risking his own life. It was also important to showcase his vulnerability, allowing the audience to see the softer side beneath his tough exterior.
Also read about: The Netflix One Piece Character You Are, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
SH: Did you get to work with Mackenyu at all to play the younger version of him?
MLP: I didn't get to film any scenes with him, but the production team arranged for all the young Straw Hats to meet their older actor versions. When I met him, I learned more about his upbringing and how he got started, and he also gave me advice about my career. I've worked with some big stars, but I was a bit awestruck meeting him because I admired his work so much in Rurouni Kenshin. I studied his movements in the movie to help me prepare for the role. I also found it interesting that we both grew up in martial arts families, and I thought about the influence and probably the pressure it had on both of us to measure up.
(Image courtesy of Maximilian Lee Piazza)
SH: How similar are you to Zoro in real life? What would you say are your biggest similarities and differences?
MLP: What I admire most about Zoro is his loyalty to his friends, starting with Kuina and then extending to Luffy and the Straw Hats, who have become his family. He would do anything and risk it all to protect them. The similarities I share with Zoro in real life are that we both have a lot of heart, never give up and we are incredibly loyal to the people we care about—our family and friends, sometimes to a fault. Where we're different is that I'm definitely not afraid to show my vulnerability and emotions. I don't have a wall up like Zoro does.
SH: What was your most memorable moment from the set?
MLP: It would be hard to pick just one moment because the entire filming experience was memorable for me. Besides being in one of the most beautiful places in the world, I got to work with an incredibly talented team—everyone from our director Emma Sullivan and the individuals who took care of us on set to the hair and makeup and wardrobe teams who helped bring these characters to life.
What's really memorable for me was the opportunity to train with Koji [Kawamoto], an expert in katana and fight choreographer from Japan, and his team. It felt like a master class in sword training. I also learned so much from Darrell [Mclean], the head of stunts, about performing stunts.
It's people like them and the creative team behind the production who poured their hearts and souls into the project but often don't receive the recognition they deserve. Throughout the process, we became like a family, and I formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime.
(Image courtesy of Maximilian Lee Piazza)
Also read about: Samantha Richelle Talks Almost Paradise, Playing Kai and Representing the Philippines
SH: What has been your favorite fan reaction to the series?
MLP: My manager always warned me about reading the comments section, but I couldn't help myself and watched a lot of the YouTube live reactions
and TikTok edits. The collective feedback from fans has been overwhelmingly positive, and all the fans who expressed their love and appreciation are the ultimate reward. As a One Piece fan myself, I had all these ideas and opinions about the live-action and, bias aside, the One
Piece live action has set such a high bar and, according to fans, has
officially broken the live-action curse.
With Oda Sensei involved in every aspect of the series and a creative team that are fans first and understand those nuances, it's what made it successful and resonate with fans. And trust me, One Piece fans are very particular, just like me! Seeing how the series has made such a strong emotional connection with existing fans and new ones is incredibly rewarding for a fan like myself. It's been incredibly humbling, and I couldn't be more grateful.
SH: Where else can we see your work right now?
MLP: With the holidays coming up, you can see me in Spirited, a remake of A Christmas Carol with a twist, as well as in Season 1 of Only Murders in the Building and the iCarly reboot. Now that the actor's strike is officially over, I'm excited about exploring new projects and continuing to work on my craft and grow as an actor.
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
MLP: I'm pretty sure he'll never see this, but I would like to thank Oda Sensei for creating a world like One Piece and for sacrificing so much of his personal life (Oda works all the time and doesn't get to spend a lot of time with his family) so that all of us can experience a world like One
Piece.
(Image courtesy of Maximilian Lee Piazza)
For more insights into One Piece, click HERE to read our interview with costar Colton Osorio, who played a young Monkey D. Luffy.