Months ago, Netflix revealed the first images of its long-awaited One Piece live-action series, announcing that the series would arrive on its screen this year. And although it seems that everything is going well for the show that adapts the manga of the same name by Eiichiro Oda, the creator revealed important news regarding the project.

Through a letter released online (via Variety), Oda confirmed that they are in the final process of finishing production on the series, but that it will not premiere until he is completely satisfied with the final result of the adaptation.

Here’s his full statement:

“I’ve been working with Tomorrow Studios and Netflix for quite some time now. Even though they understand each of the characters, we obviously come from very different cultures so, when it comes to entertainment, we have different codes, skill sets, and aims. Sometimes it could be frustrating for both sides. It felt like, “We’re all trying to get to the same place so how come we’re not on the same wavelength?” there was even a time when I thought, “Is a foreign production even possible?!”

“Now, this might seem like it’s coming out of nowhere but…we’ve been hard at work this entire time. And now, each and every entity involved is working in sync. We’re finally here!! Considering my expected life span, I believe this is the last chance to bring ONE PIECE to the entire world. If we’re going to do it, I want to be able to supervise things while I’m still active. That’s why I agreed to the live-action adaptation of one piece back in 2016.Since then, Netflix has committed enormous resources to the production. It was announced that the show will launch in 2023, but they’ve promised that we won’t launch it until I’m satisfied.”

“The entire cast and crew, spanning various countries brimming with love for ONE PIECE!! They’re burning with passion, and I’ve reminded everyone involved that this should be fun. We’re in the final process! Right now! Of finishing all 8 episodes! We’ll be setting sail very soon!!”

Related: One Piece: Rumors Debunked That the Live-Action Series Sunk with First Test Audience
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What’s One Piece About?

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One Piece follows the story of Monkey D. Luffy, a young man who dreams of becoming the king of pirates. To reach his goal, he must find the famous treasure known as One Piece, hidden by the former king of pirates, Gol D. Roger.

The manga written and illustrated by Oda was published for the first time in 1997, and it already has more than 100 volumes, being the best-selling in the entire history of Japan. In 1999, One Piece came to television by Toei Animation, and has already aired more than 1,000 episodes, in addition to having released several movies.

The Netflix adaptation was confirmed in 2020, and will feature Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Jacob Gibson as Usopp, Emily Rudd as Nami, Taz Skylar as Sanji, Vincent Regan as Monkey D. Garp , Morgan Davies as Koby, and Peter Gadiot as Shanks among many others.