In a candid move that underscores the growing emphasis on mental health in the entertainment industry, Matt Owens, co-showrunner of Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation, announced that he is stepping away from his role on the series to prioritize his personal well-being. Owens, who has been part of the show from its earliest development, revealed his decision in a heartfelt social media post, explaining that after several intense years of work, he needs time to pause and care for himself.
Owens shared that the past six years on One Piece have been transformative, calling the experience “a life-changing journey” and “a dream come true.” However, the creative and production demands, especially on such a large-scale adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga, have taken a toll. In his Instagram statement, he said he would be “stepping off the Going Merry,” a metaphor drawn from the series itself, to catch his breath, focus on therapy, and recharge before returning to new challenges.
The live-action One Piece, which first premiered on Netflix in 2023 to positive reviews and strong fan engagement, quickly became one of the platform’s most ambitious projects. Owens had shared showrunning duties across two seasons with colleagues such as Steven Maeda in the first season and Joe Tracz during the second. Ahead of the second season’s release, Owens’ announcement confirmed that Joe Tracz will continue in leadership to see the series through post-production and beyond.
Owens’ departure comes at a moment when the show is gearing up for a broader narrative exploration in future seasons. The adaptation follows Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they embark on their quest for the legendary treasure, One Piece. For many viewers, the series has stood out for its combination of faithful lore, dynamic characters, and cinematic world-building, elements that Owens and his team helped shape.
Industry observers have largely praised Owens for his transparency in addressing mental health, a topic that has become increasingly prominent among creatives across Hollywood and mainstream entertainment. His statement not only reflects his personal journey but also resonates with broader conversations about the pressures placed on writers, producers, and showrunners working under high expectations and tight timelines.
While Owens steps back, fans of One Piece have continued to express support, applauding his contributions and wishing him well as he navigates this restorative period. The series itself remains on track, with filming for the second season already completed and a third season confirmed, suggesting that the show’s momentum will continue even as its leadership adjusts behind the scenes.
Owens’ decision highlights an increasingly visible shift in how entertainment professionals approach mental well-being, placing personal health on par with career milestones. As audiences watch One Piece continue to evolve on screen, Owens’ choice reminds fans and creators alike that taking care of oneself is as important as any story arc in a television saga.
