One Piece Film: Red – A Unique Continuation of the One Piece Storyline

One Piece Film: Red does not follow the traditional timeline of the One Piece manga and is set in a period that does not occur immediately after the Wano arc. This film draws heavily from the anime’s narrative, which may lead to some confusion regarding the chronological order of events.
Although it was released after episodes 1029 and 1030 of the anime, One Piece Film: Red is still temporally situated during the Wano Arc, focusing on the relationship between Uta and Luffy. This timeline has been further extended due to a ransomware attack impacting Toei Animation, causing production delays for the anime.
Chronological Timeline Changes


The film features several elements that take place after the Wano arc, including Jinbei’s appearance in the background, Zeus’s escape from Nami’s attack, and Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation. However, these events are not considered a part of the canonical storyline of the manga. One Piece films typically create separate stories that do not directly interfere with the main timeline, allowing characters to engage in parallel adventures.
Separate Storylines and Character Development
For example, despite Big Mom still being alive during the “Whole Cake Island” saga, her presence in the film does not directly impact Luffy’s ongoing adventures. Thus, One Piece Film: Red occupies a unique narrative space, not entirely fitting either before or after the Wano arc, creating a distinct viewing experience that does not adhere to the continuous storyline of the manga.

Similar to other films in the franchise, particularly One Piece: Stampede and One Piece Film: Gold, Film: Red presents a departure from typical adventures to explore a storyline that is not considered canon. It is advisable to get updated on the manga before watching the film, as it contains plot details not yet adapted in the anime.
Conclusion
In summary, One Piece Film: Red offers a fresh perspective on the beloved series, providing fans with new insights into the characters and their dynamics outside of the conventional timeline. Fans are encouraged to enjoy this unique cinematic experience while remaining aware of its place within the broader One Piece universe.