In anime, it is a common belief that aging is eternal for main characters, who never seem to grow old, like Ash Ketchum, Conan, or Keiichi Morisato… However, in many other anime, the presence of a main character aging can add depth to their relationships with other characters. The creator of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, has demonstrated this sentiment in an SBS discussing the future appearances of the Straw Hat crew at ages 40 and 60.
Eiichiro Oda is known for his compliments and critiques, as his character designs can shift from appealing to unattractive quite rapidly.
A popular theory among One Piece fans is that Oda will use “age progression” to develop characters, reflecting their roles and personalities in the series. For instance, characters like Franky, Brook, and Shanks have striking appearances, while characters like Brook consistently embody the image of danger, decay, and rebellion.
Let’s take a look at how the Straw Hat crew might look in the future!
“Cyborg” Franky at 50 and 70
As time passes in the One Piece universe, Franky at age 50 would still look similar to his current self, but by age 70, the lines on his face would become more pronounced, and he would appear more authoritative.
In a darker timeline, Franky could evolve into a modern battle robot, seeking to obliterate all other ships. By age 70, he might even transform into a formidable war machine, symbolizing his desire to maintain his relevance in the ever-changing world of One Piece.
Nico Robin at 40 and 60
Robin would not appear to age much from her current age of 30 to her future self at ages 40 and 60, aside from a few changes in hairstyle. She would still maintain her elegant look through the years. In the manga, Oda has hinted that Robin could inherit the traits of a Russian grandmother, potentially explaining her graceful aging.
In her 40s, Robin might resemble Dr. Kureha, with a hairstyle transitioning to gray. Notably, her 60-year-old version would likely follow a less vibrant path, resembling the kind of elder who embodies wisdom and experience.
Tony Tony Chopper at 40 and 60
In the future, both Chopper at ages 40 and 60 would have many similarities, mainly in their physical forms. However, age may cause his appearance to become more robust and powerful.
Despite this, his appearance could also take on a more enticing look, suggesting a more mature and confident personality as he ages.
Sanji at 40 and 60
Similar to other older characters in One Piece, Sanji’s character design would undergo significant changes by the age of 40. He might retain his long hair but could adopt a more mature hairstyle, representing his evolution.
In his 60s, Sanji would likely resemble his father more closely, with hints of familial resemblance becoming pronounced. His changes may reflect an inner transformation, focusing less on his glamorous image and more on his culinary skills.
Usopp at 40 and 60
Given Usopp’s lineage, it’s easy to imagine how he will look as he ages. Oda has created a unique design for Usopp that emphasizes his individuality. At 40, he may appear slightly similar to his appearance during the time skip in One Piece, but with a more mature demeanor.
By 60, Usopp might start resembling his father, exhibiting the same thick brow and hair, albeit more disheveled and unkempt. His overall look would suggest that he hasn’t taken care of himself over the years.
Nami at 40 and 60
Nami has always been a style icon, appearing in various outfits, showcasing her fashion sense throughout the series. By age 40, she may sport a trendy bob hairstyle while maintaining a youthful appearance.
At age 60, her hair could take on a more subdued color, representing a mature yet still vibrant personality. Her style would likely reflect her rich experiences while keeping her charm intact.
Roronoa Zoro at 40 and 60
Zoro’s aging process will be quite noticeable in the future, showcasing a rugged appearance. He might continue to add scars from his battles as he strives to become the greatest swordsman.
As he ages, his green hair would likely fade, and he may begin to grow a beard, which could signify his maturity and accumulated wisdom over the years.
Monkey D. Luffy at 40 and 60
Luffy’s appearance at 40 would resemble that of Shanks, while at 60, he might exhibit features similar to Garp instead of resembling his father, Dragon.
In the future, as Oda tends to do with “older” characters, Luffy may develop a rugged look, with a scruffy beard and a more worn expression. By age 60, he would likely show signs of age, but his adventurous spirit would remain unchanged, as he continues his quest for the ultimate treasure.
