One Piece live action officially premiered 8 episodes on August 31. The cast has drawn significant attention, especially the role of Nami.
Emily Rudd as Nami in “One Piece” live action. Image: IG.
Nami: The Straw Hat Crew’s Navigator
Nami is the navigator and one of the key members of the Straw Hat Pirates. Under the leadership of Luffy, she plays a crucial role in helping the crew navigate the perilous seas to reach the Grand Line.
Nami tends to be protective of herself due to her past experiences, which makes her a strong and independent character, embodying the spirit of the crew. However, as she spends more time with her crewmates, she develops close bonds, contributing significantly to the adventurous journeys of the Straw Hat Pirates.
In November 2021, Emily Rudd was announced to portray Nami in the live-action adaptation based on the One Piece manga.
Born in 1993, Emily Rudd is an American model and actress. Before taking on the role of Nami, she gained recognition for her performance as Cindy Berman in the Netflix horror series Fear Street and in the sci-fi film Moonshot.
According to one of the producers of the series, casting Emily as Nami in One Piece is truly significant. Since its release, the series has received a strong start with positive feedback from audiences.
In an interview with ScreenRant, One Piece director Marc Jobst praised Emily Rudd’s successful portrayal of the iconic character: “Emily is beautiful and fits Nami perfectly; she has depth. We are not only concerned with appearances but also with the emotional depth and complexity of the character.”
Why is Emily Rudd the Perfect Fit for Nami?
Watching classic films such as One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon, and Spirited Away has contributed to shaping her character today.
Emily Rudd has been a dedicated fan of One Piece for many years, and more than anyone, she understands the essence of the character Nami.
Initially, Emily made One Piece fans skeptical about her acting ability, but her performance has dispelled all doubts. In line with the director’s comments, Nami, as portrayed by Emily, combines beauty with acting skills, showcasing the character’s spirit.
“Nami is the intelligent, resourceful girl of the group. She keeps many secrets, which can sometimes harm others, but for good reasons,” Emily shared.
Emily Rudd is a fan of manga and anime.
The actress embodies the character of Nami perfectly. In reality, Emily also expresses her career direction, stating that she was born to be a leading figure. “I have always been a person meant to lead, born to be a star, to portray Nami.”
The biggest challenge throughout the production for Emily has been managing her emotions, as Nami’s character often embodies complex feelings that can be difficult to convey.
The actress has practiced karate, but performing action scenes isn’t always easy. Many challenging scenes require her to perform multiple times, shooting from different angles and reviewing them, which she considers a fun challenge.
According to IGN, Emily Rudd’s portrayal of Nami is a highlight of the series. “Emily showcases the character’s vibrant personality while also portraying the deeper emotional trauma that the character has experienced in the past. Her emotional performance makes the character come alive, particularly in moments of vulnerability or strength; Emily effectively brings Nami’s concerns for those around her to the forefront, even when her actions might seem contrary.”
