Netflix's One Piece Found the Perfect Gol D. Roger (and Here's Why) (2024)

Netflix's live-action One Piece is one of the most successful live-action series based on a manga or anime ever created. Among its amazing casting choices is Michael Dorman as Gol D. Roger, the legendary Pirate King. With a brief yet extremely important role, Dorman embodies the character’s charisma, strength, and family-driven legacy. His portrayal perfectly balances Roger’s mythic status with a relatable humanity.

What makes Dorman’s performance truly special is his personal connection to the One Piece story. Inspired by his son’s love for the series, Dorman dove into the role with passion and understanding, making his performance resonate deeply with fans of the original manga and anime.

The Real-Life Family Ties That Make Dorman Perfect

Michael Dorman's Family Connections To The Pirate King

Gol D. Roger and Michael Dorman share a key trait, and that is that they are both deeply family-oriented.Roger’s decision to distance himself from his son, Ace, was a heartbreaking but selfless act to shield him from the dangers tied to the Pirate King’s legacy. In a similar manner, Dorman's role in One Piece began with his son, who fell in love with the series and sparked Dorman's own interest in the story.

In interviews, Dorman has spoken about how One Piece was the first series his son read in full. This personal connection to the story is similar to Roger’s own love for his child, despite the circumstances that kept them apart. It is a rare example of when an actor's life reflects that of the character they play, making Dorman the perfect fit for Roger's role.

Dorman’s understanding of Roger’s family-driven decisions shines through in his performance. His portrayal carries the weight of Roger’s sacrifices and his unwavering love for his crew and family. This emotional depth adds authenticity to the role, making him stand out despite how little screen time he received.

Bringing The Pirate King To Life

Gol D. Roger's Legacy Was Honored By Michael Dorman

Dorman’s performance captures Gol D. Roger’s larger-than-life presence while humanizing the iconic character. From his booming laugh to his commanding presence, Dorman gives off the spirit of a man who changed the world. His brief screentime leaves a lasting impression of him at Gol D. Roger, the man whose legend inspires generations of pirates, including Luffy, the series' protagonist.

What makes Dorman's portrayal especially memorable is his ability to balance Roger's charisma with the softer, inner-thought moments. The Pirate King was not just another swashbuckling adventurer, he was a man with hopes, regrets, and an understanding of the weight of his final actions. Dorman brings those layers to life, making Gol D. Roger one of the most memorable figures in the live-action adaptation.

The actor's commitment to the role is clear through his attention to detail. From embodying Roger's iconic gestures to delivering his lines in a believable tone, Dorman makes the character feel authentic in a way that longtime fans and newcomers alike will enjoy. His dedication was very helpful to the overall success of Netflix's One Piece adaptation in staying true to Eiichiro Oda's vision.

Michael Dorman’s portrayal of Gol D. Roger in Netflix’s One Piece is a testament to the power of perfect casting. By drawing on his real-life bond with the series and his family, Dorman brings a personal touch to the legendary Pirate King. His performance encapsulates Roger’s charisma, strength, and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Dorman’s Gol D. Roger is more than just a great adaptation of a beloved character, it is a reminder of the importance of family, legacy, and the power of stories. As fans celebrate the live-action series’ success, Dorman’s heartfelt portrayal stands as a great example of why One Piece continues to inspire.

Source: Michael Dorman interview, manofmany.com

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One Piece (Live-Action)

TV-14

Action

Adventure

Comedy

Fantasy

Based on the popular manga/anime series, One Piece is a live-action Netflix adaptation of the story from Eiichiro Oda. The show follows the exploits of a band of pirates, the Straw Hats, led by the energetic and adventure-loving Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy is a young man cursed with strange powers after accidentally eating a mysterious fruit. With his friends Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji, Luffy will head across the vast ocean to find the legendary treasure, the One Piece.

Cast

Iñaki Godoy , Mackenyu , Emily Rudd , Jacob Romero Gibson , Taz Skylar

Release Date

August 31, 2023

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix

Franchise(s)

One Piece

Writers

Matt Owens , Steven Maeda , Tom Hyndman

Showrunner

Matt Owens