
Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece has garnered significant acclaim, making the anticipation surrounding its second season palpable. Among the new cast members introduced is Callum Kerr, who will embody the iconic Marine Captain Smoker. Accepting the challenge of portraying such a beloved character from Eiichiro Oda’s celebrated series is no small feat, and Kerr is keenly aware of the high expectations tied to this role. In a recent interview with The One Sheet, he shared insights into his rigorous preparation process, which includes an attempt to familiarize himself with the extensive lore of the anime.
While filled with excitement, Kerr recognized the monumental task at hand. With the anime series exceeding 1, 000 episodes, he noted that while he could binge-watch the first season of the live-action adaptation, fully immersing himself in the anime remains a far-reaching goal. He is dedicated to deciphering Smoker’s character through selective viewing of pivotal moments in the series, showcasing his resolve to gradually navigate through the anime’s vast content, even if this process spans several years.
Callum Kerr’s Unique Approach to Smoker
How Callum Kerr Is Bringing Smoker to Life

Delving into an established franchise can often be an overwhelming undertaking, yet Kerr has approached his preparation with a clear strategy. Amid a demanding schedule, he prioritized watching the first season of One Piece in live-action, aiming to grasp the overall tone and performance style of the show. Aware that Smoker has not yet appeared in this format, he judiciously expanded his research to the anime, meticulously selecting scenes that showcase Smoker’s character traits and combat techniques.
As production commenced, Kerr committed to a deeper exploration of the anime, embarking on his journey from the very first episode. He admits that completing the entire series is a long-term ambition, especially given his obligations at home, including parenting a young child. Yet, his pledge to gradually ingest the rich narrative of One Piece underscores his dedication to respecting the source material and delivering a performance that resonates with fans.
Balancing Commitment With Real-Life Challenges
The Challenge of Catching Up With One Piece





Kerr’s journey illustrates the challenges associated with adapting One Piece into a live-action format, a struggle not only faced by actors but also by newcomers to the series. The anime’s extensive length can be daunting, often leading new viewers to feel overwhelmed by the amount of content available. Kerr’s method of focusing first on Smoker’s essential scenes before progressively exploring the entire storyline is an effective and manageable way to gather the necessary insights without feeling engulfed by the series’ enormity.
Regardless of his busy lifestyle, which makes binge-watching the entire anime infeasible, Kerr’s enthusiasm for his role and respect for the One Piece fandom remains evident. His willingness to immerse himself in the anime’s world bodes well for an authentic portrayal of Smoker in the upcoming season. If Kerr’s dedication is reflected in his performance, fans can eagerly anticipate a thrilling and genuine depiction when the live-action series returns to screens.
Source: @TheOneSheet on X
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