AceShowbiz - One Piece is enjoying a remarkable surge in popularity this year. Alongside the ongoing weekly releases of the final arc of Eiichiro Oda's acclaimed manga, fans are also witnessing developments with WIT Studio's anime remake, the launch of Netflix's second season of the live-action adaptation, and the announcement of a LEGO One Piece special. The franchise’s presence extends beyond media to include a variety of merchandise collaborations, ranging from Popeye’s to Crocs, fueling its cultural reach.

Adding to this wave of excitement, Universal Studios Hollywood (USH) is offering a unique experience for fans in the United States through its Fan Fest Nights event. Last year’s festivities featured meet-and-greets with the beloved Straw Hat Crew, live creation of authentic wanted posters by an artist, and themed food and drinks. This year, these popular elements return with fresh twists and a new location, complemented by a stage show created in partnership with Universal Studios Japan (USJ).

Stephen Siercks, senior director of entertainment production and executive producer of Universal Fan Fest Nights, shared that the inaugural year introduced One Piece as a cornerstone anime experience at the event. The overwhelming success motivated the team to expand the storytelling possibilities by bringing One Piece to life in a grand stage production.

USJ has been producing One Piece stage shows since 2007, some lasting 90 minutes, and is known for their immersive theatrical presentations. While the USH version will differ, it promises to be equally captivating. The new Grand Pirate Show immerses audiences in the world of the Straw Hat Crew—featuring Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, and Chopper—as they embark on a quest to find Pop Greens, seeds with rapid growth and offensive abilities.

The Straw Hats face competition and danger along the way, with appearances by characters like Buggy and another surprise guest. The show leverages USH’s WaterWorld venue, known for spectacular stunts, fight choreography, special effects, watercraft, pyrotechnics, and interactive moments with attendees. The Grand Pirate Show will run on select nights from April 23 to May 16 during the Fan Fest Nights schedule.

This One Piece-themed entertainment will run concurrently with other Fan Fest offerings, such as Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot, which invites fans to solve mysteries on actual film sets alongside animated teen detectives. Additional attractions include a Wizarding World creature adventure into the Forbidden Forest, a screening of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe at the DreamWorks Theater, and the return of the popular Dungeons and Dragons experience.

In an exclusive discussion, Siercks revealed more about what guests can expect from the new One Piece experience at Fan Fest Nights 2026.

Where does this show fit within Eiichiro Oda’s extensive One Piece universe?

Last year’s event introduced attendees to the Straw Hats, appealing to super fans and newcomers alike through character meet-and-greets. This year’s show continues that mission by presenting a storyline framed as an origin narrative, introducing key characters, their relationships, and a fresh adventure that connects the expansive One Piece world in a live event setting at Universal Studios Hollywood.

How does the USH show compare to the long-running One Piece stage productions at Universal Studios Japan?

USH drew heavily on inspiration from the USJ team, who have been crafting One Piece stage shows for over two decades. The USH producer and team had the opportunity to attend a live performance at USJ and collaborate closely with their creators. This partnership ensures the authenticity and quality of the adaptation while tailoring it to the unique format of Fan Fest Nights as an after-hours event.

While USJ's productions offer deep dives into the latest manga arcs annually, the USH show brings the essence of that experience into a more condensed, immersive event. It allows guests to engage closely with the characters and story while enjoying interactive experiences in the surrounding event areas, all designed to deliver a fan-first, vibrant atmosphere unique to Universal Studios Hollywood’s WaterWorld venue.

What can audiences expect from the show in terms of length, story, and performance?

The show promises action-packed sequences from the outset, showcasing the Straw Hats’ personalities and their conflicts as they pursue Pop Greens. Audiences can look forward to dynamic fight scenes, innovative stunts, and spectacular effects that highlight the WaterWorld venue’s strengths, including watercraft and pyrotechnics. The production aims to deliver an epic adventure that is as thrilling as it is faithful to the source material.

Siercks emphasized that the show is designed to be accessible to all attendees, whether they are dedicated manga readers, anime enthusiasts, or first-time visitors experiencing One Piece. By weaving a brand new story while honoring the original character dynamics and world-building, the show creates a gateway for fans to deepen their connection to the franchise during Fan Fest Nights.