O'Shea Jackson Jr. reveals his least favorite One Piece arc, calling Thriller Bark a "test of my will" in this candid fan confession.
- May 7, 2026
AceShowbiz - O'Shea Jackson Jr has openly shared his thoughts on the anime series One Piece, revealing his least favorite storyline in the long-running franchise. Known for roles in films like Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Straight Outta Compton, Jackson Jr. surprised fans by expressing a strong opinion about one of the series’ most debated story arcs.
One Piece has captivated audiences for decades, following the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as they navigate the Grand Line in pursuit of the legendary treasure and Luffy’s dream to become the King of the Pirates. Throughout its extensive run, the series has featured numerous story arcs, some widely celebrated and others more polarizing among fans.
Jackson Jr., son of rapper Ice Cube, revealed on his social media that despite appreciating the importance of the arc, the Thriller Bark storyline tested his patience. He candidly described it as a “test of my will,” calling the arc a “Scooby Doo ass” experience that he wishes would disappear.
His exact words were: “Bruh... I know it has a lot of important things in it. But Thriller Bark was really a test of my will. That Scooby doo a** arc can go to hell.” This blunt statement adds a celebrity voice to the ongoing debate about which One Piece arcs resonate best or worst with audiences.
The Thriller Bark arc is notable for introducing the character Brook, a singing skeleton who becomes a member of the Straw Hat Pirates following their eerie adventure aboard a massive zombie-infested ship. This arc also features the antagonist Gecko Moria, one of the Warlords of the Sea, who steals shadows from victims to build an army of zombies.
While the arc has its detractors, it remains a significant part of the One Piece storyline due to character introductions and plot developments. However, fans often debate its tone and style, which leans into supernatural and horror elements that some viewers find less appealing compared to other arcs like Skypeia.
Interestingly, the Thriller Bark story has recently gained renewed attention through Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation. The second season of the show brought to life elements from this arc, including the Rumbar Pirates and a human portrayal of Brook before he becomes the iconic skeleton character beloved in the anime and manga.
Martial T. Batchamen plays Brook in the live-action series, and fans were treated to the first rendition of the song “Binks’s Brew,” a famous tune within the source material. This adaptation offers a glimpse at how the supernatural and zombie-themed elements of Thriller Bark might be realized in a new format, a task that presents unique challenges for the production team.
The arc’s blend of horror, comedy, and adventure is a departure from other parts of the series, which might explain why it divides opinion so strongly. Bringing characters like Dr. Hogback and Gecko Moria to life in live-action will require significant creative effort, given the fantastical nature of their designs and abilities.
O'Shea Jackson Jr’s commentary adds a fresh perspective to discussions among One Piece fans, who often engage in lively debates about the franchise’s best and worst arcs. While some fans criticize Skypeia or other storylines as the weakest, Jackson Jr.’s dislike for Thriller Bark highlights the subjective nature of these opinions within the fan community.
As the live-action series continues to explore these storylines, it will be interesting to see whether the adaptation changes public perception of Thriller Bark. The series has already expanded the narrative timeline by introducing elements earlier than in the manga, potentially reshaping how audiences experience these arcs.
What do you think about O'Shea Jackson Jr’s critique of the Thriller Bark arc? Does it reflect your own views, or do you find value in this supernatural chapter of One Piece? Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum.
With the ongoing success of the live-action adaptation and the continued popularity of the source material, debates about the franchise’s highs and lows will undoubtedly continue. Jackson Jr.’s candid remarks serve as a reminder that even well-loved series like One Piece can inspire strong, diverse opinions among viewers and celebrities alike.