Jacob Romero as Usopp in ‘One Piece: Into The Grand Line’ (Courtesy of Netflix)
*Netflix’s high-seas adventure “One Piece: Into The Grand Line” sets sail March 10, bringing the Straw Hat crew into one of the most dangerous and unpredictable regions of the world—and for Jacob Romero’s Usopp, the journey is as emotional as it is perilous.
The series continues Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the beloved story created by Eiichiro Oda. Season 2 follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they venture into the legendary Grand Line, where strange islands, powerful adversaries, and extraordinary challenges await their search for the world’s greatest treasure.
Romero describes Usopp as a character driven by imagination and aspiration as much as skill. “You know, Usopp, like all the crew, I would say, is a dreamer. He’s the storyteller of the group, the sharpshooter. Also, the one that isn’t- one of the ones that doesn’t have any particular superpowers besides a slingshot and his whip, which is maybe the most important superpower.”
Despite lacking supernatural abilities, Usopp’s ambitions remain bold. “He’s on a quest to become a brave warrior of the sea. And as anyone who has investigated what it means to be brave would know, that also implies fear that is being overcome.”
According to Romero, that tension between fear and courage is central to Usopp’s journey as the Straw Hats encounter mounting dangers in the Grand Line. “I think that that’s something that is really important in Usopp’s journey in the context of the crew. As you see each crew member dealing with certain personal obstacles and things that they want to better about themselves or overcoming themselves.”
Usopp’s growth, Romero explains, comes from learning to face fear rather than deny it. “Working with his fear and still finding his bravery is absolutely one of the most important things that I think Usopp’s story offers to the world of One Piece.”
The character’s bravado is also part of how he processes that fear. Romero reflects on how Usopp’s storytelling and exaggerated confidence can act as both a shield and a step toward becoming the hero he hopes to be.
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