Oda Admits New One Piece Movie Production Is Facing Hurdles

Eiichiro Oda delivered candid news regarding the next One Piece anime film during his appearance at the Jump Festa 2026 stage event. The creator confirmed the movie’s production schedule is currently not running smoothly, even noting he probably wasn't supposed to mention the project at all.

Oda’s statement provided a direct look at the challenges facing Toei Animation. "As for the new film – they haven't said I am allowed to say this – I can't say it's going particularly well," Oda's statement read. He added a lighthearted jab, suggesting the team might need to push harder to get the project back on track.

This confirmation is a major development, as rumors about a new theatrical release have circulated since 2024. Since development is underway, fans anticipate the film will incorporate elements up to Gear 5 Luffy and recent manga developments, sticking to the franchise's pattern of standalone stories loosely connected to the main narrative.

The reported production difficulties arrive as the One Piece anime gears up for significant changes in 2026.

The highly anticipated Elbaph Arc is slated to begin on April 5, 2026. This arc will adapt the long-awaited story focused on the giants' homeland and feature new Viking-inspired designs. Toei Animation has reportedly adjusted its overall production pipeline to manage these concurrent, high-profile projects.

Outside of the main anime, Netflix’s live-action series is progressing toward its second season. As the manga moves deeper into its final saga under Oda’s supervision, the timing of this new film feels particularly crucial. Fans will likely have to wait longer for concrete details on the movie, but Oda’s direct comments confirm the project is actively moving forward despite the current development challenges.