The casting of actors in major global productions often sparks debate among passionate fan communities. That was the case for British actor Charithra Chandran, best known for her role in Bridgerton, after she joined the cast of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the hugely popular Japanese manga series One Piece. Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Chandran has addressed the criticism she received following the announcement.
Rising Star Joins a Global Franchise
Charithra Chandran first gained widespread recognition portraying Edwina Sharma in the second series of the Regency-era drama Bridgerton. In 2024, she was confirmed as part of the cast for the second season of One Piece, one of Netflix’s biggest international productions.
The series is based on the manga created by Japanese artist Eiichiro Oda. Since its debut in 1997, the comic has reportedly sold around 600 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series in history.
Chandran admits she was not especially familiar with the story before being cast.
“I couldn’t believe how I had not interacted with One Piece prior to this, because it is huge,” she said. “And now I am in the universe, I see it absolutely everywhere.”
The show follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of Straw Hat pirates as they search across the seas for the legendary treasure known as the One Piece.
Online Criticism Following Casting Announcement
Chandran appears in the new season as Nefertari Vivi, a bounty hunter with a hidden past who initially operates under the alias Miss Wednesday. In the original manga, Vivi is depicted as a white character with blue hair.
Following the casting announcement, a number of fans criticised the decision, arguing that Chandran did not match the original portrayal. Some comments went further, questioning why the actor had accepted the role.
Chandran responded publicly at the time by sharing several negative messages on Instagram with a sarcastic caption thanking people for their “support”.
Reflecting on the reaction, she said online backlash is an unfortunate reality faced by many actors from minority backgrounds.
“I think as a woman of colour in this industry, it is unfortunately something that is somewhat the status quo,” she said.
“It is absolutely not acceptable, but I’m not the first person in this position and I will not be the last.”
Several of her co-stars also defended her. Actor Rob Colletti, who plays Wapol in the series, described it as “astonishing” that a “vocal minority” had objected to the casting of a non-white actor in the role.
A Story With Universal Themes
Despite the criticism, Chandran said she believes One Piece resonates globally because of its diverse characters and themes of friendship and ambition.
“What I love about One Piece — and I presume other people respond to similar things — is that the messages of the story are so universal,” she said.
“In a time where the world feels incredibly divided and people are so polarised, the message of following your dreams and being good to your friends and this chosen family — how can anyone disagree with that?”
She added that the support she received from fellow cast members made a significant difference during the controversy.
“Even if you didn’t see it publicly, all of them are here for me and hyping me up,” she said.
Debate Over Cultural Representation
Some critics also argued that casting an actor of Indian heritage as Vivi was inaccurate, pointing out that the fictional kingdom of Alabasta — where the character originates — is widely interpreted by fans as being inspired by Ancient Egypt.
The discussion forms part of a broader debate around representation and adaptation in global entertainment. The first season of One Piece itself had previously been criticised by some viewers who accused the production of “white-washing” certain roles.
Chandran said she understands the expectations held by long-time fans of the series and emphasised that the cast were keen to respect the original work.
“I try to remember that it’s not necessarily about me as a person,” she said.
“I’ve got to do my best to prove to people that I’m the right fit for this, and I hope they enjoy.”
She also hopes audiences may ultimately see the story — and the characters — from a broader perspective.
“I hope I can expand their minds and make them view people and the world a little differently. But beyond that, I’ve just got to live my truth and be true to myself.”
Approval From the Creator
Chandran has also received backing from the series’ creator, Eiichiro Oda, whose opinion carries considerable weight among the franchise’s global fanbase.
In a message to viewers, Oda explained that actors were initially chosen through photos and audition videos before meeting them in person.
After spending time with the cast for the second season, he said he believed they were “absolutely the perfect choice” for their roles.
For Chandran, that endorsement is the most important validation.
“If Oda Sensei — the person whose brilliant mind this has all come out of — says ‘you are the right person to portray this character’, that to me is the only validation that matters,” she said.
Looking Ahead
The second season of the live-action series, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, is due to launch on Netflix on 10 March. With anticipation high among fans worldwide, Chandran’s portrayal of Vivi will be one of the most closely watched additions to the expanding pirate adventure.
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