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Home News Mackenyu on the Challenges of Playing Zoro in 'One Piece'

Mackenyu Discusses Challenges of Playing Zoro in 'One Piece'

Sep 17, 2026
80 min
3
Sep 17, 2026 01:30
Exclusive: One Piece's Mackenyu on Zoro, 'It was painful in season one'

## Childhood Hero Turned Role

Mackenyu, known for his role as Roronoa Zoro in Netflix's live-action "One Piece," has been a fan of the character since childhood. Despite his admiration, he initially felt apprehensive about the series becoming live-action, fearing the pressure of accurately portraying his childhood hero.

## The Pressure of Fight Scenes

One of the most challenging aspects for Mackenyu was the intense fight scenes, particularly the Whiskey Peak sequence where Zoro battles a hundred opponents. Mackenyu revealed that the scenes were meticulously planned to ensure authenticity, with each opponent accounted for.

## Mastering the Three-Sword Style

Zoro's iconic three-sword fighting style, which involves holding a sword in his mouth, posed a significant physical challenge for Mackenyu. He admitted that the discomfort from this technique was a persistent issue throughout filming.

## Balancing Humor and Seriousness

Mackenyu also highlighted the difficulty of maintaining Zoro's serious demeanor amidst the chaotic and humorous environment of the show. He noted that keeping a straight face was often more challenging than the physical demands of the role.

## Preparing for Alabasta

As the series moves to the desert kingdom of Alabasta in season three, Mackenyu has been preparing for the new setting. He mentioned the importance of physical fitness and proper dieting to stay camera-ready, emphasizing the simplicity of his regimen.

## Personal Insights

Despite the challenges, Mackenyu finds some personal similarities with Zoro, such as his ability to sleep anywhere. He also shared his excitement about visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during his time in the UAE, marking a personal highlight of his visit.

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