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  • February 18, 2025
One Piece actor hilariously scolds fans after announcing his retirement

One Piece actor hilariously scolds fans after announcing his retirement

From one piece Kazuki Yao shocked the world when he announced earlier this month that he would be stepping down from the role of Franky, aka the cyborg of the Straw Hat Pirates.. Even before taking on the role of Franky, Yao still had an important role to play in the Grand Line in the role of the villainous Bon Clay, aka Mr. 2. When Kazuki entered the anime voice acting field in the 1980s, he has had numerous roles over the decades in major franchises such as Hunter x Hunter, Digimon, Initial D, Fullmetal Alchemist, Death Noteand more. While the actor may be taking a step back from Franky, he hilariously reminded fans that he’s still bringing a new message.

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Yao announced earlier this month that he would officially retire One piecestating that he was no longer able to create the “Franky he envisioned.” Fortunately, Kazuki is in good spirits and it is touted that a replacement for his character has been chosen, which will be revealed at Jump Festa later this month. His official statement read: ‘It’s as if there is now a gap between me and the ideal Franky I had in mind… so I have decided to temporarily step away from the Sunny. It’s frustrating! It’s heartbreaking! I’m really sorry. But a super successor is ready! Look forward to Jump Festa on 12/22.”

Toei animation

RELATED: Kazuki Yao resigns: One piece Will soon appoint Franky Actor’s successor

Kazuki Yao is alive

Thanks to Yao’s Instagram account, the soon-to-be former Franky assured fans that while he may be leaving the Grand Line, he is still very much alive. This is what Kazuki had to say: “For all the comments everyone sent in, thank you so much for yEAW! The Franky you love so much…he is…DUMMIES!! I’m not dead!! Not at all. It’s not like I’m crying! DUMB!! Allow me to introduce myself again. I’m Kazuki Yao, trending on Twitter actor. To prove that I’m not dead, I started an Instagram. Please follow me.” You can check out his new Instagram page by clicking here.

Yao has been playing the role of Franky for almost twenty years, so many fans are heartbroken that he couldn’t end the Straw Hat’s journey because One piece continues his final story. Still, Kazuki’s legacy on the Thousand Sunny won’t soon be forgotten, and many Grand Line fans are eagerly awaiting news of who will bring Franky to life in the future.

From one piece Bright future

If you need a refresher on the current status of the swashbuckling shonen series, From one piece manga continues to release new chapters as Luffy and the gang sail towards their grand finale. As for the anime adaptation, it recently took a break from the Future Island Arc until April of next year, but has given viewers a remastered take on the Fishmen Island Arc in the meantime. Of course, the manga and anime aren’t the only projects that do that One piece has cooking.

Netflix continues to work on the second season of the live-action series but for those hoping to see Franky in the upcoming episodes, you’re in for a disappointment. While the live-action adaptation continues to follow the source material, we’ll be waiting a while to see the swashbuckling cyborg. Considering how good the live-action is One piece has been received, it will be interesting to see how they tackle this larger-than-life character if they ever get to him.

Do you want to see who will be the new actor to take on the role of Franky? Follow Team Anime at ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the Grand Line and contact me at @EVComedy to discuss all things comics and anime.