The live-action adaptation of One Piece has introduced a whole new world with the same beloved characters. While Season 2 of the Netflix live-action series has landed, and successfully so, while it was in the making, speculation reached unexpected heights when Jamie Lee Curtis was set to star in the series. However, this was in no way simply speculation as the veteran actress had herself directed the ship to flow in her direction when she expressed excitement about the show.  

As the ship never sailed with her on it, Jamie Lee Curtis revealed the reason behind her absence from One Piece Season 2.

Back in 2023, Jamie Lee Curtis shared that she was interested in playing the role of Dr. Kureha in the One Piece live-action adaptation and revealed that she is a huge fan of the series and manga. However, that never happened. And, now, in a recent interview with Screen Rant for her movie Sender, Curtis revealed the real reason that prevented her from taking up the role.

“The only reason I didn't get to do it was because it was in South Africa and I was shooting something else. And I couldn't go to South Africa. If it had been Los Angeles or any place nearer, I would have absolutely been able to be in it, but I'm so thrilled Katey did it.” she said.

Curtis called herself a huge fan of the show and even praised it as one of the best live-action adaptations of an anime and manga. She also praised her Sender co-star David Dastmalchian, who is part of the One Piece cast. 

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While Curtis could not play the role due to schedule conflicts, it ultimately went to star Katey Sagal. 

Katey Sagal has had a long and celebrated career across television, film, and voice acting. Hailing from a Hollywood family of actor siblings, she has been part of several notable projects throughout her career. Many might know her as Peg Bundy in the hit sitcom Married... with Children. 

She is also widely known as the voice of Leela in the animated sci-fi comedy Futurama. Sagal earned major acclaim for her role as Gemma Teller-Morrow in Sons of Anarchy, which even won her a Golden Globe in 2011. And that makes her indeed a great choice to play Dr. Kureha in Netflix’s live-action One Piece.

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Do you think Jamie Lee Curtis would have been perfect to play the role of Dr. Kureha? Share your thoughts.