Costumes and Makeup
Bringing an anime character to life through real actors involves more than just acting skills. The costumes, wigs, prosthetics, and makeup play crucial roles, and finding the right balance is essential for a convincing portrayal. Striking this balance is challenging, as extremes on either end can compromise the viewer's immersion.
On one hand, attempting an exact replica of the anime look, as seen in the live-action Fullmetal Alchemist movies, can result in a cosplay-like appearance. On the other hand, toning down the anime elements too much can lead to an adaptation that scarcely resembles the source material. Netflix's One Piece navigated this challenge adeptly, finding a middle ground with practical yet vibrant outfits and effects that paid homage to the original anime. Noteworthy adjustments were made, such as omitting Usopp's long nose and Sanji's curly eyebrow, while retaining distinctive features like Buggy's prominent red nose.