In a surprise announcement last night, FUNimation confirmed that they have picked up (some would say rescued) One Piece from 4Kids and intend to start producing the show with a new dub and the original musical soundtrack as soon as possible. Due to time constraints, FUNimation's version of the show will begin at episode 144 (Jaya arc, Japanese episode count), though they intend to eventually re-work all the 4Kids-produced episodes too. Completely uncut DVDs are also said to be forthcoming in the US, though again, these will only start at episode 144. Whether or not the UK will see this newer TV version or DVD release (most likely through Revelation Films) remains to be seen.

Originally, One Piece was licensed by and completely reworked at the behest of 4Kids - entire episodes were removed, dead characters never actually died and the original music was replaced by 4Kids electronic revision. FUNimation's version of the show, to the delight of the many One Piece fans in the anime community, promises to be much closer in theme, content and message to the original Japanese version.

As per suggestion of CosmicDebris, I'm starting this new thread as an new FAQ now that the FUNimation dub is already a few episodes into the new season. As new info arises Cinder and Cosmic will be in charge of editing this this post as they see fit to keep everything and everybody up to date regarding the dub.

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(So far, most of this info comes from Gerchack's original FAQ, I've added a few notes and updates within some of the answers though)

#1: What will happen with the names, like Trace (Ace) and Zolo (Zoro)? What about the Going Merry?
Answer: FUNimation will be doing their best to be true to the manga being released by Viz, along with some consistency to the previously-dubbed episodes. This means that on the TV version, Zolo will remain Zolo on the TV broadcast, the Going Merry will still be Merry Go, Trace, Chaser, etc. However, the uncut DVD's will be restored to their original names (Zoro, Ace, Smoker, Going Merry, etc.).

UPDATE: For the upcoming Wii game One Piece: Unlimited Adventure, it is confirmed that the name "Zoro" will be used.

#2: Who are the new Voice Actors for the Strawhat Pirates, and will they sound similar to the 4kids VA's?
Answer: The voice casting for the new dub of One Piece will feature all new actors, and none of the main characters will have any accents whatsoever. Here is a list of the VA's playing the Straw Hat Pirates:

Luffy: Colleen Clinkenbeard
Nami: Luci Christian
Zolo (Zoro): Chris Sabat
Usopp: Sonny Strait
Sanji: Eric Vale
Chopper: Brina Palencia
Robin: Stephanie Young

FUNi has stated that there will be no more accents for the Strawhat Crew. However, if an accent truly fits a supporting character, an accent may be implemented fittingly. FUNimation representatives have clearly stated that one of the biggest aspects they are trying to emphasize about this new series is the quality of the voice acting of the Strawhat Pirates.

UPDATE: Many supporting characters and villans have also been revealed:

Masira: Jeremy Inman
Shojo: Johnathan Osborne
Buggy: Mike McFarland
Mohji: Chuck Huber
Cabaji: Greg Ayers
Alvida: Lurie Steele
Portgaz D. (Tr)Ace: Travis Willingham
Shanks: Christopher Bevins
Blackbeard: Cole Brown
Bellamy: Justin Cook
Sarquiss: Duncan Branann
Cricket: George Manley

#3: Will the show retain the original Opening and Ending Songs/Credits?
Answer: Yes and no. Yes in that the original songs from the Japanese version will be there, but they will be dubbed (think Yu-Yu-Hakusho).

UPDATE: The opening "Hikare E" (To the Light) is sung by Vic Mignogna and the current ending song "Free Will" is sung by Kristine Sa.

#4: What kind of editing can we expect on the TV version?
Answer: The editing will be much, much less than the 4kids version. The FCC does NOT regulate what can air on cable channels, however, Cartoon Network has specifically stated that the consumption of alcohol and the smoking of cigarettes is not permitted. Also, the violence will be toned down to the effect where punches are accompanied by a brief flash, and flesh wounds will show blood but not squirt blood. Sanji will not have a lollipop or a cigarette, they have chosen to go with nothing at all.

#5: What about DVD releases? Will they be the TV version, or uncut?
Answer: Uncut DVD's are on the way. By uncut, they mean completely unedited or altered. All of the violence, blood, and cigarettes can be seen in full glory on DVD's. Due to issues with the DVD distribution rights of the 4kids dub, the Funi DVD's will be released to the public in 13-episode volumes for $49.99, starting at Japanese episode 144, and will be released in a time period ranging from November of this year to February 2008. The TV version will never see a DVD release, ever.

#6: Where is FUNimation starting with their dub? Will it be the beginning?
Answer: FUNimation will begin dubbing for television broadcast where 4kids left off, right at the beginning of the Jaya Arc, episode 144. So far it is not known when they will be able to redub the first 143, although they have claimed that they want to. Viz still owns the distribution rights to those episodes.

SIDE NOTE: The original 4kids/Viz distribution license was scheduled to last until the beginning of 2009.

#7: Are they using the original musical score from the Japanese version?
Answer: Yes. They will be using the original musical compositions from the original version, as they want to keep the same atmosphere of the original series as they dub it.

#8: Can Mato answer any question about the show?
Answer: No. Mato is contractually bound to not speak on certain things, so do not be surprised if Mato can't answer some of your questions. Mato is a translator, which means that Mato's knowledge of things outside the translating department is limited, but so far Mato has tried to speculate answers for some questions. So don't be offended if you don't get the answer you're looking for. Remember, Mato is on these boards by choice, so please don't heckle or flame Mato.

#9: Will the movies be dubbed for release?
They are currently working on movie 8. Expect it sometime next year.

UPDATE: Movie 8 has been scheduled to premier at the New York Anime Festival (December 7-9). There have also been plans to show the movie in a select number of theaters similar to the Fullmetal Alchemist movie.

#10: Who is this "Mato" guy, specifically?
Answer: Mato is a translator that works for FUNimation. He's also responsible for helping with the movement to bring more Earthbound games to the U.S.

#11: What will FUNimation do about the high-definition episodes, from 207 and onward?
Answer: Not known at this time.

#12: What's the word on a UK release of the Uncut One Piece DVD's?
Answer: Nothing yet, unfortunately. Make your voices heard if you want these DVD's released in the UK or any other country!

SIDE NOTE:Unfortunately, we also do not know any air dates for the new TV version in the UK, Canada, Ireland, or any other English speaking country outside of the USA.

#13: What about the attacks/names of weapons in the dub?
Answer: The attack names are either remaining the same as they were in the original Japanese version, or changing slightly for translation. Chopper's Point forms will still be referred to as Boost forms, though. Nami's Clima Tact (known as the Weather Forcer in the 4kids dub) will be called the Climate Baton. The attack names are still up in the air for the TV broadcast, however, the Uncut DVD's will retain the original Japanese attack names.

#14: Will FUNimation or Toei or Cartoon Network be gunning down K-F/ADC/Vegapunk/etc. Fansub sites to take down their content?
Answer: Not known at this time. Now is probably a good time to back up your collections of the episodes if you're concerned.

#15: Will the unaired episodes #1-143 be aired on television, ever?
Answer: Not known at this time, One Piece's success being dubbed by FUNi will most likely determine this.

#16: What about swearing? What can we expect and not expect?
Answer: Certain terms like "damn, ass, and bitch" MAY be used. Words like "shit" will be replaced with something like "crap". This is Cartoon Network, after all. The Uncut DVD's, however, will have swearwords where appropriate, minus "shit" and f-bombs. If you're disappointed about the lack of "shit" due to Sanji using it all the time, remember that the real words he uses in Japanese ("kuso" and "chikuso") are very common words used in anime that can mean all sorts of things like "shit", "crap", "damn", and so on, so the words will change as Toei and FUNi see fit.

SIDE NOTE: We have had a few "craps" drop in some recent episodes, for TV it seems they can say that much.

#17. How far along is FUNi in the dub? How many episodes have they translated?
Answer: They're a ways into the dub, so don't fret.

#18. When will the dub start airing on Cartoon Network?
September 29th, 10PM Eastern, 9PM Central.

SIDE NOTE: The current airtimes still remain Saturdays at 10PM on Cartoon Network, Eastern, 9PM Central, and 7PM for those in the Pacific Time Zone.


Episode List & Schedule

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Format:
(Date) [D|C] Episode EN|JP: Title

D = Discussion Thread
C = Comparison (TV-version)
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A discussion thread is to be made every Saturday in which an episode airs (on Toonami). Anyone can create it, but please follow the format when it comes to naming the thread. See an example by examining some of the current threads.

We'd like to have it as organized as possible, so we'll fix it up if something happens. (ie. creation of two threads)

(09/29/07) [D|C] Episode 105|144: Caught Log! King of Salvagers, Masira!
(10/06/07) [D|C] Episode 106|145: Monsters Appear! Don't Mess With the Whitebeard Pirates!
(10/13/07) [D|C] Episode 107|146: Quit Dreaming! Mock Town, the Town of Ridicule!
(10/20/07) [D|C] Episode 108|147: Distinguished Pirates! A Man Who Talks of Dreams and the King of Undersea Search!
(10/27/07) [D|C] Episode 109|148: Legendary Family! Noland, the Liar!
(11/03/07) [D|C] Episode 110|149: Steer for the Clouds! Capture the South Bird!
(11/10/07) [D|C] Episode 111|150: Dreams Don't Come True!? Bellamy vs. the Saruyama Alliance
(11/24/07) [D|C] Episode 112|151: 100 Million Man! World's Greatest Power and Pirate Black Beard
(12/01/07) [D|C] Episode 113|152: Take to the Sky! Ride the Knock Up Stream!
(12/08/07) [D|C] Episode 114|153: Sail the White Sea! The Sky Knight and the Gate in the Clouds!
(12/15/07) [D|C] Episode 115|154: Skypiea! The Clouds of Angel Beach!
(12/22/07) [D|C] Episode 116|155: The Forbidden Sacred Ground! The Island Where He Lives and Final Judgement!
(12/29/07) [D|C] Episode 117|156: Already Criminals!? Skypiea's Upholder of the Law
(01/05/08) [D|C] Episode 118|157: Is Escape Possible?!? Eneru's IQ Test is Set in Motion!
(01/12/08) [D|C] Episode 119|158: A Trap on Lovely Street! His Highness Eneru
(01/19/08) [D|C] Episode 120|159: Onward Crow! To the Sacrificial Altar!
(01/26/08) [D|C] Episode 121|160: 10% Survival Rate! Satori, the Mantora Master!
(02/02/08) [D|C] Episode 122|161: IQ Orb Test! Desperate Struggle in the Illusion Forest
(02/09/08) [D|C] Episode 123|162: Chopper in Danger! Former King vs. Skyrider Shura!
(02/16/08) [D|C] Episode 124|163: Profound Mystery! IQ String Test or IQ Love Test!?
(02/23/08) [D|C] Episode 125|164: Light the Fire of Loftra! Wyler the Warrior!
(03/01/08) [D|C] Episode 126|165: Jaya, City of Gold in the Sky! Head for King's Throne!
(03/08/08) [D|C] Episode 127|166: Festival on the Night Before Gold Hunting! Feelings for Varse!


Upcoming Events

* December 7-9, 2007: Movie 8 Premieres at New York City during convention. (Source/Cain Highwind)
o Day 1 Information (includes Unlimited Adventure voice acting)
o Day 2 Information (includes Movie 8 info and voice acting)
o Day 3 Information
* February 19, 2008: Movie 8 is released on DVD. (Source/Tsukento)
o DVD Cover Small, Large (Brad Redfield/"LC"_Lapen)
o "Newer" Picture (Tsukento)

Cast

~ Misc ~
Narrator (Intro)...........SEAN HENNIGAN
Narrator (Story Arc).......BILL JENKINS


~ Song Performances ~
OP1 "We Are!"..............JERRY JEWELL
OP3 "Towards the Light"....VIC MIGNOGNA
ED9 "Free Will"............KRISTINE SA
MV8 "Compass"..............CAITLIN GLASS


~ Straw Hats ~
Luffy......................COLLEEN CLINKENBEARD
Zoro.......................CHRISTOPHER R. SABAT
Nami.......................LUCI CHRISTIAN
Usopp......................SONNY STRAIT
Sanji......................ERIC VALE
Chopper....................BRINA PALENCIA
Robin......................STEPHANIE YOUNG


~ Jaya Arc ~
Buggy......................MIKE MCFARLAND
Cabaji.....................GREG AYRES
Mohji......................CHUCK HUBER
Alvida.....................LAURIE STEELE
Ace........................TRAVIS WILLINGHAM
Masira.....................JEREMY INMAN
Bellamy....................JUSTIN COOK
Sarquiss...................DUNCAN BRANNAN
Jesus Burgess..............PHIL PARSONS
Jaya Bartender.............MIKE STODDARD
Blackbeard.................COLE BROWN
Shanks.....................BRANDON POTTER
Shojo......................JONATHAN C. OSBORNE
Cricket....................GEORGE MANLEY
Eddy.......................ANDY BALDWIN/Z. CHARLES BOLTON
Doc Q......................KENNY GREEN
Lafitte....................CHRISTOPHER BEVINS
Lily.......................TRINA NICHIMURA
Lucky Roux.................JOHN BURGMEIER
Beckman....................SEAN HENNIGAN
Mihawk.....................JOHN GREMILLION
Doflamingo.................ROB MCCOLLUM
Auger......................BARRY YANDELL
Rivers.....................PATRICK SEITZ
Sengoku....................ED BLAYLOCK
Ross.......................SCOTT CANTRELL
White Beard................R BRUCE ELLIOT


~ Skypiea ~
Wyper......................J. PAUL SLAVENS
Gan Fall...................JOHN SWASEY
Pierre.....................Z. CHARLES BOLTON
Amazon.....................JULI ERICKSON
Conis......................LAURA BAILEY
Pagaya.....................GRANT JAMES
Suu the Fox................MAJKEN BULLARD
Gedatsu....................BOB CARTER
McKinley...................JIM JOHNSON
Holy.......................JASON GRUNDY
Ohm........................TROY BAKER
Satori.....................CHRIS CASON
Shura......................KENT WILLIAMS
Zabo.......................KEVIN M. CONNOLLY
Sky Fish...................CHRIS CASON
Lamprey....................CHRISTOPHER BEVINS
Purple Bird................CHRIS CASON
Nola.......................KYLE HERBERT
Enforcer...................KYLE HERBERT


~ Water 7 ~
Franky.....................PATRICK SEITZ


~ Unlimited Adventure (Wii) ~
Vivi.......................CAITLIN GLASS
Franky.....................PATRICK SEITZ
Kaku.......................JERRY JEWELL
Spandam....................KENT WILLIAMS


~ Movie 8: Episode of Arabasta ~
Nefertari Vivi.............CAITLIN GLASS
Bon Clay/Kurei.............BARRY YANDELL
Chaka......................ROB MCCOLLUM
Nefertari Cobra............KYLE HERBERT
Kohza......................TODD HABERKORN
Crocodile..................JOHN SWASEY
Eyelashes..................MIKE MCFARLAND
Terracotta.................ANTIMIERE ROBINSON
Jaguar D. Saul.............MARK STODDARD