In recent years, One Piece, one of the most popular and long-running anime series in history, has started to face a decline in popularity. While it remains a beloved series with a large and loyal fanbase, many viewers have begun to feel that the anime is losing some of its earlier charm.
One of the main reasons cited for this decline is the overextended anime scene, which has affected the pacing, storytelling, and experience of watching the show.
One Piece has always been known for its vast world, memorable characters, and exciting adventures. From the very beginning, fans were drawn to the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they explored islands, battled villains, and pursued their dreams of finding the legendary One Piece treasure.
The main issue is the pacing of the anime. One Piece has been airing for over two decades, and the anime often moves more slowly than the manga. To avoid catching up too quickly with the source material, the studio sometimes stretches out battles, adds extra scenes, or produces filler episodes that do not directly contribute to the main story.
While these techniques are meant to maintain a steady release schedule, they often frustrate viewers who are eager to see the plot progress. Over time, this slow pacing can make the series feel overextended and less engaging for fans who have been following it for years.
One Piece Franchise (Creidts: Eichiro Oda)
One Piece Anime Faces Declining Popularity Amid Overextended Storytelling
Another factor contributing to the decline in popularity is the sheer length of the series. With over a thousand episodes, new viewers may feel intimidated or overwhelmed when trying to start One Piece. Even longtime fans sometimes struggle to keep up with the weekly episodes.
The overextended nature of the anime can make it feel like a commitment rather than a fun and exciting experience. This has caused some viewers to lose interest or turn to alternative ways of following the story, such as reading the manga, which moves at a faster pace and avoids the extended scenes seen in the anime.
The animation quality is also a concern for some fans. While One Piece has always had a distinctive style, certain arcs or episodes show inconsistent animation, likely due to the strain of producing such a long-running series.
High-intensity fight scenes may be slowed down with repetitive shots or stretched sequences, which can make the action feel less exciting. In a modern anime landscape where high-quality visuals are increasingly expected, these issues can affect how viewers perceive the show and contribute to its declining appeal.
Fans Frustrated as One Piece Struggles with Slow Pacing and Filler Episodes
Despite these challenges, One Piece continues to have a dedicated audience. Many fans still appreciate the deep storytelling, humor, and unique characters that make the series special. The emotional moments, epic battles, and themes of friendship and perseverance continue to resonate with viewers.
However, the overextended anime scene has introduced obstacles that make it harder for the series to maintain the same level of excitement and engagement as in its earlier years.
The studio has made efforts to improve the situation. Some recent arcs have received better pacing and updated animation, showing that the team is aware of the issues and is trying to address them. Yet, the fundamental challenge of adapting such a long and complex manga into a weekly anime remains.
One Piece Franchise (Creidts: Eichiro Oda)
Balancing the desire to stay true to the source material with the need to keep the audience engaged is no easy task.
In the end, the decline in One Piece’s popularity cannot be attributed to a single factor, but the overextended anime scene plays a significant role. Slow pacing, filler episodes, and inconsistent animation have made it harder for some fans to stay invested.
Despite this, the series remains a cornerstone of anime culture, and its loyal fanbase continues to support it. The future of One Piece may depend on finding new ways to streamline the story while preserving the elements that made it a global phenomenon in the first place.
“One Piece” is a beloved Japanese manga and anime series that chronicles the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew. Luffy, imbued with rubber powers from a mystical fruit Hito Hito no Mi, aspires to become the Pirate King. To achieve this, he seeks the ultimate treasure, the “One Piece,” hidden at the Grand Line’s end. Along the journey, Luffy gathers a diverse crew, confronts formidable foes, and uncovers world-altering secrets, all while promoting themes of friendship, freedom, and adventure.
Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles have quickly become the newest pair sparking interest in celebrity dating cycles. First spotted together in Rome on August 24, the actress-director and pop superstar were filmed by fans walking arm-in-arm through the Italian capital.
Not long after, Deuxmoi reported that the two shared a kiss in London following a promotional event for Zoë’s film Caught Stealing. The reports caught the attention of fans who were eager to connect the dots.
Just days later, the whispers turned into photographic evidence. On September 3, paparazzi captured the two holding hands while walking through Brooklyn.
Then, on September 6, they were photographed again in New York City, this time walking closely side by side with their hands interlocked. These moments have transformed private speculation into a very public story.
A Source Says “More Than Casual”
By September 10, a source confirmed to PEOPLE that Zoë and Harry’s connection already carried a sense of depth. According to the insider, the pair share “great chemistry, lots to talk about, and seem to be having fun together.”
Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles (Credit: NBC)
The same source noted that Zoë has been steadily introducing Harry to her friends, adding, “This feels more than casual.” The idea that introductions have already extended beyond casual outings signals that something genuine may be building between them.
Lunch With Lenny: A Key Turning Point
Adding more to the story, Harry Styles was recently photographed meeting Zoë’s iconic father, Lenny Kravitz, over lunch. For many, this was the defining sign that the relationship cannot simply be brushed off as a fling.
Meeting a parent so early raises the stakes, particularly when that parent is a global music legend in his own right. According to witnesses, the lunch had a warm, relaxed energy, with “everyone looking like they had a great time.”
When paired with Zoë’s openness about introducing Harry to her closest circles, the encounter strengthened the idea that this pairing could have weight.
Zoë’s Relationship History
Zoë Kravitz has long been a public figure whose dating history draws headlines. Earlier in 2025, she was linked to actor Noah Centineo after being seen leaving Danielle Haim’s birthday party alongside him.
They were also spotted spending time together again in May, though that connection never solidified. Before Centineo, Zoë was in a much more serious relationship with actor Channing Tatum.
The two became engaged in October 2023 but split a year later after insiders claimed they were in “different stages in life.” Their breakup marked the end of what many once thought was a long-term pairing, leaving Zoë open to new possibilities.
Harry Styles’ Romantic Past
Harry Styles has similarly drawn attention to his personal life over the years, despite his attempts to remain discreet about relationships. Most recently, he was linked to actress Taylor Russell, with their romance confirmed in 2023 but ending by May 2024.
Before Russell, Harry’s love life often dominated headlines, though much of it remained speculative or marked by brief linkages. His new association with Zoë is playing out differently, with the public seeing them together frequently rather than merely hearing whispers.
Why Fans Can’t Stop Talking
The fascination with Zoë and Harry stems from more than just their individual fame. Together, they represent a cross-section of Hollywood glamour, music prestige, and modern style. Zoë, a respected actress and now director, already commands attention for her projects and effortless sophistication.
Harry, as a pop superstar who has transitioned impressively into acting, carries an equally powerful aura. When these influences combine, the pairing naturally sparks conversation. Each public sighting has triggered discussions across social media, where fans are dissecting everything from body language to fashion choices.
From Fling to Future?
The timeline and tone of their appearances suggest that their connection might extend beyond a fling. Public hand-holding, family introductions, and enthusiastic reports from sources all indicate a willingness to embrace being linked in the public eye.
Both Zoë and Harry maintain busy careers filled with work commitments and travel, yet their repeated efforts to spend time together across multiple cities hint at a surreal level of compatibility.
The Fan Reaction
Fans on social platforms have been quick to celebrate, sharing clips, photos, and commentary that instantly trend. On X and Instagram, fan edits and posts highlight their chemistry.
Many admire their comfort in public and believe this pairing might grow into one of the most surprising yet welcomed celebrity romances of the year.
Others remain cautious, pointing to their past short-lived relationships as reasons not to jump to assumptions. Regardless of the split opinions, the buzz continues to rise with every sighting.
What Comes Next
At this point, Kravitz and Styles have yet to comment themselves, leaving much to speculation. Still, the clues point to something real. Whether they choose to confirm or continue with their quiet public displays, the fascination is unlikely to fade any time soon.
For now, their chemistry, openness about appearing together, and support from family and friends indicate a relationship rooted in genuine connection.
Their journey, from initial sightings in Rome to walking hand-in-hand in New York to meeting Lenny Kravitz, shows a progression that fans cannot ignore. While Hollywood romances often burn fast, this one seems to carry intrigue and promise, one step at a time.
