One Piece Takes Over Waterworld at Universal Studios Hollywood Starring Luffy & Straw Hat Crew

A live stunt spectacular featuring Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew has taken over the WaterWorld arena at Universal Studios Hollywood as part of the park’s Fan Fest Nights event.

The 20-minute production, titled ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show, brings high-energy battles, acrobatics, watercraft maneuvers, pyrotechnics, and comedic moments to the venue, which has been reimagined as Midori Island.

Fans join the crew’s chaotic search for rare Pop Greens, interrupted by Marines and rival pirate Buggy the Star Clown, in a fast-paced blend of action and audience engagement.

The show runs on select nights through mid-May 2026 and is inspired by the long-running One Piece Premier Show at Universal Studios Japan, adapting its core elements for the Hollywood stage while incorporating the WaterWorld lagoon’s signature boats, splashes, jumps, and explosive effects.

Performers appear in accurate costumes, with Luffy in his signature straw hat, red vest, and blue shorts leading the crew that includes Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, and Chopper.

Showtimes & Schedule

Typical Showtimes: 8:30 p.m. • 10:30 p.m. • 12:00 a.m. (local time)

Event Hours: 7:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

Limited Run – Only 12 Nights:
April 23–25 • May 1–3 • May 7–9 • May 14–16, 2026

After each performance, guests can head to the nearby Grand Pirate Gathering Fan Zone for character meet-and-greets and themed experiences, including delicious dishes at Sanji’s Galley.

Universal Studios Hollywood partnered with the Japan team and Toei Animation to bring this immersive crossover to U.S. audiences. The collaboration transforms the WaterWorld venue — originally built for the Waterworld film stunt show — into a vibrant pirate outpost complete with waving flags, dynamic choreography, and a dazzling fireworks finale.

This builds upon last year’s more modest One Piece meet-and-greets during the inaugural Fan Fest Nights and reflects the continued global surge in One Piece‘s popularity, fueled by Eiichiro Oda’s long-running manga and its anime adaptation by Toei Animation. Universal is deepening fan engagement with major anime properties alongside other fandoms like Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.

The choice of WaterWorld as the stage makes practical and thematic sense, leveraging existing water-based infrastructure for authentic boat action and pyrotechnic safety while delivering spectacle that feels true to the series’ adventurous spirit.

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