A live stunt show inspired by the popular Japanese manga and anime series One Piece is set to debut at Universal Studios Hollywood’s WaterWorld venue as part of the park’s Universal Fan Fest Nights event. The show, titled One Piece: Grand Pirate Show, will run for a limited 12 nights between April 23 and May 16, 2026, according to announcements from Universal Studios and industry news outlets.
The 20-minute production, modeled after a successful iteration at Universal Studios Japan, centers on the Straw Hat Crew – Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, and Chopper – and their quest for rare “Pop Greens” on Midori Island. The storyline quickly escalates with the arrival of the Marines and a subsequent confrontation with the pirate Buggy, promising a blend of action, comedy, and pyrotechnics, according to details released by Inside Universal.
Stephen Siercks, senior director of entertainment production and executive producer of Universal Fan Fest Nights, highlighted the popularity of anime content at last year’s event, with One Piece being a central draw. “The response to the anime content across the event — and certainly ‘One Piece’ was at the center of that — was not only surprising, but exciting,” Siercks said, as reported by WDWNT. “It really allowed us to see a vision of how anime can continue being a pillar of Fan Fest Nights.”
The show will utilize the existing WaterWorld arena, reimagined as Midori Island, and feature stunts, weaponry, and special effects. Guests will be greeted by Marine-themed ushers, setting the stage for the unfolding adventure. Following each performance, guests will have the opportunity to meet the Straw Hat Crew in the One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering Fan Zone, according to Laughing Place.
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed, after-hours event that similarly includes experiences centered around Scooby-Doo, Sailor Moon, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and Dungeons & Dragons. Tickets are currently available for purchase. The event’s expansion to include a dedicated One Piece show reflects a growing interest in anime and manga within the theme park landscape.
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