In an interview with animeOnline, Lance Heiskell (Marketing Director) and Justin Cook (Production Manager) have revealed that FUNimation has acquired the licensing rights to the hit Shonen Jump anime One Piece.
After discussion with Cartoon Network, the company will begin dubbing starting at episode 144 (where 4Kids’ previous dub leaves off), which is currently scheduled to air this August on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block. The dub will feature an entirely new cast and the original Japanese music.
Mike McFarland and Chris Bevins will be Line Producers, while John Burgmeier and Eric Vale will be doing the scripts. No voice cast was announced.
In regards to editing, Cook commented that consumption of alcohol will be edited, as well as images of smoking. The character of Sanji will still have his lollipop. The character of Smoker, however, will be unedited due to S&P regulations regarding cigars. In regards to the name changes, they will reflect the names used in Viz Media’s translation of the One Piece manga.
As for DVD production, the episodes will be released in 3-disc, 13-episode boxsets at a price of $49.98 MSRP with extras planned. Preliminary plans are to release the set between November and February.
Read the entire interview here.
