OPLA! #10: "Everyone Has a Backstory" (with Mikaela Hoover)

Summary

The One Piece Podcast: OPLA! #10 "Everyone Has a Backstory"

Air Date: March 12, 2026
Featured Guest: Mikayla Hoover ("Chopper" in Netflix’s One Piece Live Action Season 2)
Hosts: Zach, Alex, Dr. Raylene Bentland
Theme: The journey of bringing Tony Tony Chopper to life in Netflix’s One Piece, personal connections to the character, life in fandom, trauma, healing, and authenticity in performance.

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Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode centers on an in-depth interview with Mikayla Hoover, the actress portraying Chopper in the upcoming second season of Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation. The discussion explores Mikayla's unique journey to the role, the challenges and joys of motion capture acting, and how her own backstory and vulnerabilities inform her powerful interpretation of Chopper—a character beloved by fans for his innocence and tragic past. The episode also reflects on the emotional resonance of backstories across the Straw Hat crew, the impact of fandom and community, and the universal desire to be seen and accepted.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mikayla Hoover's Path to Becoming Chopper

• Unexpected Audition (04:35 – 09:11)
  • Initially, Mikayla passed on the audition, thinking it was a minor, perhaps even "ridiculous" role because of its code name and description.
  • After being specifically requested by casting, she auditioned without knowing it was Chopper—envisioning the character as "grotesque" and physically acting in a hunched, awkward way.
  • The emotional connection was so strong that a producer teared up during her audition, and once she learned it was for One Piece, she realized the immense significance:

    “Something in me knew that it was something really, really special. And I just... I started crying, and I was like, shut up. Shut up. No way. There’s no way.” (08:08 – Mikayla Hoover)

• Discovering One Piece’s Reach (09:12 – 10:13)
  • While in South Korea after being cast but before it was announced, she was blown away by the visibility of Chopper merchandise everywhere, only then grasping the global popularity of the character.

2. Emotional Depth, Healing, and Chopper’s Backstory

• Chopper’s Story Resonates (14:18 – 17:38)
  • Mikayla shares her own history with severe OCD and anxiety, relating deeply to Chopper’s feelings of being an outsider and unworthy.
  • A particular scene—where Dr. Hiriluk pushes Chopper away—became a cathartic, healing experience for her as an actor:

    “Doing that scene healed a bunch of childhood trauma in myself… Chopper doesn’t know why Hiriluk closed the door… he just thinks this is another person who wants nothing to do with him.” (15:22 – Mikayla Hoover)

• Relatability and Compassion (18:28 – 20:30)
  • She expresses a desire for her portrayal to help others feel seen and less alone, echoing the overarching One Piece theme that everyone has a painful backstory.
  • Both Mikayla and the hosts reflect on how Straw Hat backstories speak to universal experiences of grief, trauma, and the importance of empathy.

3. Acting Approach and Motion Capture Challenges

• Personal Connection & Interpretation (13:02 – 14:17; 41:42 – 43:37)
  • Chopper's childlike innocence and vulnerability felt natural to Mikayla, who says she could "just show up" and channel herself into the character:

    “I feel so much like Chopper that I don’t even feel like it has to... it just feels so much like me.” (13:13 – Mikayla Hoover)

  • Oda (series creator) chose her for her unique take, advising her not to watch the anime and imitate other interpretations.
• Technical Aspects of Mo-Cap (25:46 – 27:04; 44:32 – 47:35)
  • Many scenes were acted alone with multi-camera setups, often responding to lines read by a producer or referencing prerecorded footage.
  • Her facial expressiveness—once considered "too much"—proved a perfect fit for animating Chopper’s exaggerated, heartfelt reactions:

    “For Chopper, I just do expressions that I would always do, because I am such an expressive person… For Chopper, it works.” (45:37 – Mikayla Hoover)

4. Community, Fandom, and Conventions

• Conventions as Safe Space (31:12 – 36:03)
  • Mikayla treasures convention appearances, seeing them as communal spaces for fans and creators. She likens it to her own childhood love for scary movies and how fandoms provide comfort and belonging.

  • “The whole reason that One Piece exists… is because of the fans. Making them know they are the reason that we are here is cool.” (33:10 – Mikayla Hoover)

• On Empathy for Critics and Bullies (22:32 – 23:45)
  • She approaches even harsh online criticism with compassion, believing that “everybody has a backstory” explaining how they act.

5. Chopper Merch and Fandom Joy

• Merchandise Mania (36:29 – 40:21)
  • The hosts and Mikayla swap stories about Chopper plushies; Mikeala’s favorite is a tiny Chopper hat for her dog Ava (“To me, that’s like, I maxed out. That’s the coolest thing in the world.”).
  • Lighthearted discussion about the ubiquity and appeal of Chopper merchandise for fans of all ages.

6. Chopper’s Future, Character Growth, and Hope

• What Next for Chopper? (52:14 – 54:55)
  • When asked about hopes for Chopper’s future, Mikayla wishes for him to find wholeness and self-acceptance:

    “I would just love Chopper to, like, finally feel whole and seen… and healed.” (54:25 – Mikayla Hoover)

  • She also playfully suggests she’d love to see Chopper have a “little crush,” prompting knowing laughter among the hosts.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Chopper’s universal appeal:

  “Chopper’s backstory is about… trying to fit in and feel seen. And I also know… a lot of people that are bullies online, like, something’s going on for them as well. Everybody has a backstory.” (22:32 – Mikayla Hoover)

• On acting and authenticity:

  “Being yourself is what’s cool… the more genuine a person is, the more relatable.” (47:47 – Zach / 47:59 – Mikayla Hoover)

• On conventions:

  “When I’m at conventions… I can’t believe that I’m someone that fans want to meet. That will never get old to me, that’s… such a gift.” (32:04 – Mikayla Hoover)

• On motion capture:

  “If you were to put my personality into a character… the expressions would be so over the top and so, like, not believable… For Chopper, it works.” (45:37 – Mikayla Hoover)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• 01:33–03:30 – Introductions and guest announcements
• 04:02–10:13 – Mikayla’s story: audition and casting as Chopper
• 14:18–17:38 – Personal trauma, healing through performance of Chopper’s backstory
• 18:28–20:30 – Universal trauma in One Piece; the importance of feeling seen
• 25:46–27:04 – Mo-cap acting challenges and cast chemistry
• 31:12–36:03 – Conventions, fan engagement, and the meaning of community
• 36:29–40:21 – Chopper merchandise and fandom stories
• 41:42–43:37 – Acting choices: voice, physicality, and intention
• 44:32–47:35 – On facial expressiveness, authenticity for Chopper
• 52:14–54:42 – Dreaming of Chopper’s future growth and self-love

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode maintains a warm, candid, and emotionally resonant tone. Mikayla is open about her vulnerabilities and sincere in her appreciation for the role and the fandom. The hosts are enthusiastic, empathetic, and create a welcoming, nerd-positive space. The conversation gracefully weaves between personal healing, fan culture, technical acting detail, and playful banter—all in the spirit of passion for One Piece.

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Closing Thoughts

The interview with Mikayla Hoover showcases the transformative power of storytelling, performance, and fandom. Her embodiment of Chopper is informed by her personal experiences, lending depth and relatability to one of manga and anime’s most beloved mascots. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this episode highlights why One Piece’s stories resonate so deeply—the universality of pain, the hope of acceptance, and the belief that everyone’s backstory matters.

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For more One Piece Podcast content, follow them on YouTube, BlueSky, and their official website.
Catch up on previous OPLA! interviews for behind-the-scenes perspectives on the live-action series.

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Transcript

[Alex]

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[Mikayla Hoover]

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[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

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[Mikayla Hoover]

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[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

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[Mikayla Hoover]

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[Zach]

SA. Opla. Alex.

[Alex]

Opla.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Opla.

[Zach]

Dr. Bentlin.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Opla.

[Zach]

OplA. Our series about the Netflix live action One Piece series. I'm one of your hosts, Zach.

[Alex]

And I'm another one of your hosts, Alex.

[Zach]

And today we have our special contributing guest, Dr. Raylene Bentland, cultural anthropologist. How's it going, Dr. Bentle?

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

It's going amazing and I'm so happy to be here. This is such a wonderful opportunity. Thank you for having me.

[Zach]

Of course. We are doing this on video and audio, so you could also check the video [e-mail] onepiecepodcast assuming all went well. Yes.

[Alex]

Please check out the video feed. There's actual visual elements this time.

[Zach]

Yes. So if you enjoy that, please let us know. In addition, this episode features our interview with Chopper herself, Mikayla Hoover. This. I was floored to even get a response. I'm so happy that she was able to join us. And wow, what an interview. I don't even want to say much else.

[Alex]

Yeah, it was a lovely interview. Mikaela is a lovely person and I really, I mean, I really hope this is going to be the first of many interactions that we have with her because it's really lovely talking to somebody. I mean, everybody that we've talked to for Opala has really has really been just a really awesome, awesome guest.

[Zach]

So awesome. And I'm not just saying that because they appeared on here. They are all amazing.

[Alex]

Yeah, 100%. And Mikaela is no different. It's nice that we have consistency.

[Zach]

Yes. Only good people.

[Alex]

Yeah. The only people we've ever interviewed on this show. Yeah.

[Zach]

So with that out of the way. We'll see you on the other side. But let's go into our interview with Mikayla Hoover.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Enjoy.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Refreshing Wild Cherry Cola meets Smooth cream. The treat you deserve. Pepsi Wild Cherry and cream. Treat yourself.

[Zach]

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the One Piece podcast. Today we have a very special guest. She is Chopper. Mikayla Hoover is with us. How's it going, Mikayla?

[Mikayla Hoover]

Hello. I'm so excited to be here.

[Zach]

Thank you so much for coming. We are. I think you are the first Straw Hat we have gotten to talk to, so I am very excited. Yeah.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Really?

[Zach]

Yeah. We've talked to a lot of the cast and crew, but you're our first Straw hat.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, that's amazing. Thank you so much. I feel so honored. Thank you.

[Zach]

So, first of all, how did it happen? How did you become Chopper?

[Mikayla Hoover]

Well, I passed on Chopper because I didn't know he was Chopper. I was filming another show and my agent sent me an audition and she said, it's for facial capture and voice. She said, but it's three episodes on Netflix series, and it had a code name that made me think it was something just ridiculous. And so I didn't even look at the sides. I just was like, no. Because I'd been since Guardians. I had been auditioning for voiceover and facial capture roles for years, and I wasn't even getting callbacks. So to me, it just felt like another one of these where I'm not hearing anything back. And so I decided to. To pass on it. And then a week later, my agent, Stephanie said, casting. As for you specifically, Ruth did, and so you should take a look. And I was like, what? Casting asked for me specifically. That's amazing. So I went and looked at the sides and. And then when I. When I read the sides, I was like, oh, my gosh, I love this character so much. They had it. The breakdown of him was this really ugly forest creature who had been picked on his whole life and had been an outcast and was shot at with, you know, with the others in town. And so because I wasn't familiar with One Piece and Chopper's story, and because of the way that the breakdown was, I thought that he was this really grotesque creature that was just, I mean, like, awful to look at. And my physicality of him was even, you know, I had him hunched over. I had one eye closed. It was like. It was like, in my mind, he was so grotesque. And when I was playing him, you know, for. For the audition, I loved it so much because it was my first time playing a character that, you know, not only was this grotesque character, but also a little boy. And I just was having so much fun with it. I took the pressure off myself because I was like, it's not something that I'm going to get. It's just something that I'm going to have fun. And a week later, my agent said, they. They want you to go to producers. And when I went to producers, I still had the, you know, the. Hunched over, the one eye, like so. And they were like, you don't have to do that. And I was like, but it's a part of who he is, you know? And they're like, you don't have to do that physicality of him. And I did the sides with them. And one of the producers was tearing up during the session, and he was like, people are going to love Chopper so much. And I was like, what? Who's chop? Because that wasn't the breakdown for him. So I really had no idea what it was for, but I just connected with the character. And then very soon after that, I'll never forget, I was. I was in the car, and I got the call that I got it, and something in me knew that it was something really, really special. And I just. I. I started crying, and I was like, shut up. Shut up. No way. There's no way.

[Alex]

This is.

[Mikayla Hoover]

This is not real. And then they were like, it's this show, One Piece. And I'd heard of One Piece, but I. I didn't, you know, and I'm probably gonna get so much hate for this, but I wasn't, you know, I didn't. I wasn't. Certainly didn't know it to the extent of. I didn't. I didn't know who Chopper was. And. And I called a very dear friend of mine and said, who's. Who's also, you know, he's a filmmaker. And because I. For the last, like, almost two decades, he's who I call when I get a role, because he's like a big brother. And I said, I booked this role, Chopper, in One piece. And he goes, your life just changed. And I was like, what? It's only three. It's two to three episodes in a Netflix show. Like, how did my. What are you talking about?

[Zach]

So.

[Mikayla Hoover]

And then I, you know, then I. I got to. I know about it. And I. I filmed some episodes, and I left for South Korea for another show pretty soon after that. And everywhere I went in South Korea, and it wasn't. It hadn't been announced yet that I was Chopper, but everywhere I went in South Korea. You could see choppers everywhere. And I was like, what? This is insane. This is, like, crazy. And I. I couldn't tell anyone I'm playing that character, but that's how it went. And. And I didn't. I didn't know the magnitude of how huge One Piece is until after filming the second season. It was crazy.

[Zach]

It is everywhere. He's.

[Alex]

That's pretty nuts. I'm glad that. I'm glad that you didn't find out after the fact that your life had changed, because, yeah, Chopper has basically been the face of One Piece for a very, very, very long time.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah, it's. It's. I mean, I'm still learning. Like, even at the premiere, there were people dressed up as Chopper, and I was trying so hard not to cry. I'm like, what is happening? This is like. I. I just. I. Every day feels. You know, every day filming him felt like a dream. Like, I would go in there, and I'm like, guys, I am so grateful. It takes a village, you know, I got to give flowers to everyone behind the scenes that. That makes Chopper puts Chopper together in vfx. From Victor to our co producer Stephen Welke to our, you know, Ian and Joe, this there. And Becky, the head of Tomorrow Studios. Like, everybody works so hard the frame store to bring Chopper to life. And it's just. I'm just so grateful. It's like a pinch me moment I could imagine.

[Zach]

And he also. I mean, I'm sure, as people who don't know One Piece will find out, not only is he an adorable, grotesque, apparently mascot character, but he also has, like, one of the most moving stories backstory. Yeah, I think it's still my favorite of the series.

[Mikayla Hoover]

It's really.

[Alex]

Yeah, same, actually.

[Zach]

It will make me cry every single time. Alex.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah, I can't. I can't wait for you to see this. Then, like, I. I'm. I hope that it lives up to your guys's expectations, and I just, like, I really hope that I make the fans proud. I'm so nervous. I'm walking around with a little stress ball because I'm like. But I purposely, you know, going in, I asked the. The producer, should I watch the anime? And. And they were like, no. Otisan picked you for a reason because he likes your interpretation. And I'm such a little sponge that if I, you know, if I watch something, I think it would have affected the way that I interpreted Chopper. So I'm grateful that I didn't. But I also know that it's not like the anime. And so I know there's going to be people that are. You know, you always want to. You know, you want to make people happy. And I want to make the fans proud. But I also. This was my. This is who I believe Chopper is, and. And this is who we. We came to. You know, that makes sense.

[Alex]

No, that makes perfect sense. When you talk to the. Like, we've talked to the English cast of the One Piece anime, and some of them don't even keep up with it, like, at all. They're just like, oh, yeah. I just know. I just. I just. I do my lines like the way I ought to, because I know this character at this point.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah. And that's the coolest for me, the coolest thing about Chopper of any character I've ever played is I don't think I've ever. I feel so much like Chopper that I don't even feel like it has to. You know, it's. It's. It just feels so much like me. I feel like I'm bringing myself into this. This reindeer boy. And so it doesn't feel like a. You know, it's. It's so funny. I. This is so embarrassing. I can't believe I'm telling you guys this, but when I watched me next to Chopper, you know, because they have, like, little me and. And then Chopper, like, to the side by side to see, because every facial expression, every blink, every te is in my face, you know, kind of put into his face. And I. It's surreal. And I was. I was thinking, like, I was watching it. I was like, my whole life I wanted to be like a Penelope Cruz. Who would have thought I would have been a reindeer boy? Like, this is what. You know, but just be being so happy with that. And. Yeah, it's just. It's. It's surreal,

[Zach]

I'm sure.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

I have a question. We all know the story of the characters because we are obsessed with this series. But for you, you know, coming to the exposure of Chopper's story, is there something that resonated with you the most?

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah, I think that, you know, I had really debilitating OCD growing up and, you know, anxiety and. And stuff like that, and. And I think that I never fully felt seen kind of by the world and always, like, a bit of an outcast. I think we all feel like that. I don't think it's just me. I think we've all gone through things in our life and trauma in our life that's made us who we are, and it's the way that we deal with that trauma. And what I find to be so beautiful about Chopper, and I'm trying to get through this without getting teary eyed, is that he's had the worst stuff happen to him, but he still is so loving and like, gives the love to others that he wants to be given to himself. And it's what we do with the stuff that, you know, has happened to us or the, the tragedies that have happened. It can either harden us or it can it. You still, I think the strongest people still show that love to others even though they've, they've been so badly hurt. And it's what I love so much about Chopper. So I think that the storyline where I really connected with is when Dr. Hirolik, you know, after he takes Chopper in, he, he then says, go away. I don't want anything to do with you. And that scene, to me doing that scene healed a bunch of childhood trauma in, in myself. So I just, I really, really connected with that. Because Chopper doesn't know why you're like, close the door on him. He just thinks that this is another, you know, person or being that wants nothing to do with him and, and he always like, internalizes it. It's something that I did wrong. And here like was the first person to really see Chopper. And so it hurts that much more that he closes the door on him and, and turns his back on him. And so I, there are, there are lots of things in my life that I was able to pull from. To do that scene. It was emotionally so taxing. I was like, felt like I was in such a dark place. You know, I, I base a lot of, of Chopper 2 off. I have a little dog I'd love to pull in here if she, she's 14 years old and she's my best friend and my soulmate and the love of my life. And I thought about like, if something happened to her too. So you know when I'm crying, like, I am really. There was no, I was, I was going there. It was hard.

[Zach]

I just.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Thank you for sharing that.

[Zach]

Yeah, thank you. So I want to say, as someone who also has OCD and anxiety.

[Mikayla Hoover]

You do.

[Zach]

Yes. I wouldn't say crippling. I only found out about it within like the last five to 10 years.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, you're so lucky.

[Zach]

I don't know if it like, developed. Yeah. I mean it. Yeah. I won't get too much into my own thing, but.

[Mikayla Hoover]

No, you totally can.

[Zach]

I'll just say though that like, it reminds me of like, kind of inner child work. Like, what you did with Chopper, like, getting in, putting yourself in the place where you were in those moments is so there's. There's obviously a bravery to it. I mean, it is the scariest thing I think you could face. I mean, that. That is very moving to me personally, and I hope to others as well.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah, I hope so. And I hope. I hope that Chopper makes people who don't feel like they quite fit in feel seen as a. As an actor, you know, I think that my. And a human actually, not as an actor, as a human being. I think my goal in life is to make others feel seen. And I hope that that's what Chopper does. And I think that's why this is also such a special role for me is I had. You know, you want. You want your work to mean something and not just to be, you know, thrown out there. You want it to. If it can move, you know, one person and make one person feel, like, seen and like. Like even though you go through tough shit, that you can still be a good person and. And loving. And if I can make one person do that, I feel like I'm. I've done my job here. You.

[Zach]

I guarantee you you will.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I hope so.

[Alex]

I'm sure you have no abs. Absolutely. Especially. Especially by playing this character, too. The thing that I really love about One Piece is that everybody's. There's been a joke throughout the fandom over the last, like, I don't know, 20 something years that, like, you know, oh, well, if you're a member of the Straw Hat crew, then you've definitely had, you know, trials and tribulations and grief and trauma, and it's made you into, you know, the person that you are today. And. Yeah, and every single character's flashback has a. Like, yes. Has a facet that somebody can. Can kind of grab onto and identify with. And I love that you've really embraced that, too, with. With just, you know, just knowing Chopper through. Through this experience.

[Mikayla Hoover]

No, he's. He's healed. He's. He's helping heal. Little Sound silly to say, but, like, little Michaela feel seen and safe. And, you know, I think, you know, people that have stuff, you know, maybe happen to them in their childhood, something that I needed to do was to make little Michaela feel safe and seen and heard. And I've been able to. To do that through this. This work with Chopper, and I hope that that does that for other people.

[Zach]

Yeah. And I think one of the cool things about One Piece is as someone with anxiety, it's hard to start something that looks like it's gonna stir something up. And one piece, when you either read it or watch feels, it's like, oh, this is gonna be very light, and I could get through this easy. And it's. I think I've been describing it as like, candy coated emotional. Like, not trauma, but, like, it will be a gut punch to you when you're reading it or watching it. And I both fear and look forward to being able to cry again at Chopper's backstory, which I'm 9,000% positive I will be.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, I hope I make the fans proud, because, you know, I couldn't focus on that while I was doing it. I didn't think about that. I just thought about becoming him completely. And. But now, you know, we're a week away from it coming out, and I'm just like, do they, like, are they gonna. Like, are they gonna like me? Are they gonna like Chopper? Are they. You know, I'm so. Because people online can be. They can. It can be rough.

[Alex]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Zach]

There will be those rough people out there, because there always are.

[Mikayla Hoover]

It's getting through the noise, you know, and. And I'm okay with. With people not liking my interpretation. That's. That's okay too. You know, it's like. But. But I hope that people try to remember that, you know, when they're. That Chopper's backstory is about, you know, trying to. To fit in and feel seen. And, you know, so it's like. And I also know that a lot of people that are bullies online, like, something's going on. And for them as well, it's not like, just like, they're just mean to be mean. Like, everybody has a backstory of why they're acting the way that they are. And it's never black and white. It's always like, you know, so it's like having grace and empathy for. For those people as well.

[Zach]

Well put. Very well put. I think more people need to remember that when they're just generally like, it's.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I sure do. I mean, for everything. Like, for I. For everything. It's. It's like you have to. I. I say it, but, like, I don't practice that, so it's. It's a good reminder for myself as well.

[Zach]

Yeah, it's always easy to see it in other people.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Zach]

One piece. So I did want to ask you. So being. Sorry, Alex, you go ahead. My brain took a.

[Alex]

Sure. Well, this is more of a technical question.

[Mikayla Hoover]

This is from I've been around so much. I hope it stays for the podcast. It's very Guardians of the Galaxy.

[Zach]

That's for one piece.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, it is, yeah.

[Alex]

This is the drum I couldn't see.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, my God.

[Alex]

Yeah, it's the drum Rockies after.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, this is.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

This is the very end.

[Zach]

It's a gigantic spoiler for the end.

[Alex]

It's a huge spoiler.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I couldn't see it. I. I'm clearly. I'm like, oh, Guardians of the Galaxy. Wow. Michaela, I see it now.

[Alex]

Yeah. I did love your performance in Guardians, by the way.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Thank you so much.

[Alex]

You know, ass kiss here.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, I love it. Don't.

[Alex]

Part three is my favorite of the three.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Really?

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Yeah.

[Alex]

And I think that rocket is obviously, like, the heart of that series. And I think it's kind of funny that you're, like, coming from being a furry animal in that movie into an anthropomorphic reindeer.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I thought again, I thought I was gonna be Penelope Cruz's career. It's not too late, but.

[Alex]

Well, I mean, you're also cat, granted. Thank you. And Superman. And the Daily Bugle stuff is my favorite stuff. Like, I'm really crossing fingers for more Daily Bugle stuff in the sequel, personally. But we've got a question from one of our crew who's a voice actress herself, and she wanted to know if you were on set at all or if were you acting off of video from, like, footage from some of the other actors.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah, with her, like, I was acting off of footage of him, and then sometimes Stephen Wilkie, one of our co producers, would read the lines and I would act off of him. I got to go to South Africa and meet the cast and have a table read, and that was incredible. But a lot of it was, you know, me with. With two to three cameras on me just by myself, which is kind of harder in a way, and, you know, drumming up that emotion. But. But the guy who plays Dr. Hirolik is so. You'll see. I mean, he's. I think he's going to be the fan favorite. I'd be shocked. He's. He's absolutely incredible. He's so good that even acting off screen with him. And, you know, Katey Seagal as well is. Was a dream. And same with all of the straw hats, like, they are. So they're such great actors that it made my job really easy.

[Zach]

Yeah. I remembered what I was gonna say, and that's that, rest assured, at least the casting in one piece has been so spot on.

[Alex]

Oh, yeah. Big time.

[Zach]

The best Part of the series has been the amazing cast.

[Mikayla Hoover]

When I went to South Africa, that's what I was thinking. I was like, how does otisan know? I mean, because he hand picked everyone and it's almost like he's so genius that he, like, knows people's backstories and their life, and it's almost like he did research on everyone that he chooses because they're so perfect and they're so, like, there they are so much their character. It's crazy. I mean, besides, Jacob doesn't have a lying problem at all or an over exaggeration problem, but they're all very, very. It's uncanny how spot on he was with the casting. And I think that that's why for Chopper, I just had to kind of let go and trust in him and in Netflix and in the producers and that. That if, you know, if they believed in me to do this and that I am Chopper, that just to let go and do it.

[Alex]

I am really excited for you for just the future.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, thank you so much.

[Alex]

You're gonna have the best time with all this, with stuff coming up through the series.

[Zach]

I wasn't even thinking, like, that. I thought you just meant even in the fandom. But yes, that's.

[Alex]

Well, I mean, that's just the nice thing about Chopper, too, is that. Yeah. You've gotten through the backstory and he has just now he.

[Zach]

A great time.

[Alex]

He has a great time.

[Zach]

Yeah.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Yeah.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Although I love the trauma stuff. I gotta tell you, there's always more trauma.

[Zach]

There's always more trauma.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Okay, Okay. I think. I don't. I don't want to know.

[Zach]

I'm not telling you anything.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I'm watching the fine line of going, like, do I want to know what's going on or do I want to wait until I get the script? Because again, we're not based off the anime and I could just read it. But I'm also like, do I want to know? I don't know.

[Zach]

I get it. I get it. That's a tough. I mean, since you're embodying the character, that's like a very tough decision because obviously Chopper doesn't know what happens next.

[Alex]

That's true.

[Mikayla Hoover]

That's the thing. It's like, presumably Chopper doesn't know. And it's so funny because I just filmed a show where I purposely didn't read what happens because I was like, my character is in her own world and has no idea what's happening. So I don't want to know what's happening. Which a lot of actors would be like, that's so foolish. You should know completely what's going on. But there is something to be said about. My character doesn't know what's going on. Let's go on this journey together. And there's something, like, really cool and beautiful and like. I don't know. I just. That's how I've done it so far.

[Alex]

Well, I mean, that's a cool way to experience the series, I'd say.

[Zach]

And Chopper also embodies such, like, I want to say, naive. Well, naivete a little bit.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah. So there's like a childlike. A childlike kind of energy. Innocence. Yeah. And I think I'm. I. I mean, my. I've been told that I have that for such a long time. So to be. And I don't know. I don't see how I have that. But I'm. I. So, yeah, so to. To, you know, I didn't have to put that into the character because it already, like, there's, you know, I was told after the fact, like, oh, Chopper has a childlike innocence that you do. And I was like, he does. Like, because I just naturally put. That's part of him, you know, it doesn't. Like, I didn't have to play that up or, Or. I don't know how to explain that one. It just felt more organic.

[Zach]

I get it. I'm also just afraid that someone's going to come up and try and spoil things for you, because it's probably going to happen.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I hope not. I. I've been. I want to get. I've been doing some conventions, and I. I want to do more because I. I truly enjoy them so much because I. I feel like these conventions are a safe space for people who, like, really enjoy, you know, where. Whether it's One Piece or Superman or whatever they enjoy. It's this place where they, like, can let down their guard and be amongst friends and be amongst, you know, people who. Who like the same things as them and meet people who they've, you know, think are cool because they watch them. And I. When I'm at conventions, I'm like, I can't believe that I'm someone that they want to meet. That will never get old. To me, that's like, it's. It's. It's such a gift. And I remember again, when I was going through all of my. My hard, hard stuff in my life, I got really into this movie, Scream. This movie Scream, like one of the biggest movies ever. And I. And then I, like, got really into scary movies. And, like, that became, like, part of my personality is I wanted to be like, this is, you know, look at. I know more than anyone, any of my friends about all of these scary movies from, you know, the 70s, 80s, 90s. And it felt to me like a kind of a safe, like, space. And I think that if conventions had been around when I was younger, I. I would have loved doing scary movie conventions. And so I try to remember, like, how excited I would have been to meet a Matthew Lillard or, you know, and how you have no idea how you're going to affect someone that you're meeting for the pot. Hopefully positive, hopefully not in a negative way. So I take Convent so serious, like, so personally and so dear to my heart, because it's also, like, the whole reason that One Piece exists and Superman exists and any of this exists is because of the fans. And so, you know, making. Making them know, like, really that they are the reason that we are here and is cool.

[Zach]

Agreed. We've kept you way beyond. I don't know if you have to.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, sorry. I never. Yeah, I do have to go at seven. Is it seven?

[Zach]

Wait, nine, eight, seven, six, 30. Oh, no. You okay? You still okay?

[Alex]

We still have a little time.

[Zach]

Have to do the math.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I don't stop talking. So my publicist is like, you gotta cut it. Because she knows that's what we do here.

[Zach]

We only keep talking forever. So you're perfect. You're in a safe space.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Thank. Well, I need to. I also need to remember this is a big learning lesson doing this. Press is. And even for Superman, I need to. I need to learn. This is to stop and pause and think before you speak.

[Zach]

I also have that problem.

[Alex]

Yeah, 100%. Oh, yeah, no, I definitely have that problem.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

I think what you said about the conventions was, to me, very touching. I am a traveling academic. I research anime and manga, especially One Piece. That's what I do for, like, academic studies. And I travel to all kinds of conventions and I see fans meeting people and seeing more about the fandom. So to hear from you, who's embodying Chopper, bringing to life this character that we love, that you also see the power of conventions and community. That's. That's very touching. So thank you. Thank you for saying that. I appreciate it a lot.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah, of course. I hope. I wish more actors would. Would do them and see, you know, and I understand it can be, you know, it can be. It can be a little freaky sometimes when, you know, there's certain, you know, because I Played Cat Grant. And there's certain men that can, that can kind of damper the, the experience sometimes. But, but in general, I wish more fans would see how you get to see firsthand, like how much something means to someone. And I like get choked up because it's like that's why we're doing this, you know, and so it's, it's really, really cool. I mean, we're also, as actors and artists, we're doing this because there's nothing else that we could possibly imagine doing. And this is a way to express ourselves as well. But. But the fans are why we exist.

[Zach]

Yeah. I think you embody kind of what I as a very much non actor would assume that goes into the process. So that's, I mean it's all very moving on. A complete 180. So you talked about the merch that was out there in South Korea. I'm sure you've seen Alex. Weren't we talking about whether or not you were going to purchase that?

[Alex]

I mean, I might. The sideshow or Hot Toys has like a life size chopper that's coming out if your wife.

[Mikayla Hoover]

But let's go. I mean, I might. I mean it was like, so

[Zach]

that's Alex.

[Alex]

Yeah, I mean, so it's funny, my wife hasn't seen much of One Piece except for Chopper's backstory. So she knows who chopper is. My 11 month old has a little Chopper doll that way. Yeah, he's really cute. And he's got a little Chopper doll that I bought from pretty recently because of the live action coming out. And you know, at some point we'll watch it and I'll be like, I've talked to her. I've talked to Chopper.

[Mikayla Hoover]

He's going to be like, what do you mean her dad? What are you talking about?

[Zach]

To get her. I mean, you know, real chapper.

[Alex]

Everything's a construct. It's fine.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Son, you must be in heaven. You have an 11 month old that's

[Alex]

like, oh man, it's the best. It's really great. It's really great.

[Zach]

I have a one and a four year old, so I'm just more tired. But in heaven,

[Mikayla Hoover]

girls or boys?

[Zach]

Boy is the older one. Girl. Boy and girl, yeah. Wow. Now I have to get Chopper plushes for them. Like that's after this conversation.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I know. There's the, the ones. They're so cute. Like I need to get one.

[Zach]

Sorry I'm not getting to hawk the Chopper stuff, though I do highly encourage it.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I'm not either.

[Zach]

Neither of us are. It's just. Chopper is so merchandizable, is the problem. He's so adorable, and he also is so sweet and has such an amazing charact. So I was gonna ask if there was, like, one piece of Chopper mer. No pun intended. If there's one piece of Chopper merch that you could have, it probably exists, first off. Second off, like, what would it be like? What? I mean, you know, so. Such a sliver of his story so far. So I. Yeah, I just know.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Such a sliver. But I have the Chopper hat for my dog.

[Zach]

That's the answer.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Three pounds. And she has the Chopper hat. And to me, that's like, I maxed out. That's the coolest thing in the world.

[Zach]

That's.

[Alex]

That's. You're living with Chopper, basically.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Do you want to see her?

[Alex]

Yes, absolutely.

[Zach]

Yeah, please.

[Alex]

We're all pet people on this podcast.

[Zach]

Yeah. My dog's upstairs.

[Mikayla Hoover]

My life. And she's gonna be so mad that I woke her up. This is Ava.

[Alex]

Hi, Eva. Hi, Ava.

[Zach]

Tell us about your backstory.

[Mikayla Hoover]

What is your. But she's like, I've had such a cushy life. My mom waits on me hand and foot all the time, and life's great. My mom loves me more than anything.

[Alex]

Is she a terrier?

[Mikayla Hoover]

She's a Yorkie, Yeah.

[Alex]

She's a Yorkie, Yeah.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah. So she's. Oh, hello. Okay, you don't want to be on screen. She does not. She does not want to be famous at all. She has no interest.

[Zach]

Well, then I hate to pitch that. We should have a plush of her in Chopper.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I think you should. When I watch Chopper, I see her. But then my friend was like, you know that you and. And Ava are, like, look alike because we've lived together for, you know, 14 years, and we just. I think that happens. I really do think that people start to look like their dogs or their dogs start.

[Zach]

Do I look like a retriever then?

[Alex]

Well, it's like 101 Dalmatians right now. Dogs look like they're owners.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I see it. I do think that people start to like you. Just, you know, you resemble your. Your animal. And so I see my dog Ava and Chopper, and my friend's like, I see you in. In Chopper. And it's because you and Ava are alike. So. Yeah.

[Zach]

Yeah. Personality wise, I could say dogs, definitely both. It goes both ways, I think.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah. We are two alike. It is insane.

[Zach]

Alex, Dr. Bentlen, any questions?

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Yeah, the other thing that I wanted to ask is a lot of recent studies. Again, I come from academia. So sorry if I was going to

[Zach]

say this is like, okay, where is this going?

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

But a lot of recent studies on anime, manga and live action especially, they talk about the impact on the audience when the story is being embodied differently. And I wanted to ask you, as part of this process, to bring to life Chopper, when you were thinking of the character through the lines, through the script, what were your most prominent thoughts? What were the things that you wanted the audience to get from your voice performance, from your physicality, from things like that? I'm very intrigued to know. What was that for you?

[Mikayla Hoover]

I don't. I don't know if I'm going to answer this correctly, but I. I think a big part of the reason that I booked Chopper in the first place is because I thought he was grotesque and not this cute little amazing reindeer boy that we've. We've all seen. And Chopper does not think of himself as. As cute. And he has. He has been treated like he is grotesque. So despite what he looks like, he. He just so badly wants love and acceptance and to feel worthy. And no matter how many people tell him he is, he still doesn't fully trust it or believe it. You know, there's still part of him that. And. And I also think because he's felt like that his whole life, he's making it his mission to make the one. The people that he loves in his life feel that love that he never got. So I think that that's how I approach Chopper is. Is that, you know, that feeling and that just like that. That essence of just not feeling quite, like, good enough or seen or worthy enough or, you know, tapping into that. That part of me and that part of me that also wants others to feel worthy and seen. And so, yeah, I would. Did I. I don't think I just answered that right, but I think you did.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

No, but I think you did. And every time I hear you talk about your process, I get even more excited to get to see the second season. I honestly feel like, through your heart, you're really embodying Chopper. And that, as a fan, makes me. Makes me just happy.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Thank you so much.

[Zach]

I.

[Mikayla Hoover]

It's. You know, I didn't. People have asked me, like, what was your preparation? What would you know, to get in that headspace? And to be honest, I did. I didn't do a lot of preparation. I just. I feel so connected to him that it wasn't like. I didn't feel like I had to do a lot. I feel like I kind of just had to show up and. And take from my experiences and put myself into him. Which sounds silly, but it's what I did.

[Alex]

No, I mean, you acted. I mean, that's what you're good at. I mean, this is segueing into something that I've been thinking about a lot. As far as this particular role for you goes, as far as motion capture. Motion capture is such a different and amazing type of acting. You know, obviously Andy Serkis did a lot with. With it. With. With Gollum, and.

[Mikayla Hoover]

So glad that you brought that up because I. Yeah. When I try to explain it to people, I try to use that example. But the difference is I wasn't on set.

[Alex]

Yeah.

[Mikayla Hoover]

It was just by myself.

[Alex]

Yeah. So what I. What I was going to ask is that, like, the. I. I suppose you have to. Is it. Do you have to act with your. Like really act with your face a little more than you would if you were doing something live action? Or is it sort of more easygoing or. Or would it. Would it be sort of just one to one if you were just there acting?

[Mikayla Hoover]

That's such a great question. I have been told that, in fact, James Gunn has told me this multiple times, that if you were to put my personality into a character, that the. That the expressions would be so over the top and so, like, not believable because they're so extreme that people would think that it was a telenovela and it was bad. It was bad acting. So I think that for Chopper, I just do expressions that I would always do because I. I am such an expressive person and I need to tone it down for other projects. You know, I saw a video on the. On the red carpet of me seeing three choppers, and I'm, like, mortified. My mouth was, like, so open and I was like, like, it's just. It's so much. It looks like a. A character that you're sketching. Like, it's like, not. I'm like, why did you do that, Mikayla? Start learning. I need to start learning how to be less with my expressions and emotions. But for Chopper, it works.

[Alex]

That's fantastic. I love that you can. You can't. You know, it's. It's almost like a second skin.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah. But I wish I could. I wish I could tone it down because let me tell you, there are some.

[Zach]

I have the opposite. I feel like sometimes to really. That you that expressive. It's hard at least. Yeah. To like. Yeah.

[Mikayla Hoover]

No, it's good that you're not so expressive. I feel like I'm too, like. It's like you catch, you know, now with social media and photos and it's like I can look crazy out there if I'm, you know, in a. I need to learn how to pull back.

[Zach]

I think though, what people, as if I'm going to say that I know what people online actually want. I don't. But I personally at least think that the more genuine a person is, the more like relatable. And I don't want to use the word appealing, but like it's like that is I think the gold standard. Just being yourself. No, it's very old cliche sort of thing.

[Mikayla Hoover]

But yeah, I think it took me a really, really long time to realize that like I always, you know, wanted to be this sexy, cool actress that held it together and, and wasn't so expressive and wasn't so, you know, kind of like doled down my personality a little bit because I thought that's what was cool. And it turns out that, you know, being your, it sounds, I know, easy, but being yourself is what's cool. And that's what's, that's what's sexy in someone is being authentic. And I think that we're in an age of people really wanting authenticity and being able to tell if someone's authentic or not. I think that we're seeing that with actors. Like there are a lot of actors that now you're not seeing in television and movies anymore because there's like a veil that's been lifted that people are starting to, whether it's social media or whatever it is, people are starting to see who that person is when you're watching them. I just, I think that, that, that is happening and I'm, I, it's both, I'm both grateful, but I'm also terrified because, you know, you can, you can catch someone on a bad day or you can, you know, it's, it's like social media is such a double edged sword in that way.

[Alex]

Oh, sure, yeah. If I'm, if I may ask, and this might be a loaded question, but what, like, what inspired you to start acting at the start of your career like before, you know, made you want to get into this profession?

[Mikayla Hoover]

I never wanted to do anything else. I mean, even at, at for as long as I could talk and walk, I was, I was performing and dancing and I, there was never a time in my life where anything else was an option. I don't think that this, I don't think that you go into being an actor. I mean, you could get really lucky and roles could start happening, but things for me have not happened until later in my, you know, I'm not 20 something. It didn't happen until later for me. And I think that there's, there's a bit of insanity to that because it's like you, you, you can't do anything else. You love it so much that there's nothing else to explore. A sane person would say, get a real job and you know, don't, don't live in a life where you're, you know, you're worried about finances constantly because it's so up and down. Have something more stable. But an insane person that loves the craft so much just says there's nothing else I could possibly do with my life. So I got to keep at it. And I had a. An acting coach a year and a half ago who was working on the show that I was doing. And I said to her, you know, I really just wish that my voice was different. I wish it was deeper and it, it wasn't like this and that I could, you know, so I could do different roles. And she was like, your voice is your superpower. That's what makes you different from other people is, is your voice. It's so distinct. And she was like, lean into that and own it and be proud of it instead of ashamed. And then, you know, two weeks later, I got the call for Choppers. So I think that, yeah, I just, there was just nothing else that I could have. I could have possibly done. The acting and performing bug hit me at a very young age and it's finally all aligning and I just feel really grateful.

[Zach]

So great to hear. Alex. Dr. Bentlen, any other things I was going to say? Yeah.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Are there any future adventures that you are excited for Chopper to go into? Just thinking like, oh, I would love to see Chopper doing this or that. Not that we're spoiling anything.

[Zach]

I'll add that we. So the voice actor who played Lu. The voice actress who plays Luffy in the English anime, we asked her this question over the many years we've been doing this, and she always somehow predicted situations.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Does she know?

[Zach]

No, she did. She was like you, you know, in that she didn't want to know what happened next. They're caught up now, so.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, really?

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

And she.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Ben, people are. They're not hard on her for saying that. Right. That's okay if you're.

[Zach]

No, it's. I mean, look, the one piece community, diverse as it may be, I think is a wonderful place. I mean, we've been.

[Alex]

It's very welcoming.

[Zach]

It is very Welcoming. I mean, the. The whole message. The message of one piece is so about inclusiveness and not, you know, putting people down. And. And the. The people who understand the messages that are in the series, which I think is the large majority of it, are very welcoming, and I think you're gonna really enjoy the community.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I love that. I'm so excited. I love that. I love hearing that, because that is so important in my life. So it's like. Like to. To give to other people. And so I love that that's how the. The community is. I'm so excited that Dr. Brettland had

[Zach]

a good question, though, also, like. Yeah, so where do you want to see Chopper? Sorry, I cut it off.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, man, I'd love to see Chopper. Like, maybe have a little crush or something of like a. Yeah, that'd be. That'd be fun. And see how he. He kind of deals. Kind of deals with. That would be. Would be really cute. You know, I. I think that I would just. I would just love Chopper to, like, finally feel whole and seen.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Yeah.

[Mikayla Hoover]

You know, and healed. Like, he heals everyone around him because he wants to be healed himself. And I'd love for him to really, like, look in the M and, like, love himself and feel healed and seen.

[Alex]

I love that answer.

[Zach]

I really do answer. Yeah. And also, the. The crush one is also very silly.

[Mikayla Hoover]

That's a little bit why you have to stop and think more before you answer something, because it would have more been my second answer.

[Alex]

But, no, I think both are really great answers, and I'm not gonna spoil you on either one of those.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah, please don't. Yeah.

[Zach]

I'm not saying. Yeah. Pro. Yeah.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Working the secrets.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Please do. I can't get over your background. The fairy, I love. Thank you. It's so magical. I want to, like, jump into it.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

You know, I had to bring some magic to this because it's already such a wonderful experience to just meet you, so.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, thank you so much. I feel. I feel really blessed to meet you guys and grateful that you guys had me on. It's really cool.

[Zach]

Thank you. Thank you so much for doing this. We really appreciate it.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Thank you so much.

[Zach]

Yeah.

[Alex]

Thank you so much for being on and. And. And. And you, honestly.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Thanks. I. I hope, man. I hope. I hope you guys like it. I just. I. I mean. Yeah, I get it.

[Zach]

They will. They will. As I said, I think people really do appreciate genuineness and, you know, like, the authenticity.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah. And I think that you can. I think you can feel that. And, you know, you definitely. I think the reason that the live action has worked so well is like we already touched upon is every single straw hat really feels so much like their character. And they're also such kind, loving, amazing individuals. And I think that you feel that in the show and otisan has just done. And Netflix and Tomorrow Studios has done such a great job picking those people.

[Zach]

The one last thing I did want to say is that I hope you do get to go to South Africa and hang out with the crew more and more.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah, I know. More. I know. Yeah, I traveled there just like Chopper. I know, I know. I traveled there for the first time when. When we had our government, one of our government shutdowns.

[Zach]

I was also on a plane during that. Yeah, yeah.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I mean, it was. It was like a three day trek. Like, it was, it was. But it was so worth it. I mean, being with them and. And they have always been, you know, Emily was the first to reach out and message me and they were just so kind. And I've been very, very lucky in the last few projects that I've done, including Superman, that the cast is just exceptional, welcomed me with open arms and just been just the best. So I hope that continues.

[Zach]

Me too. I'm sure it will. I'll say my last note, since we're going. We went so far over probably. No, it's my. Yeah, it's not you, it's us. It's 100% no. Is that the one comment? So there was that video that Netflix released of you all watching the trailer when it first came out.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, and did you see I never shut my mouth. That was embarrassing.

[Zach]

No, because every comment on that was. That was positively like, look at how she's reacting to that. That's so like. It was like so real.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

It was endearing.

[Zach]

It is very endearing.

[Mikayla Hoover]

My agent wrote. My agent wrote to them, said, is there a shot where her mouth isn't open the whole time? Because. Can we put. Can you guys play. Can Netflix please go in and find shots where her mouth is closed? Because it's open the whole time. And Netflix came back and said, this is so embarrassing. They were like, there are no shots where her mouth is closed.

[Alex]

That's amazing. Well, you really are. You really are perfect for the role.

[Zach]

Yes.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

They were genuine expressions.

[Alex]

Yeah, 100%.

[Zach]

Yeah. That's one piece, though, is like expressions. Like, that's. If I had to like define it, it's like very authentic. Big expressions.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Except I forget that I'm like. I got so into the trailer that I'm like, oh, yeah, Michaela, you're also on camera being filmed as a cast reaction. And then. And then I see it. I'm like, what was I doing? Like, that's so embarrassing.

[Zach]

I'm sure you have a wonderful agent, but they need to realize this is one piece and you need to just be yourself.

[Mikayla Hoover]

And that's me. It was me that said, can we please find a clip where my mouth is closed? Because it looks so ridiculous that I never closed my mouth. And I. I didn't even know that until I watched it. I was like, this is.

[Zach]

This is.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

But Chopper would have done that same thing.

[Zach]

Chopper 100% would have done that.

[Mikayla Hoover]

But you guys, how good was that trailer?

[Alex]

It was great. Honestly. Amazing trailer. I was like, oh, needle drop, come sail away.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Yeah, I wasn't expecting goosebumps.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I was so ready with the music and the, like, it just felt. It felt so magical to sit there and watch it that I forgot I was on camera.

[Zach]

I'll say. Watching season one and I feel the same thing. Even just watching the trailer for season two, it's like, wow, this is real. Like, I'm sure for you as well, but, like, being a fan for, like, Alex more than me, even, like, two decades and then seeing it, like, come to life, like, this is. This is so surreal.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I mean, that it is real and it's surreal. And I wasn't even a fan, but seeing it, it's like, I'm, like, now I'm. I'm just like. And I wasn't a fan because I. I didn't like it. I wasn't a fan because I didn't know about it. Now that you know, you feel like you're a part of this magical, like, world. And I'm so glad that people are starting to. To, like, One piece is becoming more mainstream because it's just such an incredible message that it's like, the more mainstream we can get it out there. It's just great. It's so cool.

[Zach]

The common thread has been that moms love the Live Action One Piece. Like, oh, really? It is such a different demographic. Like, specifically, it's great, but it's something

[Alex]

that the fans have really, really latched onto too. And I think that's kind of an awesome thing that you could have both of those worlds.

[Zach]

Well, not that moms don't read or watch the One piece anime manga, but

[Mikayla Hoover]

I wonder, what is the demographic of the live action? I don't even know.

[Zach]

I'm sure Netflix knows.

[Alex]

Or tomorrow.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Yeah, Netflix definitely knows the Netflix question. I mean, it's It's. The first season did so well. So I think that what we've created, the second season, when I watch it, it's so special and I just. I. I hope the world feels the same.

[Zach]

Well, we're all so excited and really honored to have you here. This was such a great discussion.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Please message me when you. When you see it and let me know because I. Absolutely. I. I hope you guys like it.

[Zach]

We'll send you the kids with chopper plushes as well.

[Alex]

Yeah, well, please do a dog. Yes, please do. We'll definitely do that, actually. Yeah, I'm not gonna. Yeah.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Alex, I'm not gonna never forget your. Oh, I guess I like. You were. I guess I gotta get one.

[Zach]

Alex also makes expressions, but they're.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

I do.

[Zach]

More subtle maybe. No, they're probably just as subtle.

[Alex]

I'm subtle. Ish.

[Zach]

I don't know.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Thank you guys so much for taking.

[Zach]

So much for coming.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Such a pleasure.

[Mikayla Hoover]

And I. Hopefully we do this more and I. I see you guys soon.

[Zach]

Yeah, hopefully we see you either at a con or on here again. Thank you again.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, my gosh, that'd be so cool if I saw you guys at a con. Please.

[Zach]

Yeah.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Well, that would be so cool.

[Alex]

We will definitely make an effort.

[Zach]

We will definitely try.

[Mikayla Hoover]

We're saying that's happening. I'll see you guys in person next time. So thank you guys so much for having me.

[Zach]

Thank you. Thank you so much for saying so. Thank you. Bye.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Bye. Spring is here, and there's a whole new way to chai at Starbucks that's made perfect for you. Choose your sweetness. Dial it up or keep things light. Add a touch of pistachio, a hint of strawberry or vanilla, or make it a spring classic with lavender. Because this season, there's endless ways to chai at Starbucks. This episode is brought to you by Redfin. You're listening to a podcast, which means you're probably multitasking, maybe even scrolling home listings on Redfin, saving homes without expecting to get them. But Redfin isn't just built for endless browsing. It's built to help you find and own a home with agents who close twice as many deals. When you find the one, you've got a real shot at getting it. Get [e-mail], own the dream.

[Zach]

What an amazing interview with Mikayla, who huge thanks again to her and her publicist and everyone for making this happen. Dr. Bentlen, first thoughts, like, initial thoughts coming out of it?

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Yeah, I am excited. I mean, talking to her, getting her reactions, her thoughts her process on embodying Chopper just makes me so much more ready to watch the second season and to really fall in love with Chopper once again. End the story and everything. I feel goosebumps. Like when you're a kid and there's Christmas gifts coming up, you're like, I'm ready to open it. Like holiday gifts coming up. I'm excited.

[Zach]

I get it. Everyone has Christmas.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

But no, it was really fun. And I'm excited to see the second season so much.

[Zach]

I had those chills too. So it's not just you. I'm not ready for crying that much though. Even though, God, the anime and the manga like, that story, really, that and Robin's, which I'm not going to talk about, hit like such a specific point in my brain that it just like immediately I just start weeping. Alex, what about you? What thoughts coming out? Yeah,

[Alex]

honestly, she's great. I'm really looking forward to her take on Jopper. She definitely. I've said it multiple times during the interview. I think she's the right person for the job. It's weird that Oda does have this knack for casting. I feel like it is instinct.

[Zach]

He is like Luffy right in Yaki is still. I think Oda is genuinely stunned that they found in an example of his ability to do this. I think it is a collaborative effort finding these people, though I don't think it's.

[Alex]

I mean, I mean, yeah, the casting is also, you know, there's casting department.

[Zach]

They're very good.

[Alex]

I do love that, you know, Mikaela got really real with, you know, with us about the process and you know, what she put into Chopper. And I really do appreciate that. And you know, and I honestly can't wait for the second season either. That stretch of grand line is some of my favorite stuff in the series. Mostly due to nostalgia stuff. I've been a fan since 2002 and the Baroque work stuff was sort of happening concurrently in the anime in Japan while I was getting into one piece here. So I have a lot of nostalgia for seeing Chopper and being like, what's the deal with that teddy bear thing? And I can't imagine. So like, yeah, no, the Whiskey Peak through Drum stuff does hit for me a certain nostalgia button and saying that I'm going to love it no matter what might be a given, but I'm really bring on the Crying Man. I really love Drum Island. Every single time they've adapted Drum island, it's the one that I feel like they always really.

[Zach]

Yeah. Movie nine. There's Been a lot of adaptations of it.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

They were like a special chapter too, right?

[Zach]

Yeah, they've had. Yeah, they had like an. Did they have an episode of East Blue sort of thing for it to.

[Alex]

No, because the movie. They did the movie then. Movie.

[Zach]

Yeah, I guess the movie.

[Alex]

The what if. What if they met Chopper and Robin and Frankie were also there and the movie.

[Zach]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. The one thing I like, we touched on it. But like Alex, you and I, I think are really big fans of. And I think most people out there with discriminating taste are fans of original chopper. Who was the. Alex, I think you're muted or.

[Alex]

I know.

[Zach]

There you are. Oh, I thought you were just saying. Right. Yeah, I think we're all fans of the original chopper. And her description that she got of it sounded so much like they were describing that specific chopper. Like grotesque but adorable. I think is like. But that's like he's so endearing because he looks like this little pudge ball. Like I want to.

[Alex]

That's funny. I wanted to. While we were doing the. I wanted to bring up a picture of the barrel bodied original chopper.

[Zach]

Is this what you were thinking? He looked like?

[Alex]

I mean in the grand scheme of things though, it's still a cute chopper, just not the one that we're used to seeing for the last years.

[Zach]

Oh my God. I mean that's the thing. He's always been adorable, but obviously he has become a mascot. So I like, look, I love all chopper, but I have a favorite chopper because I'm a man of discriminating taste. And that's the original chopper. I love the pudgy little original chopper.

[Alex]

Wait a week, you might have a new favorite.

[Zach]

Oh, that's true.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

That's a live action one.

[Zach]

Yeah, I'm looking now. I gotta buy some plushes though. That's what I gotta do. I did. I was telling Alex the chopper plush I want is the life size. Like original chopper one that doesn't really exist anywhere. I think you said links.

[Alex]

I did. I sent you links. Yes. They're very expensive.

[Zach]

That doesn't exist. It's $800 as far as I'm concerned.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Also they're like, there's no price or happiness. Come on.

[Alex]

They're also like almost 20 years old.

[Zach]

Yeah, there's a 20 year old plush that's $800.

[Alex]

Yeah. The life size ones that came out around 2008 I think were tie ins for the movie 9.

[Zach]

Oh, movie 3 or movie 9?

[Alex]

No, movie 9. They do have movie 3 tie in ones, but they're not like the big life size ones. They're still pretty decently sized.

[Zach]

I'm trying to even remember where I saw that. And I feel like it was at Funimation like back in the day. Not to get too.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Do we need to start a gofundme for Zach to get that plushie? Is that what is happening now?

[Alex]

Yeah, yeah. Just Zach.

[Zach]

GoFundMe. Oh yeah. Just Zach. Not Alex also.

[Alex]

Yeah, that's right.

[Zach]

All our children deserve life size original chopper plushies.

[Alex]

That's right. Which is why I'm considering the sideshow 1.

[Zach]

Every child on earth deserves a life size original chopper plushie.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

That's our next mission to get enough funds for that. Yeah.

[Zach]

It's like everyone deserves health care and all children deserve a life size chopper plushie.

[Alex]

I hope that they send Mikayla a free hot toys.

[Zach]

I was also asking that question because it's like I want to send a gift of a chopper to her, but there's so many choices.

[Alex]

So many choices.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

She might get inundated after the show comes.

[Zach]

That's the thing. It's like how people throw flowers at the end of a performance. They're going to throw choppers.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Choppers, yeah.

[Zach]

Which actually. That sounds better though. May hurt depending on the chopper you're throwing. Just don't throw the crying chopper with the mushroom figure or something like that. They have figures of the most. Like random.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Yes.

[Zach]

No, like the. The. The parts like the panels specifically that will make you weep.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Oh, yep, that too.

[Zach]

Yeah. And I. And it's. It always gets sent to me for some reason. Anyway. Dr. Bentlen, where could people find you?

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Yeah, people can find me on Blue Sky. I am the one piece doctor at Blue Sky. And you can also find me at most big conventions of and manga studies. This year we're starting with C2E2, the Chicago Comic Con that's happening later this month. I'm going to be presenting at a panel on anime and manga studies. And if you want to find out where I'm going to next, just find me on social media and keep track of my research.

[Zach]

Thank you, Alex.

[Alex]

Well, you can find me on blueskyudeec Bisky.

[Zach]

Sorry, that makes me laugh every time. For no reason.

[Alex]

And Weeb Simpsons, of course. And Please check out patreon.com superartfight. You can find the archive of our shows there. Not enough people are signing up for this.

[Zach]

I don't know if you mentioned that.

[Alex]

Did I say Super Art Fight?

[Zach]

No, you didn't say you were part of Super Art Fight. You were just Playing, I guess.

[Alex]

Oh, I'm sorry. I am part of Super Art Fight.

[Zach]

Okay.

[Alex]

Me. And as a matter of fact, there's a Super Art Fight show coming up at the end of the month. It's one of our co hosts, Marty Day's last show ever. And please join us at the autobar on March 28th.

[Zach]

That should be before then.

[Alex]

Yeah, yeah, hopefully. Hopefully this comes up before March 20th.

[Zach]

Yeah. But you might be listening. It's March 28th, 2026. If you're listening in 2028. Yes, you can find me at zacklogan.com on Blue Sky. You can find us at One Piece podcast.com or patreon.com One Piece podcast. This is part of our main podcast, but it's also part of our OPLA series, All about the Live Action One Piece series. I just want to mention all of our amazing guests we've had so far and please give. I am so proud of each and every one of these interviews. So please give them a listen. And that's mostly because they're all wonderful people who were very generous with their time and are just cool and down to earth. We had the musicians Sonia Belo Sova and Giona Ostinelli. We had Steven Maida who was the showrunner for season, the co showrunner for season one of the One Piece Live Action. You heard a lot about tomorrow's studios today while Nick Louie is was like one of the originators of the One Piece Live action since around 2016 17, like when it was first in development. Give that one a listen. I'm saying these in order. If you're wondering which ones we have Mark Jobst, who was the who's who is a director and executive producer of the show. Amanda Ross McDonald, who does the hair and makeup for the show, Aiden Scott who plays Helmeppo. We talk about the Build a Bear Helmeppo which we need to put together. That's another gofundme. We need Alexander Maniatis who plays Clahador. Let's say we have Craig Fairbrass who plays Zeff, and Chioma Umela who plays Nojiko. So give all of those a listen. We hope to have many more of these episodes in the future as we sit here recording. I don't know when the next one is, but please keep an eye out on your feeds. Subscribe to us on YouTube.com OnePieceAPodcast or Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. That'll do it. We'll see you next time, everyone. Goodbye.

[Alex]

Goodbye.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Bye.

[Alex]

Bit my tongue.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

Okay, I just stopped recording.

[Zach]

Is really going to want to end it there. Don't. Don't.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Close your eyes. Exhale. Feel your body relax and let go of whatever you're carrying today. Well, I'm letting go of the worry that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-contacts. Oh, my gosh. They're so fast.

[Alex]

And breathe.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry. Namaste. Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order.

[Dr. Raylene Bentland]

1-800-contacts.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Stitch Fix shopping is hard. Let's talk about it.

[Alex]

I don't have time to shop, so

[Zach]

I buy all my clothes where I buy my seafood.

[Mikayla Hoover]

I just want someone to tell me

[Zach]

what shirt goes with what pants. I just want jeans that fit.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Stitch Fix makes shopping easy. Just show your size, style and budget, and your stylist sends personalized looks right to your door. No subscription required, plus free shipping and returns.

[Zach]

Man, that was easy. That looked good.

[Mikayla Hoover]

Stitch Fix Online personal styling for everyone. Take your style quiz [e-mail].