What began as a simple character evolved into one of One Piece’s most memorable personalities, thanks to this unforgettable voice.

SUMMARY

Franky original design in One Piece was actually a small shipwright.
However, upon listening to Kazuki Yao’s voice, Eiichiro Oda discarded the orginal design and created him as a big, flamboyant cyborg.
Franky’s character was inspired by Jim Carrey’s Ace Ventura.

Eiichiro Oda’s brilliance as a mangaka lies in his ability to create some of the most unique and unforgettable characters in anime and manga history. From Monkey D. Luffy’s optimistic charm to Zoro’s unwavering resolve and Sanji’s culinary allure, the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece have personalities and designs that stand out in every way.

Franky’s cyborg design is an iconic aspect of One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

But among this eccentric crew, Franky, the shipwright, arguably holds the title for the wildest transformation from initial concept to final design.

Many fans might not know that Franky’s original concept in One Piece was nothing like the over-the-top, flamboyant cyborg we know and love today, but rather envisioned as a small, unappealing character. It wasn’t until a fateful encounter with voice actor Kazuki Yao that changed Franky’s destiny along with his overall design forever.

Kazuki Yao: The voice that shaped Franky’s destiny in One Piece

Eiichiro Oda‘s original designs for the Straw Hat pirates from One Piece were wild, particularly for Robin, Chopper, Usopp, and Franky. However, among them, Franky’s initial design arguably stands out due to the sheer size difference from its current design. The original character was intended to be a small and understated shipwright.

So how did the original small-guy concept transform into the larger-than-life cyborg with a flamboyant personality? There’s an interesting anecdote associated with this magical redesign. It wasn’t until Oda stumbled upon the unique voice of Kazuki Yao that things took a drastic turn in terms of One Piece character conceptualization.

Franky along with the Straw Hat Pirates | Credit: Toei Animation

Yao, who had already made a mark voicing Jango of the Black Cat Pirates and Bon Clay from Alabasta, had a voice that exuded charisma, flair, and eccentricity; qualities that resonated deeply with Oda. This inspiration is what changed Franky’s trajectory forever.

After hearing Kazuki Yao’s energetic and over-the-top performances, Oda realized that Franky needed a personality and design that could match such a voice. Thus, he scrapped the initial design and redesigned Franky as we know him today, and not only that Oda even insisted that Kazuki Yao take on the role. Yao would go on to voice Franky for an incredible 19 years, solidifying the character’s place in One Piece history.

The inspiration for Franky’s current design in One Piece

In redesigning Franky, Eiichiro Oda drew inspiration from one of Hollywood’s most eccentric performers: Jim Carrey. Specifically, Oda took cues from Carrey’s portrayal of Ace Ventura, a character known for his exaggerated movements, outlandish behavior, and funky hairstyle. Franky’s loud Hawaiian shirts, bold poses, and tall presence all echo Ace Ventura’s unhinged quirky style.

Jim Carrey as seen in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995) | Credit: Warner Bros

While Franky’s original design as a small shipwright was discarded, Oda didn’t entirely abandon the concept. Instead, he redesigned the idea into the Klabautermann, the spirit of ships that occasionally appears in One Piece. This ethereal being serves as a quiet and mysterious presence, a stark contrast to Franky’s bombastic personality.

On the other hand, Kazuki Yao’s influence on Franky didn’t stop at inspiring the character’s design. For 19 years, Yao’s voice brought Franky’s high spirit, humor, and heart to audiences worldwide. Unfortunately, due to health issues and old age, Yao has recently stepped down from the role after working in the franchise for a total of 24 years, marking the end of an era for One Piece fans.