One of the most successful projects to hit our small screens recently has been Eiichiro Oda's live-action iteration of "One Piece". The screen adaptation of one of the longest-running mangas in history, which can currently be streamed on Netflix bagged the highest of ranks on the streaming platform's trending list. 

Pertaining to this sensational adaptation, one of the most striking performances within the project was showcased by Colton Osorio; bringing the protagonist Luffy's childhood to life. Propelling Osorio at the forefront of the series, "One Piece" successfully proves and confirms the narrative of this young star's impeccable acting flair and range.

Colton bares his soul in his performance as the younger iteration of Monkey D. Luffy; a pirate dedicated to finding the hidden treasures of 'One Piece'. Despite his youthfulness, Osorio has propitiously emerged as an extremely skilled actor with a knack for immense talent; forcing everyone to be on a lookout for what's next for the young star. 

His performance was laced with heartfelt emotions further showcasing his versatility as an actor. Even at such a tender age, the young star didn't fail to successfully embody the persona of the young Straw Hat Pirate. 

I recently had a chat with ReVamp's latest cover star Colton Osorio; discussing all things One Piece- from his experience on the project, his first auditions, his reaction to finding out he got the role, meeting Iñaki Goddoy and his fellow castmates for the first time, and his plans for his future. 

Starting this interview, tell me more about what it was that initially brought you closer to the field of entertainment.

Was there ever a specific moment that you remember when you realised you really wanted to pursue entertainment as a form of professional career? 

It all first started when I was playing soccer and a director came and asked my dad if I wanted to do a commercial for FIFA Euros. I ended up doing the commercial and after a while, I started going to more auditions. 

I also got an agent and to be honest, the first time that I realized that acting was a profession was actually maybe during 'One Piece' itself. Me and my dad had known for a long time that I was an actor but I believe that's kind of when it really hit us like "You're a professional actually and this is your job now." 

I obviously have to ask you about your phenomenal recent involvement in Netflix's 'One Piece'. First of all, huge congratulations on your performance. 

I think I speak for everyone when I say I  absolutely loved your work and you have done such an impeccable job. 

So, walk me through the entire audition process for Young Luffy. When I was talking to Taz Skylar about his role, he mentioned that it wasn't revealed to him that it was going to be One Piece that he was auditioning for until he got that part, so was that experience the same experience for you when you were first offered the script?

I really appreciate what you said. Firstly, I'm so thankful for the show and I'm so honoured to be playing Luffy as well. And once again, thank you for having me. 

In terms of the audition process, the first time when I auditioned was when I was filming "CHA CHA Real Smooth" in Pennsylvania. We were in our hotel and we were in a rush to get to set. And then we saw we had an audition that was due very soon.

I believe that the first time that I found out that it was One Piece was during the first callback I had with Mark Jobst who is the director and he's so amazing.

After a couple of callbacks, I had already researched One Piece very well. And I started to finally get the feel of the character. So, after that, I got the role. I was starstruck. 

And then I really felt like I was the character itself when auditioning after I had done the research. 

And what was your reaction like when you realised that you got the role?

I believe I was playing video games when my dad came into my room with a camera and a little One Piece action figure. It was like I already knew what was happening and it was confirmed.

My dad came into my room to surprise me and I was stuck in the same expression and movement I was doing for like 20 seconds. (Laughs) 

I was on the verge of tears and once again, I'm so honoured to have played the character and I hope it continues.

In terms of the performance, since you were playing an iteration of an already-established character in the world of One Piece, how was your research like? 

Did you incline towards the mangas, anime, perhaps go to Iñaki himself or any of the writers of the project for advice in order to help you get into the mindset of young Luffy or was your research rooted solely through the scripts?

During the first callback, when I found out that it was 'One Piece', I immediately went to go watch what One Piece actually was. Even though I had already seen it before, I definitely swung through Netflix.

When I was on set and for advice to like be more like the character. I had already got a good feel of what Luffy was supposed to and not supposed to be like. He was this optimistic leader who just really wants to be a pirate.

I believe for advice, Mark Jobst and Tim (Southam), who is the other director, they really helped and guide me through everything like not just all the emotions but how am I supposed to be feeling in a particular scene; how would Luffy react to a situation or how would he want to play this role. 

Do you remember the first time you met Iñaki Goddoy who also plays the same character as you but a grown-up/ adult version of Luffy in the project? What was your experience like meeting him? 

Iñaki was so amazing. He's so funny. I remember we went to dinner with him in South-Africa.

I think the first time meeting him was when I came to set to meet Mackenyu (Zoro). They were filming a Buggy scene. I also came to meet the writers and I met Iñaki there.

He was playing Nintendo Switch while in between scenes and then we kind of found out that we both played Nintendo. We're still supposed to have a battle in Super Smash Bros. and that hasn't happened yet so we still have to make that happen. (Laughs)

But that was the first time meeting Iñaki. They were all in a tent with Emily Rudd (Nami), and Iñaki's mom and that was a really fun moment because they were filming the scene with Buggy where Zoro was tied to a spinning wheel. 

This project literally has a plethora of fascinating storylines and arcs going on. But I'm very curious to know, what has been your favourite sequence to shoot? And what according to you has been the hardest one?

The hardest one was definitely doing the scene where I had a little tear in my eye. It was before Shanks was leaving my character. That was a really emotional moment for me. And I felt like to really get in that mindset is the most difficult not just for me, but for most actors too. I mean I could be wrong for the other actors but that seemed to be the most difficult thing. Although I ended up trying to push through it. 

My favorite scene was actually with Shanks (Peter Gadiot) which I don't think made it into the show. I did a lot of scenes that weren't actually in the show but there was this one scene where I was climbing under a bridge or a port and I was running from the evil guy.

But that's when Shanks and them had a battle and when I ran away, I was climbing under like a port. That didn't end up being in the show but that would have been awesome if it was. 

It was a really cool experience and I had a vest on that was connecting me to the top of it and I had to really put my weight onto my arms and start climbing like right above the water. That was really fun and scary at the same time but mostly fun. 

Did you have any specific acting ritual that you'd like to immerse yourself with when performing your character? How did you prepare yourself before finally going in front of the cameras?

I think personally for me, what really means to me in terms of acting is to really just go on the set and do what you want to do. It kind of feels natural to you when you're starting the film and you already know the lines. 

I also believe I was in the mindset of trying to be Luffy and honestly, a lot of it was just me doing my best to be a pirate and to be somewhat of a good pirate like Shanks. And that was really the mindset for me.

I always wanted it to be either serious or do something that would change how Shanks looks at me and in those moments with Shanks, it almost feels like he's my role model and my father-like idol. 

'One Piece' has still made its way in the "Top 10" list of Netflix in many countries even as we speak right now even though the project was released quite a while back. 

So, pertaining to this massive response from around the world, how are you enjoying the reception that you have received on your performance specifically so far?

One thing that the show really brought out to other people was how the project in general was able to bring out different kinds of people together. 

It wasn't just a kid's show. It was also meant for families, adults and everybody could watch and see the amazing acting and the crew who set up such an amazing show.

I feel like everybody can learn a lesson specifically from Luffy because he always puts others before himself and makes sure about that because he's a leader and knows that he has a role and a job to make sure that his crew is his top priority.

He's also really optimistic and I believe that's a real way to look at life. I always see this and just look for the positives and the negatives.

Almost every actor that I have interacted with in the past, they usually always talk about what their significant takeaways were from their characters so I would love to know if you think there was any specific lesson you feel like you learnt from Luffy?

I believe that Luffy always made sure that he was connected with his crew. 

I learnt more about the meaning of family and close friends and I think he's always making sure that you care about them and that's been a real life lesson for me as well. Just spend the time that you have with family as much as you can. 

Since the show has already been confirmed for a second season, is there anything you can tell us about the next installment? Will we be seeing you gracing our screens again? Is there anything you can tell us? 

I say this every time in every interview. I guess we'll find out. (Laughs)

Lastly, what's next for you, Colton? Any upcoming projects in the pipeline for the rest of this year? 

That's a good question. I think that the future will tell what happens next. I can't see the future or what's going to happen but I can guarantee that there's going to be more 'One Piece' podcasts and interviews coming on. 

And hopefully, some Luffy action figures in the future since that would be great!

Colton Osorio can currently be witnessed portraying the younger iteration of Monkey D. Luffy in the first season of 'One Piece'; now streaming on Netflix.