Episode 1133 of the One Piece arrived with intense emotions and an unexpected surprise. Besides showcasing Kuma , Toei Animation surprised fans with a subtle reference to the Willem Dafoe meme. And internet otakus didn't let this detail go unnoticed.
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The fight that revealed more than strength
In this episode, Kuma finally faces an entire Marine fleet to defend the Sorbet Kingdom. Although known for avoiding conflict, he unleashes the full power of the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi to protect Bonney and prevent Bekori from retaking tyrannical control of the kingdom. Even with his victory, Kuma expresses anguish at having used his ability so destructively.
#ONEPIECE1133
— 𝙍𝙀𝙓⚡𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙇𝙪𝙛𝙛𝙮🏴☠️👑 (@Rexplorer) June 15, 2025
They really sneaked the meme into an animation 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/hCYLQ6IoAO
However, what also caught fans' attention was the expression on one of the sailors' faces during the battle. The character's expression is strikingly similar to that of actor Willem Dafoe, in a famous meme from the film At Eternity's Gate . As people have said on social media, the moment is brief but memorable.
Confirmation came from one of the episode's animators, who subtly commented on the X network (formerly Twitter) that the inspiration for this meme was intentional. This small tribute went viral, demonstrating how the anime knows how to capture details of Western pop culture, albeit discreetly.
One Piece continues to surprise with its balance of emotion, action, and cultural references. By delivering a visually powerful yet humorous scene, the anime reinforces its dominance as a global phenomenon.
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