It’s not even a guilty pleasure. We have zero hesitation in recommending Netflix’s live-action One Piece as one of the most entertaining and feel-good things you can watch on TV. Bonus points for this adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved pirate manga and anime being shot in South Africa, and peppering its cast with local performers.

One of those actors is the multi-talented Jazzara Jaslyn, whose filmography already included martial arts actioner Warrior and acclaimed MNET crime drama Lioness before she took on the fan-favourite role of Miss Valentine in One Piece Season 2. An operative for crime syndicate Baroque Works, Miss Valentine’s sunny, stylish exterior masks a mean streak and deadly efficiency due to Devil Fruit powers that let her control her weight at will.

Jaslyn was one of a group of local One Piece stars who appeared at Comic Con Africa 2026 for main stage panels, and fan interactions. In addition, we were fortunate to secure a short sit-down interview with her to talk One Piece costumes, wire stunts and upcoming projects.

Noelle Adams (Pfangirl.com): We’re cosplayers, so our first question is: what was it like wearing those incredible costumes as Miss Valentine? Did it impact your performance?

Jazzara Jaslyn: Yeah, it really did. I think I’m an actress where it depends on the role, but sometimes when you step into a costume, you really suddenly feel that shift. And I love the Sixties, so it was really cool. It was really fun. I fell in love with my first costume, and then they brought in the other one later. It grew on me, but at the beginning, I was so attached to my little dress. But yes, it definitely made an impact, especially when I had to put the gloves on and hold the umbrella as well.

You have a background in dance and performance arts, so we were wondering if you were able to bring any of that to the role, because there were stunts and wirework, which is not your typical acting requirement. Did that impact you as well?

Jazzara Jaslyn: I think my dance background helped with stunts because I could pick up subtle movements when I’m flying and stuff. Also the landing, which was actually a lot harder than it looked to look graceful. Sometimes she really lands, but sometimes I wanted her to just look graceful, and that I had to practice a lot. But it definitely helped. I did a lot of Contemporary [dance], which I loved, but I did a lot of Ballet before that, which I’m grateful for because it gives you that centre. So even with wirework, just having that centre point helps.

I think it’s exactly that – a combination of gracefulness and, when needed, weight. That was a difficult balance to strike, but you absolutely got a sense of that on screen.

Jazzara Jaslyn: Thank you.

So what is next for you professionally?

Jazzara Jaslyn: Goodness, I just had a movie called Extravagant Ways to Say Goodbye, which has premiered in Canada at the Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival. It’s a South African independent film, and I’m really excited for that. I haven’t seen it yet, but that was a very special project.

So that’s releasing, and then I always have my creative things – many things in the works, but nothing I can share yet. I’m not only an actress; I love filmmaking and writing, so I have a few different things. At this stage in my life I’m trying to figure out which one to focus on because I have all these open tabs that I’m like, “OK, I’ll plant that there at the right time,” and now I’m deciding which one to pursue.

Could you tell us a little bit more about Extravagant Ways to Say Goodbye?

Jazzara Jaslyn: Yes, so it’s about Sam, who I play, and she’s just found out that her mom has cancer. It’s a really beautiful investigation of preparing for someone you know, who you love, to die. It explores grief – and I think there’s a difference between that situation and unexpected death – so it looks at grief and friendship, and has existential tones as well. It’s kind of a coming-of-age story; she’s around 25. It was a purely South African production, which was very special. It’s a film by Liese Kuhn; it’s the first feature that she wrote, as well as directed.

Thank you to Comic Con Africa, and the CCA PR team, for facilitating this interview.