Did You Catch It? One Piece Fans Are Losing Their Minds Over The Willem Dafoe Meme In Episode 1133!

We are currently wading through deep emotional waters in the anime right now with Kuma’s backstory. Episode 1133, "To Save His Daughter - Kuma the Timid Pacifist," was another absolute tear-jerker, delivering stunning animation as Kuma was forced to use his powers against the World Government to protect Bonney and the Sorbet Kingdom.

The episode was heavy, tragic, and beautifully directed. But amidst the tears and the awe of seeing the Paw Paw fruit’s true devastating power, Toei Animation managed to sneak in a split-second Easter egg that has the entire internet doing a double-take.

If you blinked, you might have missed the legendary Willem Dafoe meme reference.

The Moment the Internet Broke

The scene happens when Kuma decides he has no choice but to fight. As he unleashes a massive shockwave to sink the Marine fleet escorting the tyrannical Bekori, we get a series of reaction shots from the terrified Marines.

Suddenly, one specific Marine appears on screen. He’s looking up at the overwhelming power, utterly distressed. Does that face look familiar?

It should. The Marine’s expression is a flawless recreation of the iconic Willem Dafoe "looking up" meme (originating from the movie At Eternity's Gate).

Yes, It Was Intentional!

Immediately after the episode aired, social media flooded with side-by-side comparisons. Was it a coincidence? Just a generic "shocked anime face"?

Apparently not. According to reports, animator Doctorbean, who worked on the episode, hinted on X (formerly Twitter) that the reference was deliberate.

It seems the animators at Toei are very much attuned to internet culture, and they couldn't resist slipping one of the most recognizable reaction memes of the last few years into one of the biggest anime on the planet.

Why We Love It

While Kuma’s story is tragically highlighting his reluctance to use violence and his immense love for Bonney, this tiny moment of levity is exactly what the community needed.

It’s genuinely refreshing to see a massive Japanese studio like Toei playfully referencing Western meme culture. It’s a fun bridge between anime and Hollywood, and it shows that the team behind One Piece is having fun even while animating some of the series' heaviest moments.

Did you spot the Willem Dafoe Marine during your first watch, or did you see it on social media later? Let us know in the comments below!