Netflix's One Piece Live-Action Sets Sail for Season 3 with Major Fan-Favorite Castings

Even with Season 2 still on the horizon, Netflix is already making waves by announcing key cast members for One Piece Season 3, including Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace and Cole Escola as Bon Clay.

TL;DR: Quick Bites for the Busy Pirate

• Xolo Maridueña (Portgas D. Ace) and Cole Escola (Bon Clay) are officially cast for One Piece live-action Season 3.
• Season 2, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, premieres March 10, 2026, covering up to the Drum Island arc.
• Season 3 is expected to adapt the fan-favorite Alabasta Saga, with production set for late 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Imagine this: you're eagerly awaiting the next big adventure from the Straw Hats, knowing Season 2 of Netflix's live-action One Piece is still over a year away. Then, out of nowhere, news drops that two of the most iconic and beloved characters from the manga and anime have already been cast for Season 3! That's precisely the exhilarating situation fans find themselves in, as Netflix doubles down on its confidence in the wildly popular pirate saga.

This isn't just a whisper on the Grand Line breeze; it's official. The streaming giant has announced that the live-action adaptation is already charting its course for a third season, with two major castings stealing the spotlight even before Season 2 hits our screens. It's a clear signal that Netflix believes it has struck gold with its faithful adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's legendary manga.

Xolo Maridueña Embodies the Fiery Spirit of Portgas D. Ace

Leading the charge into Season 3 is the casting of Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace, Monkey D. Luffy's sworn older brother. Maridueña, known for his impactful roles as Miguel Diaz in Netflix's Cobra Kai and as the titular hero in DC's Blue Beetle, brings a proven track record of charm and battle-ready physicality to the role.

Ace, often affectionately called "Fire Fist" Ace, is a fan-favorite for his cool demeanor, powerful Flame-Flame Fruit abilities, and his deep connection to Luffy. He's not just a brother but also the former captain of the Spade Pirates and the 2nd division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. His character is crucial to future storylines, promising some truly emotional and action-packed moments. Fans have been anticipating this casting since day one, and Maridueña seems perfectly poised to capture Ace's iconic moments.

Cole Escola Steps Into the Dazzling Ballet Slippers of Bon Clay

Joining Maridueña for Season 3 is Tony Award-winning actor and playwright Cole Escola, who will portray the flamboyant and unforgettable Bon Clay (also known as Bentham or Mr. 2 Bon Kurei). Escola, fresh off their lead role in the hit Broadway play Oh Mary!, brings a theatrical flair that seems tailor-made for Bon Clay's character.

Bon Clay is described as a master of performance and precision, a theatrical assassin who transforms combat into art. This character is envisioned as non-binary, reflecting Escola's own identity, which promises a nuanced and authentic portrayal. Starting as a villain, Bon Clay eventually becomes a beloved ally to Luffy and his crew, renowned for their extravagant ballet and swan-inspired aesthetics, as well as their ride-or-die loyalty. Escola's casting is sure to bring the camp, chaos, and heart needed to make Bon-chan pop on screen.

Season 3's Potential Epic Focus: The Alabasta Saga

The early casting announcements for both Ace and Bon Clay share a significant commonality: both characters are prominently featured in the manga's Alabasta Saga. This isn't just a coincidence; it strongly suggests that Season 3 might dedicate itself entirely to adapting this pivotal arc. While Seasons 1 and 2 covered multiple arcs, the Alabasta Saga is a dense, beloved storyline spanning 38 anime episodes alone. By contrast, Season 1 covered about 45 anime episodes, and Season 2 is set to cover another 45, up to the Drum Island arc.

This move could be a "small but crucial change" in the adaptation strategy, allowing for a deeper exploration of the characters and narrative within a single, critical location. Instead of rushing through multiple islands, a dedicated Alabasta season would let viewers truly immerse themselves in the desert kingdom's political intrigue, the Straw Hats' emotional struggles, and the introduction of major villains like Crocodile. It's a testament to the arc's importance and the showrunners' commitment to quality storytelling. We might even get our first tease of Ace in a post-credits scene for Season 2, setting the stage for his grand entrance in Season 3.

Example: A Fan's Anticipation

Imagine a devoted fan, Maya, settling in for the highly anticipated Season 2 premiere on March 10, 2026. She's hyped for Chopper's debut and to see Loguetown brought to life. After the credits roll on the final episode, a brief, fiery silhouette appears on screen, followed by a familiar "D." initial. "No way!" Maya exclaims, realizing it's a tease for Ace. The thought of already having Ace and Bon Clay cast for a future season, while still absorbing the current one, creates a ripple of excitement that extends the show's buzz far beyond its immediate release.

Season 2: Into the Grand Line, Release Date, and Key Cast Additions

Before we dive headfirst into Alabasta, let's not forget the immediate future: Season 2, officially titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, is slated to premiere on Netflix on March 10, 2026. Production for this season began in July 2024 and has already wrapped up, which is great news.

Season 2 will cover the story up to the Drum Island arc, including key locations like Loguetown, Reverse Mountain and Twin Cape, Whiskey Peak, and Little Garden. This means we'll finally see the Straw Hats fully enter the Grand Line, face new challenges, and expand their crew. Series creator Eiichiro Oda himself confirmed the scope of the second season.

"The second season will cover the story up to the Drum Island arc. This will include Loguetown, Reverse Mountain and Twin Cape, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island."

— Eiichiro Oda, Creator of One Piece

The new cast for Season 2 is nothing short of impressive, bringing many pivotal manga characters to life. Here's who's joining the Straw Hat journey:

• Callum Kerr as Smoker
• Julia Rehwald as Tashigi
• Rigo Sanchez as Dragon
• Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday (Nefertari Vivi)
• Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0 (Crocodile)
• Lera Abova as Miss All Sunday (Nico Robin)
• Sendhil Ramamurthy as Nefertari Cobra
• Yonda Thomas as Igaram
• David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3
• Sophia Anne Caruso as Miss Goldenweek
• Jazzara Jaslyn as Miss Valentine
• Camrus Johnson as Mr. 5
• Daniel Lasker as Mr. 9
• Clive Russell as Crocus
• Werner Coetser as Dorry
• Brendan Murray as Brogy
• Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha
• Mark Harelik as Dr. Hiriluk
• Rob Colletti as Wapol
• Ty Keogh as Dalton
• Mark Penwill as Chess
• Anton David Jeftha as K.M. (Kuromarimo)
• James Hiroyuki Liao as Ipponmatsu
• Mikaela Hoover voices Chopper (also provides facial capture)

This stellar lineup ensures that the beloved arcs covered in Season 2 will be in capable hands, especially with the introduction of fan favorites like Chopper and major villains who will set up the Alabasta conflict.

The Driving Force Behind the Live-Action One Piece Success

Netflix's live-action One Piece, which debuted in August 2023 with eight episodes, has been a monumental success, silencing many skeptics of anime adaptations. It spent eight weeks on Netflix’s Global Top 10, reached No. 1 in over 75 countries, and made history as the first Netflix English-language series to debut at No. 1 in Japan. The show has garnered nearly 100 million views and stands as one of Netflix's most downloaded series of all time. Its critical acclaim was cemented by winning awards for "Outstanding Original Song for a Children's or Young Teen Program" and "Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Live Program" at The 3rd Annual Children's & Family Emmy Awards.

The series is a collaborative effort between Netflix, Shueisha (the original manga publisher), and Tomorrow Studios, an ITV Studios partner. The creative team for Season 3 sees Ian Stokes and Joe Tracz stepping in as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers. Joe Tracz also joined Season 2 as a writer, executive producer, and co-showrunner alongside Matt Owens, who, after successfully wrapping Season 2, departed to focus on his mental health. Original manga creator Eiichiro Oda continues to executive produce, ensuring the spirit of his work remains intact.

Navigating the Grand Line: Challenges and Confidence

Adapting a monumental work like One Piece is no small feat. The manga spans over 100 volumes and counting, presenting a colossal challenge in trimming down the narrative without losing its essence. While the show's success has proven this is possible, the sheer volume of material means that some beloved moments might be condensed or reimagined. This balance between fidelity and conciseness is a constant tightrope walk for the creators.

Another point to consider is the significant wait between seasons. With Season 2 arriving in March 2026 and Season 3 potentially not until 2027 or later, fan patience will be tested. However, the early casting announcements for Season 3, even before Season 2's debut, signal immense confidence from Netflix. It's a calculated move to keep the hype alive and reassure fans that the adventure will continue, despite the production timelines required for a show of this scale. The fact that Season 3 is gearing up for production by the end of November 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, underlines this commitment.

Practical Takeaways for Every One Piece Fan

• Mark Your Calendars for March 10, 2026: Season 2, One Piece: Into the Grand Line, is your next big adventure. Get ready for Loguetown, Drum Island, and the introduction of Tony Tony Chopper!
• Get Hyped for Season 3's Key Characters: Xolo Maridueña as Ace and Cole Escola as Bon Clay are incredible castings that promise exciting performances in the future. Their presence hints heavily at a dedicated Alabasta Saga.
• Revisit the Source Material: If you want to speculate on what's coming, brush up on the arcs leading up to and including Alabasta to fully appreciate the upcoming adaptations and the significance of these new characters.
• Stay Tuned for More Casting News: With Season 3 already in pre-production, expect further announcements for the extensive cast that populates the Alabasta Saga and beyond.
• Celebrate the Show's Success: The fact that Netflix is investing so heavily in future seasons, including early casting, confirms the live-action series is a critical and commercial hit, ensuring the Straw Hats' journey will continue for many adventures to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Live-Action One Piece Series

When does One Piece Live-Action Season 2 premiere?

Season 2, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, will premiere globally on Netflix on March 10, 2026.

Which story arcs will Season 2 cover?

Season 2 is confirmed by creator Eiichiro Oda to cover the story up to the Drum Island arc, including Loguetown, Reverse Mountain and Twin Cape, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island.

Who are the major new characters cast for Season 3?

Xolo Maridueña has been cast as Portgas D. Ace, and Cole Escola will portray Bon Clay (Mr. 2 Bon Kurei) for Season 3. These castings suggest Season 3 will primarily focus on the Alabasta Saga.

Where can I watch the live-action One Piece series?

Both Season 1 and all upcoming seasons will be available exclusively on Netflix.

Sources

• Anime News Network: News Live-Action One Piece Series Season 3 Casts Xolo Maridueña as Ace
• Deadline: ‘One Piece’ Season 3: Cole Escola Joins Netflix Series As Bon Clay
• The Hollywood Reporter: Xolo Maridueña Joins ‘One Piece’ Season 3 as Portgas D. Ace
• Variety: Xolo Maridueña Joins ‘One Piece’ Season 3 as Portgas D. Ace
• Forbes: A DCU Star Just Got Cast In ‘One Piece’ Season 3 Ahead Of Season 2
• Inverse: One Piece Season 3 Is Making A Small But Crucial Change
• RIOTUS: Straw Hat Fleet, Meet Bon Clay and Ace
• Fiction Horizon: Netflix Finally Announces Actor for Portgas D. Ace in ‘One Piece’ Season 3
• Comicbook.com: Netflix Reveals the Actor Who Plays Ace in One Piece Live-Action TV Series
• GamesRadar+: One Piece season 3 is making a crucial change to the anime's adaptation schedule