Netflix's One Piece Season 3 Shakes Up the Grand Line With Major Casting News and a Focused Arc Ahead of Season 2

Even with Season 2 still months away, Netflix is already making waves by announcing key cast members for One Piece Season 3, signaling bold plans for the Straw Hats' future adventures.

TL;DR

• Xolo Maridueña (Cobra Kai, Blue Beetle) joins One Piece Season 3 as fan-favorite Portgas D. Ace.
• Tony Award-winner Cole Escola (Oh, Mary!) is set to play the flamboyant, non-binary character Bon Clay in Season 3.
• Season 3 is expected to dive deep into the beloved Alabasta Saga, a shift in pacing from earlier seasons.
• One Piece: Into the Grand Line (Season 2) premieres March 10, 2026, with new and returning cast members.

A Sneak Peek into Season Three’s Epic Voyages Before Season Two Even Hits Screens

Imagine this: you’re eagerly awaiting the next big adventure, checking the calendar, counting the days. Then, boom! News drops about an even later adventure, complete with major character reveals. That’s exactly what Netflix has done with its live-action One Piece series, proving it has immense confidence in the Straw Hat Pirates' journey. While Season 2, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, won't premiere until March 10, 2026, we’ve already gotten groundbreaking casting news for Season 3, setting the stage for some truly unforgettable moments.

This early peek into future seasons isn't just about hype; it's a strategic move that underlines the scale and ambition behind adapting Eiichiro Oda's monumental manga. By announcing pivotal characters so far in advance, Netflix allows fans to build anticipation and ensures the production team has ample time to craft these beloved roles with care. Source: [Netflix Tudum, "One Piece Season 3 Cast: Cobra Kai's Xolo Maridueña Joins Pirate Adventure", November 5, 2025].

Xolo Maridueña Ignites the Screen as the Fiery Portgas D. Ace

Get ready to feel the heat! Xolo Maridueña, best known for his dynamic performances as Miguel Diaz in Cobra Kai and the titular hero in DC's Blue Beetle, is officially cast as Portgas D. Ace in One Piece Season 3. For those unfamiliar with the manga or anime, Ace, often called "Fire Fist" Ace, is Monkey D. Luffy's sworn older brother. He's a powerful Devil Fruit user, wielding fire with incredible skill, and was the captain of the Spade Pirates before joining the formidable Whitebeard Pirates.

Maridueña's casting has sent ripples of excitement through the fandom. His ability to blend heartfelt emotion with intense action, honed through years on Cobra Kai, makes him a fantastic fit for Ace's complex character — a loyal, protective, and sometimes reckless pirate who carries a heavy legacy. Production for Season 3 is slated to begin later this year in Cape Town, South Africa. Source: [Variety, "Xolo Maridueña Joins ‘One Piece’ Season 3 as Portgas D. Ace", November 5, 2025].

Xolo Maridueña on taking on the role: "A huge explosion... and Ace steps out of the flames. All right, my bro! We're ready for you man! See you on set! Let's get to work, Kiki."

— Xolo Maridueña, during the official announcement. Source: [Parade, "Xolo Maridueña Is Set To Star In One Piece: Season 3", November 5, 2025]

Cole Escola Steps Into the Theatrical Role of Bon Clay

Joining Maridueña for Season 3 is the incredibly talented Tony Award-winning actor and playwright Cole Escola, who will portray the fan-favorite character Bon Clay (also known as Bentham or Mr. 2 Bon Kurei). Bon Clay is described as a "theatrical assassin who turns combat into art," known for their flamboyant ballet style and swans-inspired look.

Escola's background in performance and comedy, particularly their critically acclaimed work in Oh, Mary! and At Home with Amy Sedaris, makes this an inspired choice. Bon Clay is a non-binary character who begins as a villain but eventually becomes a crucial ally to Luffy and the Straw Hats, showcasing immense loyalty and an unforgettable flair for the dramatic. Escola's ability to embody such a unique and beloved character promises to bring a fantastic energy to the upcoming season. Source: [Deadline, "‘One Piece’ Casts Tony Winner Cole Escola As Bon Clay For Season 3", November 3, 2025].

A Strategic Shift: One Piece Season 3 to Sail Deep into the Alabasta Saga

This early casting news for Ace and Bon Clay, both central figures in the anime's Alabasta arc, hints at a significant strategic shift for One Piece Season 3. While Season 1 condensed the East Blue Saga (roughly 45 anime episodes) and Season 2 appears to cover Loguetown through Drum Island (another 45 episodes), Season 3 looks poised to focus almost entirely on the Alabasta Saga, which spans about 38 anime episodes on its own. Source: [Inverse, "One Piece Season 3 Is Making A Small But Crucial Change", November 5, 2025].

This dedicated approach means less rushing through storylines and more time to flesh out key locations, intricate plotlines, and important new characters like Portgas D. Ace, Bon Clay, Crocodile (Mr. 0, played by Joe Manganiello), and Nico Robin (Miss All Sunday, played by Lera Abova). For instance, giving the Alabasta arc a full season will allow the live-action series to explore the political intrigue, the desert kingdom's struggles, and the profound emotional beats that make it such a fan-favorite storyline without sacrificing depth.

Addressing Expectations: The Long Wait and Creative Freedom

One potential limitation of such ambitious production is the release timeline. With Season 2 premiering in March 2026, a Season 3 release is not expected until 2027. This wait can feel long for eager fans. However, the tradeoff is clear: more time allows for higher quality production, meticulous adaptation, and the complex visual effects needed to bring the world of One Piece to life authentically. The commitment to a focused arc also suggests creators are prioritizing narrative integrity over speed, which many fans would welcome.

Another point of discussion is how much the live-action will adhere to the source material. While it follows the manga's core story, adaptations always involve creative choices. For example, Bon Clay is envisioned as non-binary in the live-action, aligning with modern interpretations while honoring the character's flamboyant spirit. This creative freedom allows the series to resonate with a broader audience while respecting the essence of Oda's work.

A Mini-Story Example: The Ace Fan's Anticipation

Think of Sarah, a long-time One Piece fan. She remembers staying up late to watch Ace's first appearance in the anime, instantly drawn to his cool demeanor and fiery power. For years, she's wondered who could ever capture that iconic energy in live-action. When Xolo Maridueña's casting was announced, she gasped, rewatching his Cobra Kai fights and Blue Beetle scenes, imagining his intensity translated to Ace's signature "Fire Fist" moves. Despite the wait for Season 3, this early news has reignited her anticipation, making the wait for Season 2 feel like a journey towards an even grander reunion.

One Piece Season Two: Into the Grand Line, What We Know So Far

Before we fully immerse ourselves in Season 3 discussions, let's not forget the immediate future! One Piece: Into the Grand Line (Season 2) is almost here, premiering on Netflix on March 10, 2026. This season will see Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and his Straw Hat crew – Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), Nami (Emily Rudd), Usopp (Jacob Romero), and Sanji (Taz Skylar) – sailing through the legendary stretch of sea known as the Grand Line, visiting epic new locations and encountering a host of fresh faces.

We'll finally meet the adorable blue-nosed reindeer-boy hybrid, Tony Tony Chopper, voiced by Mikaela Hoover, and the mysterious Miss Wednesday, played by Charithra Chandran. Other notable new cast members for Season 2 include: Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha, Mark Harelik as Dr. Hiriluk, Sendhil Ramamurthy as Nefertari Cobra, Brendan Sean Murray as Brogy, Callum Kerr as Smoker, Camrus Johnson as Mr. 5, Clive Russell as Crocus, Daniel Lasker as Mr. 9, David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3, Jazzara Jaslyn as Miss Valentine, Julia Rehwald as Tashigi, Rob Colletti as Wapol, Ty Keogh as Dalton, and Werner Coetser as Dorry. Returning favorites also include Ilia Isorelys Paulino as Alvida, Jeff Ward as Buggy, and Michael Dorman as Gold Roger. It’s going to be a jam-packed voyage!

Beyond the Grand Line: Other Exciting Casting News from Hollywood

While the Straw Hats dominate the headlines, the casting waves are hitting other shores too! Hollywood is bustling with new talent joining highly anticipated projects:

• Matt Bomer (Fellow Travelers) has signed on as a series regular in Greg Berlanti's Hulu pilot Foster Dade. Based on the novel "Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos," Bomer will portray Alex Tierney, "the kind of literature teacher who makes you believe books can change your life." Source: [TVLine, "Casting News: Cobra Kai Vet Joins One Piece, Matt Bomer Boards Hulu Pilot And More", November 5, 2025].
• Taraji P. Henson (Empire) is attached to star in Peacock's developing series The Accomplice. Based on a novel by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Aaron Phillip Clark, Henson will play Nia Adams, a "fearless Texas Ranger on the trail of master thief Desmond Bell."
• On Netflix's The Diplomat, Nana Mensah (White House Chief of Staff Billie Appiah) has been promoted to series regular for Season 4.
• Netflix's Ginny & Georgia is adding three recurring guest stars for Season 4: Ali Skovbye (Firefly Lane) as Rainn, Kataem O'Connor (The Way Home) as Isaiah, and Sunny Mabrey (The Night Agent) as Daisy.
• And on AMC's Anne Rice drama Mayfair Witches, Michiel Huisman (Game of Thrones) has joined Season 3 as Michael, a carpenter whose life crumbles when he falls in love with Rowan Mayfair (Alexandra Daddario).

Practical Takeaways for Fellow Film and TV Buffs

• Mark Your Calendars for March 10, 2026: That's when One Piece: Into the Grand Line (Season 2) arrives on Netflix.
• Prepare for a Focused Adventure: Season 3 of One Piece is looking to dedicate itself to the Alabasta Saga, promising a deep dive into this fan-favorite storyline.
• Excitement Builds Early: Knowing key castings like Xolo Maridueña as Ace and Cole Escola as Bon Clay for Season 3 means the future of One Piece is already looking bright, even with a wait.
• Stay Tuned for More: With production ramping up for both One Piece and other major shows, expect more casting news and sneak peeks in the coming months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Netflix's One Piece

When does One Piece Season 2 premiere on Netflix?

One Piece: Into the Grand Line (Season 2) is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Who is Portgas D. Ace in One Piece?

Portgas D. Ace, nicknamed "Fire Fist" Ace, is Monkey D. Luffy's sworn older brother. He's a powerful pirate who wields fire due to his Flame-Flame Devil Fruit ability.

What is the Alabasta Saga in One Piece?

The Alabasta Saga is a major arc in the One Piece manga and anime, where the Straw Hat Pirates travel to the desert kingdom of Alabasta to help Princess Vivi stop a civil war orchestrated by the powerful Warlord Crocodile.

Will Xolo Maridueña's Ace appear in One Piece Season 2?

While Xolo Maridueña is cast for Season 3, it's widely speculated that Ace (along with Bon Clay) might make a teasing appearance in a post-credits scene for One Piece Season 2, much like their debut in the original manga's Drum Island arc.

Sources

• Schwartz, Ryan. "Casting News: Cobra Kai Vet Joins One Piece, Matt Bomer Boards Hulu Pilot And More." TVLine, November 5, 2025.
• Hatchett, Keisha. "ONE PIECE Season 3 Cast: Cobra Kai's Xolo Maridueña Joins Pirate Adventure." Netflix Tudum, November 5, 2025.
• Andreeva, Nellie. "‘One Piece’ Casts Tony Winner Cole Escola As Bon Clay For Season 3." Deadline, November 3, 2025.
• Shanfeld, Ethan. "Xolo Maridueña Joins ‘One Piece’ Season 3 as Portgas D. Ace." Variety, November 5, 2025.
• Johnston, Dais. "One Piece Season 3 Is Making A Small But Crucial Change." Inverse, November 5, 2025.
• Tassi, Paul. "A DCU Star Just Got Cast In ‘One Piece’ Season 3 Ahead Of Season 2." Forbes, November 5, 2025.
• Nicole, Sherin. "Straw Hat Fleet, Meet Bon Clay and Ace." RIOTUS, November 5, 2025.
• Kumar, Ajith. "Netflix Reveals the Actor Who Plays Ace in One Piece Live-Action TV Series." ComingSoon.net, November 5, 2025.
• Orfanides, Effie. "Xolo Maridueña Is Set To Star In One Piece: Season 3." Parade, November 5, 2025.