Netflix's One Piece Unveils Major Fan-Favorite Castings for Season 3 Adventure

Get ready, Straw Hat fans! Netflix is already prepping its live-action One Piece Season 3 with some huge casting news, bringing two beloved, pivotal characters to life with exciting talent. The hype for the Grand Line just keeps growing!

TL;DR: The Latest One Piece Live-Action Updates You Need to Know

• Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle, Cobra Kai) has officially been cast as Portgas D. Ace for One Piece Season 3.
• Tony Award-winning actor and playwright Cole Escola joins as the flamboyant and formidable Bon Clay (Mr. 2), also for Season 3.
• Season 3 is expected to focus primarily on the iconic Alabasta arc, diving deeper into one of the manga's most crucial storylines.

Setting Sail Early: Netflix's Confidence in the Live-Action One Piece Saga

Adapting a behemoth like Eiichiro Oda's One Piece into live-action is no small feat. With over 1,000 anime episodes and an even longer-running manga, the sheer volume of story, characters, and intricate world-building presents a monumental challenge. Many thought it couldn't be done, yet Netflix's live-action series proved the doubters wrong, quickly becoming a global hit and earning an early Season 3 renewal even before Season 2 has premiered.

This early greenlight isn't just a vote of confidence; it's a strategic move. It allows the production team ample time to plan, cast, and execute the intricate visual effects and expansive sets needed to bring Oda's fantastical world to life. This foresight is now paying off, as we're getting exciting casting announcements for Season 3 well in advance of Season 2's debut. Source: [Polygon, 'One Piece' Season 3 Is Making A Small But Crucial Change, November 5, 2025].

Fire Fist Arrives: Xolo Maridueña Joins as Portgas D. Ace for Season 3

The biggest news lighting up the internet is the official confirmation that Xolo Maridueña will portray Portgas D. Ace, Monkey D. Luffy's adopted older brother and a fan-favorite character. This casting has been the subject of much speculation, with rumors swirling since July 2024. Netflix even playfully leaned into the buzz with videos featuring Maridueña alongside the cast, making the eventual announcement feel like a triumphant affirmation for many.

Maridueña is no stranger to big roles. He’s widely recognized for his work as Miguel Diaz in Netflix's hit series Cobra Kai across all six seasons. More recently, he made history as the first Latino superhero in a live-action DC film, starring as the lead in Blue Beetle. His experience with action sequences and his undeniable charisma make him a compelling choice for Ace, a character known for his fiery personality and combat prowess. Source: [Deadline, Xolo Maridueña Joins ‘One Piece’ Season 3 As Portgas D. Ace, November 5, 2025].

While reading lines from a "confidential" script in an announcement video, Maridueña excitedly shared: "A huge explosion... and Ace steps out of the flames!" This snippet alone has fans buzzing about how Ace's iconic entrance will be handled.

Ace is a pivotal figure in the One Piece saga. He's the son of the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, and was the captain of the Spade Pirates before joining the legendary Whitebeard Pirates as their 2nd division commander. He's also a powerful Devil Fruit user, having consumed the "Flame Flame Fruit" (Mera Mera no Mi), which grants him the ability to create, control, and transform into fire. His bond with Luffy is central to many emotional and critical storylines later in the series.

A Dazzling Debut: Cole Escola Takes on the Role of Bon Clay (Mr. 2)

Adding another layer of excitement, the wonderfully talented Cole Escola has been cast as Bon Clay, also known as Mr. 2. Escola is celebrated for their sharp comedic timing and theatrical flair, having earned a Tony for Best Actor in a Play for their performance as Mary Todd Lincoln in "Oh, Mary!" on Broadway. Their screen credits include Search Party, At Home With Amy Sedaris, and Difficult People. Source: [Variety, ‘One Piece’ Season 3 Adds Cole Escola as Bon Clay, November 3, 2025].

Bon Clay is truly one of a kind. The official character description calls them "a master of performance and precision," a "theatrical assassin who turns combat into art," and someone "as dangerous as they are dazzling." Fans of the manga and anime know Bon Clay for their "Clone-Clone Fruit" (Mane Mane no Mi) ability, allowing them to perfectly mimic anyone they've touched. But beyond the flashy combat, Bon Clay is cherished for their unexpected loyalty and profound impact on Luffy's journey, embodying the "okama legend" with heart and humor.

Charting a New Course: Season 3's Focus on the Alabasta Arc

With both Ace and Bon Clay confirmed for Season 3, it strongly suggests a major shift in the live-action series' pacing. Season 1 covered roughly 45 anime episodes (East Blue Saga through Loguetown), while Season 2, Into the Grand Line (premiering March 10, 2026), appears set to cover another 45 episodes (Loguetown through Drum Island). After Drum Island comes the colossal Alabasta arc, which spans 38 anime episodes on its own.

The prevailing theory, backed by these specific casting choices, is that Season 3 will dedicate itself almost entirely to the Alabasta Saga. This arc is absolutely crucial, not only for the introduction of major characters like Bon Clay and Ace (who makes a brief appearance leading into it) but also for its depth of storytelling, political intrigue, and intense battles involving the Baroque Works organization, including its leader, Crocodile (reportedly played by Joe Manganiello), and Nico Robin (Lera Abova).

Why a Dedicated Season for Alabasta Is a Smart Creative Decision

Some might worry that spending an entire season on a single arc could slow down the "island-hopping" format that defines One Piece. However, this focused approach is a significant creative advantage. Previous seasons have condensed large portions of the manga, which, while necessary, can sometimes leave less room for character development and world-building nuances. A dedicated Alabasta season would allow the series to fully explore its rich themes of rebellion, friendship, and sacrifice.

For example, imagine a fan, Sarah, who has been eagerly anticipating the live-action portrayal of Bon Clay’s iconic loyalty. If the Alabasta arc were rushed, those profound moments of camaraderie and sacrifice might feel less earned. By giving Alabasta the space it needs, the showrunners can build tension, deepen emotional connections, and truly let characters like Bon Clay shine, making their pivotal actions resonate more powerfully with both long-time fans and newcomers.

This allows the series to fully flesh out critical characters and their motivations, giving the audience more time to connect with the emotional stakes of the story. It's a trade-off: less ground covered numerically, but more depth achieved emotionally and narratively. This kind of pacing respects the source material's intricate narrative, ensuring that iconic moments land with maximum impact.

The Current Straw Hat Crew and What's Ahead for the Grand Line

The core cast that captured hearts in Season 1 will, of course, be returning. This includes Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji. Their chemistry and commitment to the roles have been a cornerstone of the show's success.

Season 2, One Piece: Into the Grand Line, is set to introduce a host of new faces as Luffy and his crew venture into the unpredictable waters of the Grand Line. Notable additions include Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday, Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha, David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3, and Callum Kerr as Smoker, among many others. This influx of talent promises to expand the live-action world significantly, setting the stage perfectly for the dramatic events of Season 3.

Navigating the Wait: Production Timeline and Anticipated Release Dates

While the excitement for Season 3 is palpable, fans will need a bit of patience. Season 2 isn't arriving until March 10, 2026. Production for Season 3 is slated to begin "later this year" in Cape Town, South Africa, the same location as previous seasons. Given the extensive post-production work involved in a series of this scale, an official release date for Season 3 has yet to be set, but a 2027 release is generally expected by many in the industry. This is a considerable wait, but it underscores the commitment to quality over speed.

A brief counterpoint to this long wait is that some fans might grow impatient, especially with new casting announcements fueling the anticipation so far out. However, the consistent quality of the series, coupled with the complex nature of adapting Oda's world, justifies the extended production timelines. Netflix and the production team are clearly prioritizing a faithful and high-quality adaptation, which ultimately benefits the viewing experience.

This staggered release allows the creators to meticulously craft each season, ensuring that the visual effects, costumes, and overall narrative cohesion meet the high expectations of the global fanbase. It’s a trade-off that most loyal viewers are willing to make for a show that respects its legendary source material.

Practical Takeaways for Every One Piece Fan

• Mark Your Calendars for Season 2: The journey Into the Grand Line officially begins on March 10, 2026, exclusively on Netflix.
• Meet the New Faces: Xolo Maridueña as Ace and Cole Escola as Bon Clay are confirmed for Season 3, promising fantastic portrayals of beloved characters.
• Prepare for Alabasta: Season 3 looks set to dive deep into the epic Alabasta arc, allowing for rich storytelling and character development.
• Patience is a Virtue: While Season 3 castings are out, expect to wait until 2027 for its probable release, as complex productions take time.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Piece Live-Action Seasons

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

Who are the new major cast members for One Piece Season 3? Xolo Maridueña will play Portgas D. Ace, and Cole Escola will portray Bon Clay (Mr. 2) in Season 3.

What arc will One Piece Season 3 likely cover? Based on casting announcements, Season 3 is expected to primarily cover the Alabasta arc, a pivotal storyline from the manga.

Will Ace appear in One Piece Season 2? While Ace is officially cast for Season 3, it's speculated that his character might be teased in a post-credits scene for Season 2, similar to his brief introduction in the anime at the end of the Drum Island arc. However, his main storyline will unfold in Season 3.

Sources

• Petski, Denise. "Xolo Maridueña Joins ‘One Piece’ Season 3 As Portgas D. Ace." Deadline, November 5, 2025.
• Hailu, Selome. "‘One Piece’ Season 3 Adds Cole Escola as Bon Clay." Variety, November 3, 2025.
• Johnston, Dais. "One Piece Season 3 Is Making A Small But Crucial Change." Polygon, 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 Joins ‘One Piece’ Season 3 Cast." Parade, November 5, 2025.
• Perine, Aaron. "Netflix’s One Piece Fires Up Xolo Maridueña for Season 3." That Hashtag Show, November 5, 2025.