"One Piece" Live-Action Season 3 Sets Sail with Major Casting Announcements

Prepare for an epic voyage, Straw Hat fans! Netflix's live-action "One Piece" is already making waves for its third season, bringing aboard two incredibly exciting and fan-favorite characters played by acclaimed actors, all before Season 2 even hits screens.

TL;DR: The High Seas Just Got More Exciting

• Xolo Maridueña (from "Cobra Kai" and "Blue Beetle") joins Season 3 as the fiery Portgas D. Ace.
• Tony winner Cole Escola ("Oh Mary!") will portray the dazzling and dangerous Bon Clay in Season 3.
• Season 3 is gearing up to focus heavily on the beloved Alabasta arc, promising deeper character dives.

Unpacking the Latest Casting News for the Grand Line's Next Chapter

Imagine setting sail on the Grand Line, feeling the wind in your hair, when suddenly, two iconic figures appear on the horizon. That's pretty much what just happened for "One Piece" fans! Even with Season 2, titled "One Piece: Into the Grand Line," not premiering until March 10, 2026, Netflix is already making huge moves for Season 3, confirming two major castings that have the fandom buzzing.

The news arrived with exciting flair: Xolo Maridueña, known for his roles in "Cobra Kai" and "Blue Beetle," will step into the shoes of Portgas D. Ace. Simultaneously, the brilliant Tony Award-winning actor and playwright Cole Escola ("Oh Mary!") has been cast as the theatrical assassin Bon Clay (also known as Bentham or Mr. 2 Bon Kurei). These announcements signal Netflix's deep commitment to the "One Piece" universe, ensuring its live-action adaptation continues to meet the high expectations set by Eiichiro Oda's globally adored manga.

A Dazzling Performer Joins the Straw Hat Saga as Bon Clay

First up, let's talk about Bon Clay. This character is envisioned as non-binary in the "One Piece" mythology, starting as a villain before an unexpected friendship blossoms with Luffy and his crew. Bon Clay is described as "a master of performance and precision" and "as dangerous as they are dazzling — a theatrical assassin who turns combat into art." Known for their flamboyant ballet and swans-inspired aesthetic, Bon Clay's journey from antagonist to selfless ally is a fan-favorite for its themes of self-acceptance and chosen family.

Casting Cole Escola in this role feels like a stroke of genius. Escola, who recently won a Tony Award for originating the lead role in the hit Broadway play "Oh Mary!", brings not only a wealth of comedic talent but also a deep understanding of queer performance and camp. Their work on shows like "At Home with Amy Sedaris" and "Difficult People" has earned them a devoted following. This casting is being celebrated as a "seismic moment of joyful visibility" for LGBTQ+ audiences, putting a non-binary performer front and center as a non-binary character in a major global franchise. Source: [Queer News Site, Cole Escola Cast as Bon Clay: Netflix’s “One Piece” Just Gave Queer Joy a Star Turn, November 6]

"Bon Clay is a character who refuses to be small. They take up space with joy, and that’s radical — especially for those of us who’ve ever been told to shrink ourselves."

— Cole Escola (as quoted by Queer News Site, November 6)

This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the character's appeal and the impact of this casting. Showrunner Matt Owens notes that they "wanted someone who could bring both comedy and heart to Bon Clay — and who understands what it means to be different in a world that prizes conformity. Cole brings all of that and more." Source: [Queer News Site, Cole Escola Cast as Bon Clay: Netflix’s “One Piece” Just Gave Queer Joy a Star Turn, November 6] It's a powerful statement about authenticity and embracing difference as a superpower.

Fire Fist Ace Joins the Crew, Bringing Star Power to the Narrative

Then there's Portgas D. Ace, Luffy's older, hotheaded yet kindhearted sworn brother. Ace is a hugely significant character, becoming the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates and a catalyst for future major events in the series. Fans have eagerly anticipated his appearance, and casting Xolo Maridueña in this pivotal role is a clear indicator of Netflix's ambition for Season 3.

Maridueña is no stranger to the Netflix family, having starred as Miguel Diaz in all six seasons of "Cobra Kai." He also headlined DC's 2023 superhero film "Blue Beetle," proving his capability to anchor a major franchise. His charisma, battle skills, and ability to convey strong brotherly bonds make him an ideal choice for Ace. Source: [Netflix Tudum, ONE PIECE Recruits Xolo Maridueña for Season 3, November 5, 2025] This casting leverages an "in-house" talent familiar to Netflix audiences and reinforces the platform's investment in "One Piece."

For example, imagine a casual "Cobra Kai" fan, intrigued by Maridueña's involvement, stumbling into the world of "One Piece." This crossover appeal not only delights existing fans but also draws new viewers into Luffy's quest, expanding the reach of the Straw Hat saga. It’s a smart move that demonstrates Netflix’s understanding of its audience and its commitment to the "One Piece" brand.

Season 2: Into the Grand Line, Setting the Stage for Even More Adventure

While the excitement for Season 3 builds, let's not forget that "One Piece: Into the Grand Line" (Season 2) is scheduled to premiere 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) – exploring "epic new locations" as they sail through the legendary stretch of sea known as the Grand Line. Expect new challenges and beloved characters like the blue-nosed reindeer-boy hybrid Tony Tony Chopper (voiced by Mikaela Hoover) and the mysterious Miss Wednesday (Charithra Chandran).

Other notable castings for Season 2 include Lera Abova as Nico Robin, Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0/Crocodile, and Dave Dastmalchian as Mr. 3, all integral to the Baroque Works storyline. The early renewal of Season 3, ahead of Season 2's debut, truly underscores Netflix's immense confidence in the live-action adaptation's continued success and its long-term vision for the series.

Deciphering Netflix's Long-Term Commitment to the "One Piece" IP

Netflix's strategy with "One Piece" goes beyond just the live-action series. It's a clear, unequivocal message that the streaming giant sees the franchise as a true gold mine. Season 1, which debuted in 2023, spent eight weeks on Netflix's Global Top 10, reaching No. 1 in over 75 countries and becoming the first English-language series to debut at No. 1 in Japan. It amassed nearly 100 million views and earned 11 Children's & Family Emmy Award nominations, including Outstanding Young Teen Series. Source: [Deadline, ‘One Piece’ Season 3: Cole Escola Joins Live-Action Series, November 3, 2025]

This success has spurred Netflix to not only fast-track renewals and cast high-profile actors but also to expand the "One Piece" universe within its platform. New episodes of the original anime's current Egghead Arc are being released on Netflix, alongside traditional anime streaming platforms. Furthermore, "The One Piece," a modern retelling of the original anime with updated animation and a unique style, was announced as a Netflix exclusive. Source: [ScreenRant, Xolo Maridueña's Ace Casting Shows How Much Netflix Values One Piece, November 2025] This multi-pronged approach demonstrates Netflix's deep investment in the entire "One Piece" ecosystem.

Season 3's Focus on the Alabasta Arc Offers Deeper Storytelling

The prominent casting announcements for Bon Clay and Ace, both characters central to the Alabasta arc in the manga, strongly suggest that Season 3 will dedicate itself largely to this pivotal storyline. The Alabasta arc spans 38 anime episodes, following a period where previous live-action seasons have covered roughly 45 anime episodes each. Season 1 handled the East Blue Saga through Loguetown, and Season 2 appears to cover Loguetown through Drum Island.

This potential focus on a single, significant arc in Season 3 could be a crucial change. Instead of rushing through multiple island-hopping adventures, dedicating an entire season to Alabasta would allow for a more fleshed-out narrative and deeper character development, particularly for new, important additions like Bon Clay and Ace. Source: [Inverse, One Piece Season 3 Is Making A Small But Crucial Change, November 5, 2025] It's a tradeoff: fans might wait longer for subsequent arcs, but the quality and depth of the storytelling in the immediate future could significantly benefit.

One limitation of casting a popular actor like Xolo Maridueña for Ace, given Ace's relatively less screen time compared to the main Straw Hat crew, is managing audience expectations. Viewers might anticipate a larger role for Maridueña, only to find Ace's appearances, while impactful, are not as frequent as those of the main cast. However, this is largely counteracted by the sheer narrative importance of Ace's character to Luffy's journey and the overall "One Piece" saga. His presence, even if episodic, resonates deeply and sets the stage for critical future plot points, making the star power a worthwhile investment for the character's legacy.

What This Means for the Future of the Live-Action "One Piece"

The early Season 3 renewal and these high-profile castings underscore a clear message: Netflix is all-in on "One Piece." They're not just adapting a popular manga; they're building a franchise, carefully selecting actors who can embody beloved characters and resonate with a global audience. The show is produced by Tomorrow Studios (an ITV Studios partner) in collaboration with Shueisha, the publisher of the original manga. Ian Stokes and Joe Tracz serve as co-showrunners for Season 3, with Eiichiro Oda himself among the executive producers.

While an official release date for Season 3 hasn't been announced, with production slated to return to Cape Town, South Africa, later this year, a 2027 release is generally anticipated. Source: [RIOTUS, Straw Hat Fleet, Meet Bon Clay and Ace, November 5, 2025] This ongoing commitment, coupled with the meticulous casting choices and the decision to potentially dedicate an entire season to a single major arc, suggests a bright and well-supported future for the live-action "One Piece" series.

Your Next Steps on the Grand Line Adventure: Practical Takeaways

• Mark Your Calendars for Season 2: Don't forget that "One Piece: Into the Grand Line" arrives on Netflix on March 10, 2026. Catch up on Season 1 if you haven't!
• Get to Know the New Faces: Take some time to learn about Bon Clay and Portgas D. Ace from the manga or anime. Their stories are central to the upcoming arcs and will deepen your appreciation for the live-action portrayal.
• Anticipate Deeper Storytelling: The focus on the Alabasta arc in Season 3 suggests a more thorough and character-driven narrative. Prepare for emotional highs and pivotal developments.
• Celebrate Representation: Cole Escola's casting as Bon Clay is a significant win for non-binary representation in mainstream fantasy. Support and celebrate this important step forward.

Frequently Asked Questions About "One Piece" Live-Action

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 main cast members for the live-action series? The Straw Hat Crew includes Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji.

What characters are confirmed for Season 3? For Season 3, Cole Escola has been cast as Bon Clay and Xolo Maridueña will play Portgas D. Ace. Other key characters for the Alabasta Saga, like Crocodile (reportedly Joe Manganiello) and Nico Robin (Lera Abova), are also expected to feature.

Where is "One Piece" Season 3 going into production? Season 3 of the "One Piece" live-action series is gearing up to go back into production later this year in Cape Town, South Africa.

Sources:

• Deadline: ‘One Piece’ Season 3: Cole Escola Joins Live-Action Series (Nellie Andreeva, Nov 3, 2025)
• Netflix Tudum: ONE PIECE Recruits Xolo Maridueña for Season 3 (Keisha Hatchett, Nov 5, 2025)
• Inverse: One Piece Season 3 Is Making A Small But Crucial Change (Dais Johnston, Nov 5, 2025)
• ScreenRant: Xolo Maridueña's Ace Casting Shows How Much Netflix Values One Piece (Nov 2025)
• Queer News Site: Cole Escola Cast as Bon Clay: Netflix’s “One Piece” Just Gave Queer Joy a Star Turn (Nov 6)
• RIOTUS: Straw Hat Fleet, Meet Bon Clay and Ace (Sherin Nicole, Nov 5, 2025)