Netflix’s One Piece continues to dominate global pop culture, bridging anime fandom and mainstream streaming audiences in a way few live-action adaptations ever have.
The first two seasons redefined what anime adaptations could achieve strong performances, cinematic visuals, and faithful storytelling. Now, with Season 3 officially sailing into production, fans are bracing for the most ambitious and emotional arc yet: the legendary Arabasta Saga.
Filming begins in late November 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, with production set to last more than 200 days. The season will bring in new heroes and villains, introduce fan-favourite arcs, and deepen the Straw Hat Pirates’ journey across the Grand Line.
“This is the biggest One Piece season yet,” said producer Becky Clements of Tomorrow Studios. “Every challenge, every battle, every moment feels larger than life.”
Series Overview
| Title | One Piece (Live-Action Series) |
|---|---|
| Season | 3 |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Production Company | Tomorrow Studios & Shueisha |
| Showrunners | Ian Stokes & Joe Tracz |
| Original Creator | Eiichiro Oda |
| Filming Start | November 2025 |
| Filming Wrap | June 19, 2026 |
| Primary Location | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Expected Release | June–September 2027 |
| Episode Budget | $15–20 million per episode |
| Estimated Saga Covered | Arabasta Arc (Chapters 155–217) |
Netflix’s Renewal and Production Timeline
While Netflix didn’t officially confirm renewal until August 10, 2025, signs of One Piece’s continuation were clear months earlier.
Actors hinted at ongoing prep, and with Season 2 only covering up to Drum Island, fans correctly predicted that the Arabasta Arc would form the core of the third chapter.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Unofficial Renewal Discussion | Spring 2025 |
| Official Renewal Announcement | August 10, 2025 |
| Filming Start | November 2025 |
| Filming End | June 19, 2026 |
| Expected Netflix Release | Mid to Late 2027 |
What to Expect from ‘One Piece’ Season 3?
Season 2 brought the Straw Hats into the Grand Line, but Season 3 will test their strength, loyalty, and ideals like never before.
The crew’s journey takes them to Alabasta, a desert kingdom ravaged by civil war, manipulated by the cunning warlord Crocodile (Joe Manganiello). Working through his secret organisation, Baroque Works, Crocodile pits royalists and rebels against each other, and only Luffy’s crew can uncover the truth.
Expect large-scale battles, desert set pieces, emotional reunions, and the debut of Ace, Nico Robin, and Bon Clay, among other fan-favorites.
“The Arabasta arc is where One Piece becomes epic,” said showrunner Joe Tracz. “It’s a story of friendship, deception, and revolution.”
How Much of the Manga Will Season 3 Cover?
At present, One Piece has 1,165+ chapters published. Seasons 1 and 2 collectively covered only around 18.6% of the manga (East Blue through Drum Island).
Season 3 will adapt the remainder of the Arabasta Saga, bringing the live-action series close to Chapter 217, just before the Sky Island Saga begins.
| Saga | Approx. Chapter Range | Adapted In |
|---|---|---|
| East Blue Saga | 1–100 | Season 1 |
| Drum Island / Early Grand Line | 101–154 | Season 2 |
| Arabasta Saga | 155–217 | Season 3 (Expected) |
| Sky Island Saga | 218–302 | Future Seasons (TBD) |
Returning Cast for Season 3
All core members of the Straw Hat Pirates will return:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Iñaki Godoy | Monkey D. Luffy |
| Emily Rudd | Nami |
| Mackenyu | Roronoa Zoro |
| Jacob Romero Gibson | Usopp |
| Taz Skylar | Sanji |
| Mikaela Hoover | Tony Tony Chopper |
| Charithra Chandran | Princess Vivi |
Returning supporting cast includes:
- Joe Manganiello as Crocodile (Mr. 0)
- Lera Abova as Nico Robin (Miss All Sunday)
- David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3
- Callum Kerr as Smoker
- Julie Rehwald as Tashigi
- Sendhil Ramamurthy as King Nefertari Cobra
- Fadzai Simango as Mashikaku
- Yonda Thomas as Igaram
New Cast Members for Season 3
Netflix confirmed four exciting new additions for One Piece Season 3:
| Actor | Character | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Xolo Maridueña | Portgas D. Ace | Cobra Kai, Blue Beetle |
| Cole Escola | Bon Clay (Mr. 2) | Search Party, The Other Two |
| Awdo Awdo | Mr. 1 (Daz Bonez) | Subversion, new talent in African cinema |
| Daisy Head | Miss Doublefinger | Shadow and Bone, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves |
“It’s a dream come true,” said Xolo Maridueña in a Netflix TUDUM segment. “Ace’s spirit, strength, and loyalty are legendary. I can’t wait for fans to meet him.”
These casting choices reflect Netflix’s continued investment in diverse, globally recognized talent, while honoring the source material’s energy and tone.
Filming and Production Status
Filming officially began in late November 2025, with the schedule running through June 19, 2026.
The production, spanning more than 200 shooting days, once again takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, home to Tomorrow Studios’ custom-built pirate ships and massive coastal sets used since Season 1.
| Filming Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Cape Town Film Studios | Main location for ship & sea sequences |
| Coastal South Africa | Used for desert and Alabasta landscapes |
| Studio Work | CGI-heavy Baroque Works headquarters scenes |
Each episode reportedly costs between $15 million and $20 million, putting Season 3’s total production cost near $160 million, making it one of Netflix’s most expensive seasons to date.
Release Window: When Will Season 3 Hit Netflix?
Given the extended shoot and complex visual effects, One Piece Season 3 won’t set sail until mid-to-late 2027.
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Filming | Nov 2025 – Jun 2026 |
| Post-Production | Jul 2026 – May 2027 |
| Estimated Netflix Release | June–September 2027 |
Is Season 4 Already in the Works?
As of now, Netflix has not renewed One Piece for Season 4. The streamer is expected to monitor Season 2’s performance (releasing March 10, 2026) before committing to future seasons.
However, with the story barely scratching one-fifth of the manga’s full arc, insiders say the creative team already has “long-term roadmaps” for Seasons 4 and 5.
“Eiichiro Oda’s world is too vast for a short voyage,” producer Marty Adelstein noted. “We’re here for the long haul.”
Conclusion
One Piece Season 3 is shaping up to be the show’s most thrilling and emotional instalment with larger stakes, deeper lore, and iconic new characters. As the Straw Hat Pirates sail toward the Kingdom of Alabasta, alliances will be tested, loyalties broken, and legends forged.
For Netflix, it’s another bold investment in global storytelling and for fans, it’s proof that Eiichiro Oda’s universe continues to thrive across every medium.
Get ready, because the seas are about to get rough, and One Piece’s legacy is only just beginning.
FAQs
New additions include Xolo Maridueña (Ace), Cole Escola (Bon Clay), Awdo Awdo (Mr. 1), and Daisy Head (Miss Doublefinger).
Filming began in November 2025 and is expected to wrap on June 19, 2026.
The Arabasta Saga, including the battle against Crocodile and Baroque Works.
Fans can expect the new season between June and September 2027.
Not yet, renewal likely depends on the performance of Season 2 in early 2026.
