Exciting news has arrived for fans of the One Piece live-action series: Xolo Maridueña, star of Cobra Kai and Blue Beetle, has officially been cast as Portgas D. Ace in Season 3. The actor, who has long been a fan-favorite choice for the role, joins the cast as a pivotal character in the One Piece universe, known for his close bond with the series’ main character, Monkey D. Luffy.
The live-action adaptation of the beloved anime and manga has captivated audiences worldwide, and with the highly anticipated Season 2 set to premiere in March 2026, Season 3 production is already underway. Maridueña’s casting is one of several exciting updates surrounding the show’s expansion. Season 3 promises even more thrilling adventures as the Straw Hat Pirates sail further into the Grand Line.
Key Features of ‘One Piece’ Season 3
With Xolo Maridueña’s casting as Portgas D. Ace, the upcoming third season is shaping up to be a major milestone in the live-action adaptation. Below are some key features that will define Season 3:
Introduction of Portgas D. Ace
Portgas D. Ace, the fiery and charismatic commander of the Second Division of the Whitebeard Pirates, has a deep personal connection to Luffy, making his appearance one of the most anticipated moments for fans. Ace’s powers stem from the Mera Mera no Mi, a Devil Fruit that grants him the ability to create and control fire. His arrival is expected to add both emotional depth and action-packed moments to the storyline.
New Cast Additions
In addition to Maridueña, Season 3 has also recruited Cole Escola to portray the flamboyant character of Bon Clay (also known as Mr. 2). This casting choice promises to bring a unique blend of humor and drama to the show, as Bon Clay plays a key role in the Straw Hats’ journey.
Production Update
Season 3 has already secured an early renewal, with filming set to begin in Cape Town, South Africa, in November 2025. This marks the show’s ongoing success and the commitment to expanding its world, with an emphasis on creating immersive, stunning visuals for fans of the One Piece saga.
Portgas D. Ace: A Central Character to Luffy’s Journey
Portgas D. Ace’s role in the One Piece universe goes far beyond his combat skills and fiery powers. He is the biological brother of Luffy, and their shared history is vital to the emotional arc of the series. Ace’s journey with Luffy and his eventual tragic fate are some of the most defining moments in the One Piece saga, making his live-action debut all the more significant.
In the show, Ace’s interactions with Luffy will explore themes of family, loyalty, and sacrifice. With Maridueña’s proven acting chops, fans can expect a powerful portrayal that honors the essence of Ace’s character.
Maridueña’s Career and Why He’s Perfect for the Role?
Xolo Maridueña’s casting as Portgas D. Ace is a natural progression in his acting career. Best known for his role as Miguel Diaz in Cobra Kai, Maridueña has captured audiences’ hearts with his compelling, multidimensional performances. His ability to convey vulnerability, strength, and growth fits perfectly with Ace’s complex character.
Maridueña’s experience extends beyond live-action roles. He has lent his voice to several animated projects, including Netflix’s Fast and Furious Spy Racers, Sakamoto Days, and Invincible. His diverse experience makes him an ideal choice to take on the role of Portgas D. Ace, bringing both the emotional depth and physicality required for the character.
The Mera Mera no Mi: Ace’s Devil Fruit Powers
Ace’s abilities come from the Mera Mera no Mi, a powerful Logia-type Devil Fruit that allows him to control and create fire at will. This fruit grants him near invulnerability, as he can transform into fire, making him a formidable opponent. The live-action series will likely showcase these abilities in high-intensity action scenes that fans have been eagerly anticipating.
Payment Details: Production and Release Timeline
One Piece has continued to draw a large following with its high-quality production values and intense storyline. Here’s a breakdown of the current production and release schedule for the show:
| Project | Details | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Season 2 Release | One Piece Season 2 hits Netflix | March 10, 2026 |
| Season 3 Production Start | Filming begins in Cape Town, South Africa for Season 3 | November 2025 |
| Season 3 Expected Release | Anticipated premiere of Season 3 | Late 2026 or early 2027 |
| Cast Additions | Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace, Cole Escola as Bon Clay | 2025-2026 |
Comparison of Cast and Characters Across Seasons
Here’s a comparison of key characters and their actors in Season 1 and Season 2 of One Piece, as well as upcoming additions in Season 3.
| Character | Actor (Season 1 & 2) | Actor (Season 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Luffy | Iñaki Godoy | Iñaki Godoy |
| Zoro | Mackenyu | Mackenyu |
| Nami | Emily Rudd | Emily Rudd |
| Sanji | Taz Skylar | Taz Skylar |
| Portgas D. Ace | N/A (New Cast for Season 3) | Xolo Maridueña |
| Bon Clay (Mr. 2) | N/A (New Cast for Season 3) | Cole Escola |
Why It Matters: Expanding the One Piece Universe
The casting of Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace brings not just a fan-favorite character to life but also signals a deeper commitment to fleshing out the emotional arcs that define One Piece. As the series continues to introduce beloved characters, fans can expect more complex relationships and high-stakes drama that will enhance the immersive experience.
The decision to cast Maridueña highlights the growing commitment to bringing iconic anime characters into the live-action world in a way that honors their source material. With an all-star cast and a proven production team, One Piece Season 3 is set to be a major milestone in anime adaptations.
Conclusion
With the addition of Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace, One Piece is poised to deliver even more epic moments in its live-action series. As the show continues to gain traction and its world expands, fans can look forward to even more adventures with the Straw Hat Pirates. The exciting cast updates and production developments for Season 3 only add to the growing anticipation for what’s next in this beloved saga.
FAQs
Xolo Maridueña has been cast as Portgas D. Ace, the beloved character who is Luffy’s older brother.
One Piece Season 3 is expected to premiere sometime in late 2026 or early 2027 after filming starts in November 2025.
Cole Escola has been cast as Bon Clay for Season 3.
Xolo is best known for his role as Miguel Diaz in Cobra Kai and as Jaime Reyes in Blue Beetle.
Ace is the user of the Mera Mera no Mi, a Devil Fruit that grants him the ability to create and control.
