Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral
Netflix has officially announced that Xolo Maridueña will play Portgas D. Ace in Season 3 of the live-action adaptation of One Piece. The 24-year-old actor, widely recognised for his roles in Blue Beetle (2023) and the hit series Cobra Kai, becomes the latest addition to the expanding ensemble. Season 3 was greenlit in August, while production is set to resume later this year in Cape Town, South Africa.
Based on Eiichiro Oda’s long-running manga, first published in 1997, One Piece follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, portrayed in the live-action series by Iñaki Godoy. The story centres on Luffy’s quest to find the legendary One Piece treasure and become King of the Pirates. The series also stars Mackenyu as Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji.
Maridueña joins the show as it continues to expand its universe with new characters and adventures. Broadway actor Cole Escola was recently confirmed to play Bon Clay, adding to the excitement around Season 3. Fans can also look forward to Season 2, which premieres on March 10. According to the official logline, the upcoming season will see Luffy and the Straw Hats setting sail for the Grand Line, a formidable and mysterious stretch of sea filled with bizarre islands, dangerous encounters, and unexpected allies.
Maridueña is no stranger to Netflix viewers, having starred as Miguel Diaz across all six seasons of Cobra Kai, the series inspired by the Karate Kid franchise. He also appeared as a special correspondent during Geeked Week 2024, teaming up with co-star Jacob Bertrand. With his casting as Ace, a fan-favourite character known for his fiery abilities and deep connection to Luffy, anticipation for Season 3 has grown even stronger.
The announcement marks another major step for the live-action adaptation, which has earned praise for its faithful yet refreshing take on the beloved manga. With new cast members, new locations, and new arcs ahead, One Piece continues its journey with the same adventurous spirit that has captivated audiences for more than two decades.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
