Xolo Maridueña Joins One Piece Season 3 as Portgas D. Ace

Netflix has officially cast Xolo Maridueña in the third season of its hit live-action “One Piece.” The announcement was made Tuesday via the streamer’s Tudum platform. Maridueña will play the pivotal role of Portgas D. Ace.

This casting brings one of the manga’s most beloved characters to the screen. The move signals a major expansion of the show’s storyline.

A Beloved Character Enters the Fray

Portgas D. Ace is the adopted older brother of protagonist Monkey D. Luffy. He is a powerful pirate commander with the ability to control fire. His character arc is central to one of the most emotional storylines in Eiichiro Oda’s original work.

Maridueña is best known for his lead role in “Cobra Kai.” He also starred as the titular hero in the 2023 DC film “Blue Beetle.” His involvement adds significant star power to the ensemble.

Showrunner Matt Owens expressed his enthusiasm for the casting. He told Variety that Ace is a crucial part of Luffy’s journey. Owens confirmed they found the perfect actor for the role.

Expanding the Live-Action World

Production for the new season is scheduled to begin soon in Cape Town, South Africa. This is the same location where the first two seasons were filmed. The upcoming season is expected to adapt the Alabasta and Drum Island arcs.

The live-action “One Piece” was a massive global hit for Netflix upon its 2023 debut. Its success is credited to its faithful yet fresh approach to the source material. The series has attracted both longtime fans and new audiences.

Eiichiro Oda, the creator of “One Piece,” serves as an executive producer. He endorsed Maridueña’s casting, telling The Hollywood Reporter the actor possesses the right energy for Ace. This approval is vital for the show’s continued credibility.

The addition of Portgas D. Ace marks a significant turning point for the live-action “One Piece.” This new chapter promises higher stakes and deeper emotional drama. Fans can expect a fiery performance when the show returns.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Portgas D. Ace in the One Piece story?

He is the older adopted brother of Monkey D. Luffy. Ace is a powerful pirate commander known for his Flame-Flame Fruit powers. His storyline is deeply emotional and critically important to the overall plot.

What other projects is Xolo Maridueña known for?

He is widely recognized for his role as Miguel Diaz in the series “Cobra Kai.” Maridueña also starred as the lead in the DC superhero movie “Blue Beetle.” His career has been built on action-oriented and charismatic roles.

When will One Piece Season 3 be released?

Netflix has not announced an official release date yet. Production is set to begin in Cape Town later this year. A 2025 release window is considered likely by industry analysts.

What story arcs will Season 3 cover?

The season is expected to cover the Alabasta and Drum Island sagas. These arcs introduce major new characters and conflicts for the Straw Hat crew. The inclusion of Ace suggests the narrative will expand significantly.

Why is the live-action One Piece so popular?

The show successfully balances faithfulness to the source material with accessible storytelling. It has captured the adventurous spirit and heart of the original manga. This approach has earned praise from both critics and a global audience.