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

Netflix has cast Xolo Maridueña in the third season of its hit live-action series, One Piece. The Cobra Kai star will play the fan-favorite character Portgas D. Ace. Production is scheduled to resume later this year in South Africa.

This move solidifies Maridueña’s relationship with the streaming giant. It also brings a major new character from the manga into the live-action storyline.

Expanding the Live-Action World of One Piece

Portgas D. Ace is a central and beloved figure in the One Piece universe. He is the sworn brother of the series’ protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. His introduction is a significant moment for the evolving plot.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Maridueña’s casting was met with enthusiasm. The actor is already well-known to global audiences from his leading role in Cobra Kai. His involvement is expected to draw even more viewers to the ambitious adaptation.

A Seamless Transition Between Hit Franchises

Maridueña’s career continues to ascend with this high-profile role. He recently headlined the DC superhero film Blue Beetle. James Gunn has indicated the character may have a future in the new DC Universe.

For Netflix, this casting reinforces their commitment to the expensive series. The first season was a massive global success, topping charts in dozens of countries. Bringing in a star of Maridueña’s caliber signals strong confidence in the show’s future.

The addition of Xolo Maridueña to One Piece Season 3 is a major coup for Netflix. It promises to deliver a thrilling new chapter for the Straw Hat Pirates’ adventure.

Thought you’d like to know

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

Portgas D. Ace is the adoptive older brother of Monkey D. Luffy. He is a powerful pirate and the commander of the Whitebeard Pirates’ second division. His lineage and actions are crucial to the overall plot.

When will One Piece Season 3 be released?

Netflix has not announced an official release date for the third season. The second season, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, is set to premiere in March 2026. Season 3 will begin filming after that.

What other projects is Xolo Maridueña known for?

He is best known for his role as Miguel Diaz in the Netflix series Cobra Kai. Maridueña also starred as the lead in the 2023 DC film Blue Beetle. His career began with a role on the NBC series Parenthood.

How successful was the first season of Netflix’s One Piece?

The first season was a massive global hit for Netflix. It reached the number one spot in over 75 countries. It also spent eight consecutive weeks in the platform’s Global Top 10 list.

Will there be a Blue Beetle sequel?

DC Studios co-chair James Gunn has expressed that Blue Beetle fits into his new DC Universe plans. However, no official sequel has been greenlit yet. The character’s future is still under discussion.