Get ready for some exciting news, One Piece fans! The highly anticipated third season of Netflix's One Piece adaptation is about to get even more star-studded.
While we eagerly await the second season's premiere, which is set to drop on Netflix in March 2026, the production team is already gearing up for season three. And here's where it gets controversial... or rather, exciting! Xolo Maridueña, known for his role in Cobra Kai, is joining the cast of One Piece for its third installment.
The announcement was made through official social media channels, with both the One Piece team and Maridueña himself sharing the news. Maridueña will be portraying the character "Portgas D. Ace," adding another layer of intrigue to the already beloved franchise.
But wait, there's more! Season three will also see a change in the showrunner's seat, with series writer Ian Stokes stepping up alongside Joe Tracz. Stokes, who penned the fan-favorite "The Man in the Straw Hat" and co-wrote "The Girl with the Sawfish Tattoo," will be co-writing the season two debut, "The Beginning and the End," with Matt Owens. It's a creative dream team, and we can't wait to see what they have in store for us.
Now, let's talk about the show's success. Based on Japan's highest-selling manga series by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. With over 100 volumes and 500 million copies sold, it's no wonder that Netflix's live-action adaptation became an instant global phenomenon. The show has racked up nearly 100 million views and has been one of Netflix's most downloaded shows ever. It even made history by debuting at #1 in Japan, a rare feat for an English-language series.
And this is the part most people miss: One Piece isn't just a show, it's an immersive experience. Netflix has created a brand new, off-screen adventure for fans, with an immersive experience set to open at Netflix House. Fans can also bring the world of One Piece into their daily lives with products like LEGO and Moose Toys, available at the Netflix Shop and retailers worldwide.
With its vast, multigenerational global fan base, One Piece continues to reign supreme. The second season is set to return in 2026, and we can't wait to see what new adventures await us. Will you be tuning in? And what do you think of the new additions to the cast? Let's discuss in the comments!
