Xolo Maridueña has joined the cast of Netflix’s “One Piece” for its third season, Netflix announced Tuesday through its Tudum platform. The “Cobra Kai” and “Blue Beetle” actor will portray Portgas D. Ace, one of the most popular and complex figures in Eiichiro Oda’s long-running manga and anime series.
Netflix confirmed the casting in an official announcement, calling Ace “one of the most beloved characters in the ‘One Piece’ universe.” The role marks a pivotal moment in the live-action series, as the story begins to expand into some of the manga’s most emotional arcs.
A Major Role in the “One Piece” Universe
Portgas D. Ace is known as the older adopted brother of the protagonist Monkey D. Luffy. In the “One Piece” storyline, Ace commands respect across the seas as a pirate with the power of the Flame-Flame Fruit, which allows him to control and become fire. His introduction signals the series’s shift toward higher emotional stakes and more action-driven storytelling.
Maridueña gained prominence for his performance as Miguel Diaz in “Cobra Kai,” which concluded its sixth season earlier this year. He also headlined DC’s “Blue Beetle” in 2023. His casting as Ace continues Netflix’s strategy of bringing in young, bankable talent with global appeal.
Showrunner Matt Owens told Variety that introducing Ace has been a long-term goal for the creative team. “Ace is such an important part of Luffy’s story and the world of ‘One Piece’,” Owens said. “We wanted to find someone who could bring both the warmth and the intensity the character deserves. Xolo fits that perfectly.”
Production Set to Begin in Cape Town
According to Deadline, production for Season 3 will begin later this year in Cape Town, South Africa, where the previous seasons were filmed. The new installment is expected to cover the manga’s Alabasta and Drum Island arcs, while weaving Ace’s storyline into the next phase of Luffy’s journey.
The live-action “One Piece” premiered in August 2023 and became one of Netflix’s most-watched series worldwide. The show has drawn praise for staying loyal to the source material while keeping a lighthearted tone. The approach continues to attract new viewers. Eiichiro Oda, the series’s executive producer, expressed excitement about Maridueña’s casting. He told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor “has the right spirit and energy for Ace.”
Maridueña’s addition marks a new chapter for Netflix’s most successful live-action anime adaptation. As production gears up, fans can expect more epic storytelling, deeper character arcs, and a fiery new presence that could redefine the course of the show’s adventure.
