Full Breakdown
Xolo Maridueña Cast as Portgas D. Ace in Netflix's One Piece Season 3
11/6/2025, 1:03:56 PM
Major Casting Announcement for Season 3
Netflix has officially announced that Xolo Maridueña will portray Portgas D. Ace in the upcoming third season of its live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's *One Piece*. Maridueña, known for his roles in *Cobra Kai* and *Blue Beetle*, joins the cast alongside Cole Escola, who has been cast as Bon Clay. The announcement was made via a video shared on the series' social media platforms.
Character Significance and Storyline
Portgas D. Ace, also known as "Fire Fist" Ace, is a pivotal character in the *One Piece* narrative. He is the biological son of the legendary Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, and the brother of the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. Ace's introduction is expected to occur during the Alabasta Arc, following a brief appearance at the end of the Drum Island Arc. His character is crucial for the development of Luffy and the overarching storyline, as he plays a significant role in the conflicts that arise in the series.
Production Details and Timeline
Production for Season 3 is set to begin later this year in Cape Town, South Africa. The second season, titled *One Piece: Into the Grand Line*, is scheduled to premiere on March 10, 2026. This season will cover several arcs, including the Drum Island and Alabasta arcs, where Ace's character will be more prominently featured.
Official Statements & Responses
The casting of Maridueña has been met with enthusiasm from fans, many of whom had advocated for him to take on the role. Netflix's announcement highlighted the excitement surrounding Ace's character, stating, "ONE PIECE will sail into its third season with an ace in the hole." The production team, including co-showrunners Joe Tracz and Ian Stokes, expressed their eagerness to explore the deeper narratives associated with Ace and the Straw Hat Pirates.
Criticism & Opposition
While the casting has generally been well-received, some fans have expressed concerns about the adaptation's pacing and character development, particularly regarding how faithfully the series will portray Ace's complex backstory and relationships. Critics have noted that the live-action format may struggle to capture the depth of the original manga and anime.
What's Next for One Piece
As the *One Piece* series continues to expand, fans can anticipate the introduction of other key characters in Season 3, including Crocodile and Nico Robin. The production team aims to maintain the momentum established in the first two seasons while delving deeper into the lore of the *One Piece* universe.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Netflix reported "ONE PIECE will sail into its third season with an ace in the hole.” — Netflix Announcement
- “With his track record in Cobra Kai and as Blue Beetle, you already know Xolo is ready to deliver Ace’s iconic moments and make us all feel that punch to the gut when it counts.” — Fan Commentary
The anticipation for Season 3 is building as fans look forward to seeing how Maridueña embodies the beloved character of Portgas D. Ace in this ambitious adaptation.
