Netflix's ONE PIECE Finds Its Ace and Casts COBRA KAI Star Xolo Maridueña in the Role
One of the most anticipated casting reveals for Netflix’s One Piece has finally been made official. The fan-favorite character Portgas D. Ace, the fiery and fearless brother of Monkey D. Luffy, now has his live-action counterpart, and fans are going to love the casting choice.
Xolo Maridueña, best known for Cobra Kai and Blue Beetle, has officially been cast as Ace in the hit adaptation.
The announcement marks a major moment for One Piece, as the live-action series sails toward its third season. The second season is set to arrive in March next year, and production on Season 3 will return to Cape Town, South Africa later in the year.
The new season will take the Straw Hat Pirates to the desert island of Alabasta, where Ace plays a pivotal role in the story’s next big arc.
For years, fans have been championing Maridueña for the role, and it seems Netflix has been paying attention. The streamer made the casting news official with a celebratory statement:
“ONE PIECE will sail into its third season with an ace in the hole. The pirate fantasy adventure has recruited Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle) to portray Portgas D. Ace in Season 3, which heads back into production later this year in Cape Town, South Africa.
“The live-action series secured an early Season 3 renewal in August. He joins recently announced cast member Cole Escola (the Tony Award-winning star of the Broadway play Oh, Mary!), who will play theatrical assassin Bon Clay in the third installment.”
Before the official confirmation, Maridueña had already been aware of the fan campaign calling for him to join the Grand Line. In a previous interview, he shared how much the idea meant to him, saying,
“It’s a dream, but at the same time, it has to be right. I’ve got to audition for it. I’ve got to go the same route as everyone else. Unless they’re like, ‘Hey, this guy here is so perfect’.”
Maridueña’s star has been steadily rising over the past few years. After breaking out in Cobra Kai, he headlined DC’s Blue Beetle, voiced characters in Invincible, The Boys Presents: Diabolical, and Sakamoto Days, and now he’s stepping into one of the most beloved anime roles ever.
His casting brings both charisma and a sense of heart to Ace—a character known for his strength, loyalty, and tragic legacy.
As the world of One Piece continues to expand, Season 3 is shaping up to be a huge event for fans. Alongside Maridueña, the upcoming seasons will introduce several key characters. Joe Manganiello is taking on the role of the infamous Crocodile, Lera Abova joins as Nico Robin, and Charithra Chandran appears as Miss Wednesday.
Other notable additions include Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha, Sendhil Ramamurthy as Nefertari Cobra, David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3, and Julia Rehwald as Tashigi.
The live-action One Piece series has already proven that it can win over both long-time fans and newcomers, and with Maridueña’s Ace officially joining the crew, and the rest of the cast, I’m excited to see how Season 2 plays out!
What do you think of Xolo Maridueña joining One Piece as Ace?