Xolo Maridueña is set to transition from one successful Netflix family-friendly series to another, as he has been cast in the third season of the highly acclaimed live-action adaptation of “One Piece.” Maridueña, known for his role in “Cobra Kai,” will portray the character Portgas D. Ace, a significant figure in the beloved series. Production for this new season is scheduled to commence later this year in Cape Town, South Africa.
“One Piece,” based on the record-breaking manga series by Eiichiro Oda, follows the adventurous journey of Monkey D. Luffy as he strives to discover the legendary treasure known as the One Piece and attain the title of King of the Pirates. Since its debut in 2023, the show has captivated audiences, achieving a remarkable eight-week run on Netflix’s Global Top 10 and reaching the number one position in over 75 countries. Notably, it was the first English-language Netflix series to debut at number one in Japan, further highlighting its worldwide appeal.
In addition to his upcoming role in “One Piece,” Maridueña recently starred in the DC superhero film “Blue Beetle.” Despite the changing landscape at DC Studios, co-chair James Gunn has expressed confidence that the character will continue to be a part of the studio’s future endeavors, although no details have been revealed regarding the character’s next appearance.
Looking ahead, fans of “One Piece” can anticipate the release of the show’s second season, titled “One Piece: Into the Grand Line,” which is set to premiere on March 10, 2026, providing viewers with more thrilling adventures based on this fan-favorite series.