Probably the most anticipated casting reveals for Netflix’s One Piece has lastly 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 followers are going to like the casting selection.
Xolo Maridueña, finest recognized for Cobra Kai and Blue Beetle, has formally been solid as Ace within the hit adaptation.
The announcement marks a significant second for One Piece, because the live-action sequence sails towards its third season. The second season is ready to reach in March subsequent 12 months, and manufacturing on Season 3 will return to Cape City, South Africa later within the 12 months.
The brand new season will take the Straw Hat Pirates to the desert island of Alabasta, the place Ace performs a pivotal position within the story’s subsequent massive arc.
For years, followers have been championing Maridueña for the position, and it appears Netflix has been paying consideration. The streamer made the casting information official with a celebratory assertion:
“ONE PIECE will sail into its third season with an ace within the gap. The pirate fantasy journey has recruited Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle) to painting Portgas D. Ace in Season 3, which heads again into manufacturing later this 12 months in Cape City, South Africa.
“The live-action sequence secured an early Season 3 renewal in August. He joins just lately introduced solid member Cole Escola (the Tony Award-winning star of the Broadway play Oh, Mary!), who will play theatrical murderer Bon Clay within the third installment.”
Earlier than the official affirmation, Maridueña had already been conscious of the fan marketing campaign calling for him to hitch the Grand Line. In a earlier interview, he shared how a lot the thought meant to him, saying,
“It’s a dream, however on the similar time, it needs to be proper. I’ve obtained to audition for it. I’ve obtained to go the identical route as everybody else. Except they’re like, ‘Hey, this man right here is so excellent’.”
Maridueña’s star has been steadily rising over the previous 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 entering into one of the vital beloved anime roles ever.
His casting brings each charisma and a way of coronary heart to Ace—a personality recognized for his energy, loyalty, and tragic legacy.
Because the world of One Piece continues to increase, Season 3 is shaping as much as be an enormous occasion for followers. Alongside Maridueña, the upcoming seasons will introduce a number of key characters. Joe Manganiello is taking over the position of the notorious Crocodile, Lera Abova joins as Nico Robin, and Charithra Chandran seems as Miss Wednesday.
Different notable additions embody 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 sequence has already confirmed that it could win over each long-time followers and newcomers, and with Maridueña’s Ace formally becoming a member of the crew, and the remainder of the solid, I’m excited to see how Season 2 performs out!
What do you consider Xolo Maridueña becoming a member of One Piece as Ace?
