The Netflix One Piece season 3 cast just got a major boost with the addition of Xolo Maridueña, best known for his role as Miguel in Cobra Kai and as the lead in DC’s Blue Beetle. Netflix confirmed the casting this week, signaling that season 3 is heading into one of the most anticipated story arcs in the franchise.
Why Xolo Maridueña Joining the Netflix One Piece Season 3 Cast is a HUGE Deal!
Xolo Maridueña will play Portgas D. Ace, the beloved adoptive older brother of protagonist Monkey D. Luffy. Ace is a defining character in the One Piece universe and central to one of the most emotional and high-stakes chapters in the original manga by Eiichiro Oda.
His addition shows Netflix is committed to portraying major storylines, not just standalone adventures. Ace’s arc is pivotal and has deep emotional impact for longtime fans, so casting a high-profile actor like Maridueña suggests the creators want to treat this story with the weight it deserves.
The casting was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter on November 5, with additional confirmations following from industry outlets including Deadline and IGN. Xolo Maridueña himself is already teasing the role on social media, hinting at training and prep while staying mostly quiet on plot details.
How This Fits into the Larger Netflix One Piece Season 3 Cast
Xolo Maridueña is the second major casting announcement for season 3. Cole Escola was previously confirmed as Bon Clay (Mr. 2), the memorable Baroque Works agent known for his flamboyant personality, martial arts, and emotional loyalty.
Together, these casting choices show that season 3 is moving into the heart of the Alabasta and Post-Alabasta sagas, regions loaded with fan-favorite characters and dramatic storylines. Other confirmed casting includes season 1 and 2 actors of the Straw Hat crew.
Filming is expected to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, where the first two seasons were shot. While Netflix hasn’t confirmed a release date, season 3 is likely to land in late 2026, based on production timelines and typical rollout patterns from Netflix.
What This Means for Fans of Both Cobra Kai and One Piece
For Cobra Kai fans, this is another example of Xolo Maridueña leveling up in his career. Going from an action-heavy martial arts drama to a globally recognized manga adaptation shows he has range. His past roles have even proven he can handle combat choreography as well as emotive storytelling.
For One Piece fans, Maridueña’s casting gives a boost of confidence. Portgas D. Ace is a deeply respected character, and his live-action portrayal will be a significant test for the series. Fans were already impressed with casting choices for characters like Zoro and Nami. Now, with Ace in the mix, the stakes feel higher.
The Emotional Side of Ace’s Arrival
Without spoiling too much for non-manga readers: Ace represents a turning point in Luffy’s journey. His backstory is heartbreaking. His power is impressive. His fate is unforgettable.
Introducing him now means the writers are preparing to move into some of the most iconic and difficult arcs in the entire story. This could be where the show proves whether a sprawling manga like One Piece can be translated into a gripping, grounded live-action format that resonates on a global scale.
What We Think
The Netflix One Piece season 3 cast is shaping up to be its biggest and most ambitious yet. Bringing in actors like Xolo Maridueña and Cole Escola symbolizes a season full of defining character moments, emotional payoff, and the king of storytelling that built One Piece into one of the most beloved franchises in the world.
If you’ve been on the fence about the live-action adaptation, keep your eye on season 3. The arrival of Ace means things are about to get real, and fans are finally getting the scenes they’ve been waiting decades to see.