Netflix has set the seas ablaze with the official casting of Xolo Maridueña as the flame-commanding pirate Portgas D. Ace in the third season of its live-action adaptation of One Piece, thrusting one of the manga’s most beloved—and tragic—figures into the spotlight. The reveal comes hot on the heels of Season 2's premiere earlier this year, signaling that production is ramping up to bring more of the Grand Line's high-seas adventures to the screen.
Maridueña, a 24-year-old actor of Colombian and Cuban descent, steps into the role of the flame-wielding commander of the 2nd division of the Whitebeard Pirates. Known for his breakout performance as Miguel Diaz in the karate-fueled drama Cobra Kai, Maridueña has showcased a blend of vulnerability, intensity, and charisma that aligns seamlessly with Ace's complex character arc. His previous credits include leading the DC Universe's Blue Beetle as the titular hero Jaime Reyes, where he demonstrated his ability to anchor high-stakes action sequences with emotional depth—a perfect match for Ace's tragic heroism and brotherly bond with Monkey D. Luffy.
The casting was unveiled through a series of teaser images and concept art shared by the production team, highlighting Maridueña in Ace's iconic outfit: a sleeveless black shirt emblazoned with the Whitebeard Pirates' jolly roger, loose orange shorts, and his signature cowboy hat perched atop tousled black hair. Subtle flames flicker at his fingertips in one render, nodding to his Devil Fruit powers as the Mera Mera no Mi user, which allow him to generate and manipulate fire at will. Director of photography Shoshannah Stern and showrunners Matt Owens and Joe Tracz emphasized in accompanying statements that Maridueña's natural athleticism and expressive range made him the "undeniable choice" to embody the spirit of freedom and familial loyalty that defines Ace.
This announcement marks a pivotal expansion for the One Piece live-action series, which has already carved out a niche as one of Netflix's most ambitious genre projects. Season 1, released in 2023, adapted the East Blue Saga, introducing audiences to Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and his ragtag crew of Straw Hat Pirates as they set sail in search of the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. The sophomore outing, which dropped in batches throughout 2025, delved deeper into the Arabasta Arc, featuring elaborate set pieces like the sprawling desert kingdom and naval battles that paid homage to the source material's blend of humor, heart, and spectacle. With Season 3 on the horizon, producers have teased an exploration of the Summit War Saga, where Ace's role becomes central to the Straw Hats' growing legend and the broader world's geopolitical tensions.
Filming for Season 3 is slated to commence in early 2026 at Netflix's Cape Town studios in South Africa, the same location that brought the vibrant worlds of Alabasta and Loguetown to life. The production team, bolstered by returning stars including Godoy as Luffy, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji, is collaborating closely with Oda's Shueisha imprint to ensure fidelity to the manga's lore. Visual effects house DNEG, responsible for the series' groundbreaking practical effects and CGI integration, is already at work on Ace's pyrotechnic abilities, promising sequences that rival the anime's most explosive moments.
Maridueña's addition to the ensemble not only fills a long-anticipated void but also underscores Netflix's commitment to diverse representation in its adaptations. As the One Piece universe continues to expand on screen, this casting coup positions Season 3 as a potential turning point, bridging the early adventures with the series' more mature, world-shaking narratives. While plot specifics remain under wraps to avoid spoilers, insiders hint at emotional reunions and betrayals that will test the bonds of the Straw Hat crew like never before.
For those eager to catch up before Ace's live-action debut, Netflix's One Piece Season 2 is currently streaming exclusively on the platform worldwide. All eight episodes, released in two volumes on January 3 and July 25, 2025, are available on-demand with subtitles in multiple languages and audio dubs to suit global audiences.
