The streaming world is buzzing with excitement as Netflix's wildly successful live-action adaptation of One Piece has made a major casting announcement for its upcoming third season. Xolo Mariduena, fresh off his breakthrough performance as Jaime Reyes in DC's Blue Beetle, has been confirmed to portray the fiery and beloved character Portgas D. Ace.
From DC Hero to Anime Legend
Mariduena's casting marks a significant moment for the series, as Ace represents one of the most anticipated character introductions in the One Piece universe. The character, who serves as Monkey D. Luffy's older adoptive brother, plays a crucial role in the narrative's emotional depth and world-building.
The 22-year-old actor has been generating substantial buzz in Hollywood following his standout performance in Blue Beetle, which showcased his ability to balance charismatic heroism with emotional vulnerability – qualities essential for bringing Ace to life.
Why This Casting Matters
Portgas D. Ace isn't just another character in the One Piece saga. He's the son of the legendary Pirate King Gol D. Roger and holds the power of the Flame-Flame Fruit, making him a Logia-type Devil Fruit user who can create, control, and transform into fire at will.
Fans of Eiichiro Oda's original manga and anime have been eagerly waiting to see how Netflix would handle this pivotal character, and Mariduena's casting suggests the production is committed to maintaining the series' high standards.
The One Piece Phenomenon Continues
Netflix's live-action One Piece took the world by storm when it debuted in August 2023, quickly becoming one of the platform's most-watched shows globally. The series successfully translated the whimsical world of pirates, Devil Fruits, and the Grand Line into live-action while staying true to the spirit of the source material.
With Season 2 already in production and now Season 3 casting announcements emerging, it's clear Netflix is investing heavily in the franchise's future. Mariduena's addition to the cast signals that the series is moving into some of the most emotionally charged and action-packed arcs from the manga.
What to Expect from Ace's Arrival
For those unfamiliar with the One Piece storyline, Ace's introduction brings:
- A deeper exploration of Luffy's backstory and family connections
- Major developments in the world's power dynamics
- Some of the most memorable battle sequences in the series
- Heart-wrenching emotional moments that define character relationships
Mariduena's proven action chops from Blue Beetle combined with his dramatic range make him an ideal choice to capture Ace's complex personality – a character who balances fierce loyalty, immense power, and tragic destiny.
While Netflix hasn't announced an official release date for Season 3, this casting news confirms that preparations are well underway, and fans can expect the One Piece adventure to continue expanding in exciting new directions.
