Xolo Mariduena Secures Major Role in “One Piece” Film Adaptation

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November 5, 2025

Xolo Maridueña Joins ‘One Piece‘ Live-action Series as Portgas D. Ace

Actor xolo Maridueña,acclaimed for his performances in “Cobra Kai” and “Blue Beetle,” has secured a prominent role in the highly anticipated third season of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “One Piece.” The declaration confirms long-standing fan speculation surrounding the casting choice.

Maridueña to Portray Key Character

Maridueña will embody the character of Portgas D. Ace,a significant figure within the series’ narrative. Ace holds a high-ranking position in a powerful pirate institution and possesses the unique ability to manipulate fire,a power derived from consuming a Devil Fruit. The character’s history is deeply intertwined wiht that of Monkey D.Luffy, the central protagonist, and his journey becomes increasingly vital as the story progresses.

Production Details and Anticipated Release

Filming for the third season is scheduled to commence by the end of November 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. This follows the widely triumphant release of the first two seasons,with the second season’s premiere slated for March 10,2026. Cole Escola will also join the cast this season, portraying the flamboyant pirate Bon Clay.

A Look at Portgas D. Ace

Portgas D. Ace is instantly recognizable for his distinct appearance, often depicted wearing minimal clothing – dark shorts and boots, paired with a vibrant orange hat. His physique is typically portrayed as being highly toned,reflecting his rigorous training and combat prowess.

Introducing Portgas D. Ace…

XOLO MARIDUEÑA IS JOINING ONE PIECE SEASON 3!!! pic.twitter.com/arysP73sOR

– Netflix (@netflix) November 5, 2025

Character	Actor	Season
Portgas D. Ace	Xolo Maridueña	3
Bon Clay	Cole Escola	3

Did you Know? Live-action adaptations of popular anime and manga series have seen a surge in popularity, with “One Piece” following in the footsteps of successes like “Fullmetal Alchemist” and “Death Note.”

Pro Tip: To fully appreciate Xolo Maridueña’s portrayal of Portgas D.Ace, consider exploring the character’s backstory and significance within the “One Piece” manga or anime series.

What are your expectations for Season 3 of ‘One Piece’? Do you think Xolo Maridueña is a fitting choice for the role of Portgas D. Ace?

The Growing Trend of Anime Adaptations

The adaptation of anime and manga into live-action formats is a growing trend in the entertainment industry. This is driven by the large and dedicated fan bases of these properties, and also the increasing demand for diverse content. According to a recent report by Statista, the global anime market was valued at approximately $26.86 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $38.6 billion by 2029. This indicates a significant growth trajectory and highlights the potential for further adaptations.

Frequently Asked Questions about ‘One Piece’ and the Casting

• Who is Portgas D. Ace? Portgas D. Ace is a prominent character in the One Piece series, known for his fiery abilities and close ties to the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy.
• What is Xolo Maridueña known for? xolo Maridueña gained recognition for his roles in “Cobra Kai” and “Blue Beetle.”
• when will ‘One Piece’ Season 3 be released? Production begins in late November 2025, and Season 2 is scheduled for march 10, 2026.
• Where is ‘One Piece’ Season 3 being filmed? Filming will take place in Cape Town, South Africa.
• What are Devil Fruits in ‘One Piece’? Devil Fruits are mystical fruits that grant those who eat them special abilities,but at the cost of their ability to swim.

Share your thoughts on this exciting casting news in the comments below!

How does Xolo Mariduena’s previous role in *Cobra Kai* perhaps prepare him for the physical demands of portraying Zoro?

Xolo Mariduena Cast in Live-Action “One Piece” Film – A Deep Dive

The Rising Star Lands a Key Role

Xolo Mariduena, best known for his breakout role as Miguel Diaz in Cobra Kai, has officially been cast in the highly anticipated live-action film adaptation of One Piece.This marks a meaningful step in Mariduena’s career, propelling him into the world of blockbuster franchises and solidifying his position as a leading young actor.The news, confirmed by Netflix on November 5th, 2025, has sent ripples of excitement through the One Piece fandom and the entertainment industry alike. Fans are eagerly discussing the casting choices and speculating about the film’s direction.

Details of Mariduena’s Character: Zoro Roronoa

Mariduena will be portraying Roronoa Zoro, the swordsman and first member to join Monkey D. Luffy’s crew in the One Piece universe. Zoro is a fan-favorite character, renowned for his unbelievable strength, unwavering loyalty, and distinctive three-sword fighting style.

* Character Significance: Zoro is a core member of the Straw Hat Pirates, consistently ranking among the strongest characters in the series.

* Physical Demands: The role requires intense physical training to convincingly portray Zoro’s combat prowess. Mariduena has already begun rigorous training, focusing on swordsmanship and physical conditioning.

* Fan Expectations: The One Piece fanbase is notoriously passionate, and expectations for a live-action adaptation are incredibly high. Mariduena faces the challenge of embodying a beloved character while staying true to the source material.

The “One Piece” Live-Action Adaptation: What We Know So Far

Netflix’s One Piece adaptation has been in advancement for several years, with eiichiro Oda, the creator of the original manga and anime, actively involved in the production process. This level of creator involvement is seen as a positive sign by fans,suggesting a commitment to faithfully adapting the beloved story.

* Production Team: Matt Owens and Steven Maeda are serving as showrunners, with Marc Jobst directing the first few episodes.

* filming Locations: Principal photography is expected to take place primarily in South Africa, offering diverse landscapes that closely resemble the world of One Piece.

* Early Casting Announcements: Iñaki Godoy has been cast as Monkey D.Luffy, and Mackenyu arata will play Roronoa Zoro. Emily Rudd is set to portray Nami, and Jacob Romero Gibson will play Usopp.

* Adaptation Scope: The initial season is expected to cover the East Blue Saga, the first arc of the One Piece story, introducing the core characters and establishing the world.

Xolo Mariduena’s Career Trajectory: From “Cobra Kai” to Global Stardom

Mariduena’s casting in One Piece represents a pivotal moment in his career. His performance in Cobra Kai garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, showcasing his range and charisma.

* “Cobra Kai” Impact: The role of Miguel Diaz allowed Mariduena to demonstrate his acting abilities across multiple seasons, navigating complex character arcs and emotional depth.

* Previous Roles: Before Cobra Kai, Mariduena appeared in shows like Parenthood and NCIS.

* Social Media presence: Mariduena maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with fans and providing updates on his projects. His Instagram (@xolo_mariduena) boasts a significant following, demonstrating his growing popularity.

* Upcoming Projects: Beyond One Piece, Mariduena has several other projects in development, further solidifying his position as a rising star in Hollywood.

The Significance of Live-action Anime Adaptations

The trend of adapting popular anime series into live-action films and television shows is gaining momentum. Netflix, in particular, has invested heavily in this genre, recognizing the potential to reach a vast and dedicated audience.

* Past Successes & Failures: Previous live-action anime adaptations have had mixed results, highlighting the challenges of translating a unique visual style and storytelling approach to a live-action format. Alita: Battle Angel and Edge of tomorrow are often cited as accomplished examples, while others have faced criticism for deviating too far from the source material.

* Fan Expectations & Authenticity: Maintaining authenticity and respecting the source material are crucial for success.Engaging the creator and incorporating fan feedback can help ensure a positive reception.

* Global Appeal: Anime has a massive global following, and live-action adaptations have the potential to reach a wider audience, introducing new viewers to the world of anime.

Training Regimen for Zoro: A Look at Mariduena’s Preparation

Embodying Zoro requires more then just acting talent; it demands significant physical preparation. Mariduena has been documenting his training on social media, giving fans a glimpse into the dedication required for the role.

* Swordsmanship training: Mariduena is working with experienced swordsmanship instructors to master the three-sword style, a defining characteristic of Zoro.

* Strength & Conditioning: The training regimen includes intense strength and conditioning exercises to build the physique necessary to portray Zoro’s physical prowess.

* stunt Work: Mariduena is also undergoing stunt training to prepare for the action sequences in the film.

* **Diet