Xolo Maridueña Joins One Piece as Beloved Character Portgas D. Ace

Netflix has officially confirmed the casting of rising star Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace for Season 3 of the hit live-action series One Piece. The announcement, made in November 2025, has ignited excitement among global fans eager to see this pivotal character brought to life on screen.

Who is Xolo Maridueña?

Maridueña is no stranger to Netflix audiences, having starred as Miguel Diaz across all six seasons of Cobra Kai. He made history as the first Latino superhero in a live-action DC film with his leading role in Blue Beetle (2023). His charismatic performances and ability to portray complex characters with depth position him perfectly for the fiery and noble Ace.

Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle, showcasing his action-hero credentials. - Image from https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/other/cobra-kai-star-xolo-maridue%C3%B1a-cast-in-netflix-s-one-piece-season-3/ar-AA1PREIH

Portgas D. Ace: The Heart of the Story

Portgas D. Ace is one of the most significant characters in Eiichiro Oda's manga universe. As the adopted older brother of Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and son of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, Ace's story arc is emotionally charged and action-packed. He served as captain of the Spade Pirates before joining the Whitebeard Pirates. His tragic sacrifice during the Battle of Marineford to save Luffy remains one of the most memorable moments in the series.

Production and Season 3 Details

The series secured an early Season 3 renewal in August 2025, ahead of Season 2's premiere (One Piece: Into the Grand Line) on March 10, 2026. Production for Season 3 begins later this year in Cape Town, South Africa. Maridueña joins recently announced cast member Cole Escola (Tony Award winner for Oh, Mary!) who will play the flamboyant antagonist Bon Clay.

Why This Casting Matters

The live-action adaptation has been a global phenomenon, with Season 1 spending eight weeks on Netflix's Global Top 10 and reaching #1 in over 75 countries. Casting Maridueña as Ace signals Netflix's commitment to authenticity and star power. His background in both martial arts drama (Cobra Kai) and superhero action (Blue Beetle) makes him ideal for Ace's combat scenes and emotional weight.

Portgas D. Ace in his iconic flame-based powers during the Marineford battle. - Image from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9oVoAI9oGM

What to Expect in Season 3

Season 3 will adapt the Marineford arc, widely considered one of the series' most intense storylines. This introduces high-stakes battles, emotional betrayals, and Ace's crucial role in Luffy's journey. The production team, including showrunners Ian Stokes and Joe Tracz, promises to stay true to Oda's vision while expanding the live-action universe.

"The live-action One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as he sets out to find the legendary treasure, One Piece, and become King of the Pirates."

The Future of One Piece

With Seasons 2 and 3 already greenlit, the series continues its trajectory as one of Netflix's flagship productions. Maridueña's addition ensures a strong foundation for future seasons exploring the Grand Line's mysteries. His upcoming indie film Dog Years alongside Leah Lewis further cements his status as Hollywood's next major leading man.

Conclusion

Xolo Maridueña's casting as Portgas D. Ace is a masterstroke that bridges anime legacy with Hollywood talent. Fans of both the manga and the live-action series have much to anticipate as Season 3 sails toward production. The combination of Maridueña's star power and Ace's iconic character promises an unforgettable chapter in the Straw Hat's adventure.