Following the announcement of Cole Escola playing Bon Clay, Netflix has announced that Cobra Kai star Xolo Maridueña will portray Ace in season 3 of the live-action One Piece series.
Netflix’s One Piece has already been renewed for a third season, ahead of season 2’s debut in 2026, and is slated to return to production in Cape Town, South Africa, later this year.
Maridueña is already part of the Netflix family, starring as karate sensation Miguel Diaz in all six seasons of the Karate Kid sequel series Cobra Kai. He’s also used to being front and center as a movie star, as his portrayal as Blue Beetle will be one of the few elements that remain canon under James Gunn’s new vision of the DC universe. He’s phenomenal in both projects and anchors both series and film with his charisma and charm. These qualities make him one of the best choices to play the hotheaded yet kindhearted Ace, and better yet, for Netflix, he’s an in-house talent. It also doesn’t hurt that he resembles Monkey D. Luffy actor Iñaki Godoy’s cooler, older brother, which contributes to the dynamic of the characters.
Image: Toei Animation
Ace is Luffy’s older brother, and he first reveals himself during the Straw Hats’ time in the Arabasta Kingdom.He set sail before Luffy and went on to make a formidable name for himself before joininga legendary pirate crew. He’s one of the most important characters in the series and the catalyst for future events.
One Piece returns for season 2, Into the Grand Line, on March 10, 2026, as Luffy and the Straw Hats, Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), cartographer Nami (Emily Rudd), storyteller Usopp (Jacob Romero), and chef Sanji (Taz Skylar), embark on new adventures across the legendary Grand Line in search of the fabled One Piece.
