Netflix’s One Piece Live Action Season 3 finds its Ace in Xolo Maridueña

One Piece Live Action Season 3 newsOne Piece Live Action Season 3 news
One Piece Live Action Season 3 news (Image credit: Toei Animation, Gabe Ajuaro)

Netflix has been revealing the cast for One Piece Live Action Season 3, and fans were waiting to know who would be playing the role of Portgas D. Ace. He is a favorite character for many fans of this series, and any actor who would be cast for this has to be perfect because the fandom has strong opinions.

On November 5, 2025, the production house revealed that this role is going to be played by the Blue Beetle and Cobra Kai star Xolo Maridueña. Fans have been all over social media as they are happy with this casting choice and are appreciating the efforts Netflix is putting in finding perfect actors, which also includes Cole Escola as the flamboyant Bon Clay.

According to official sources, production for One Piece Live Action Season 3 will start later this year in Cape Town, South Africa. With Xolo Maridueña as another major addition to the show, fans are over-hyped to see their beloved character on screen, whose arc had the entire fandom sitting on the edge of their seat.


Who is Portgas D. Ace?

Ace, as seen in One Piece (Image credit: Toei Animation)
Ace, as seen in One Piece (Image credit: Toei Animation)

Portgas D. Ace is one of the most important characters in One Piece. He is the adopted older brother of our main character, Monkey D. Luffy. In this story, his character is beloved by fans because of how he maintains a calm persona with an intense personality. In One Piece, he is also one of those characters who might be a pirate but has a strong sense of justice.

Ace is part of the Whitebeards' crew, and his loyalty towards his captain made him an instant fan favorite. He stood out in comparision to others due to his relationship with Luffy, and he often came across as more grounded and mature than his brother. With Xolo Maridueña taking on this role, fans are already talking about how Netflix is going to mold the actor to portray Ace’s charisma, warmth, and his story arc.


Fan reactions: “They got Miguel!”

Xolo Maridueña is part of One Piece Live Action Season 3 (Image credit: Toei Animation, WireImage)
Xolo Maridueña is part of One Piece Live Action Season 3 (Image credit: Toei Animation, WireImage)

Since Netflix announced the casting choice for Ace, fans of One Piece started celebrating by calling Xolo Maridueña a perfect addition for One Piece Live Action Season 3. Many also talked about how this actor shares a resemblance to Iñaki Godoy, the actor to plays the role of Luffy. This helps viewers connect to the characters' brotherly bond.

Some of the common reactions to this casting choice for One Piece Live Action Season 3 are:

"Everyone cheered. Xolo was the only right choice for this role. I've watched him grow from that young kid on Cobra Kai on YouTube Red to now being Ace. Let's go." said one fan.
"Thank you Netflix, thank you Oda, thank you Xolo's mom." added another fan.
"I KNEW IT!!! I KNEW THEY COULDNT LET ME DOWN. MY MAN!! Xolo is the perfect casting😍😍😍," stated by a fan.

Finally, the crossover appeal is undeniable as Maridueña brings not just acting chops but also a youthful intensity that perfectly fits Ace’s personality.


Why Xolo Maridueña is the perfect Ace for One Piece Live Action Season 3?

Luffy meeting Ace (Image credit: Toei Animation)
Luffy meeting Ace (Image credit: Toei Animation)

Netflix's choice to cast Xolo Maridueña is more than just a smart choice; it is somewhere strategic choice. This actor has a connection with this company through his work in Cobra Kai, where he portrayed the character of Miguel Diaz. In this show, his character has a vulnerable and a fiery side, which is the perfect experience to portray Ace's mix of warmth and recklessness. Moreover, his work as the DC superhero Blue Beetle also proves to One Piece fans why he is the perfect choice for Ace.

Eiichiro Oda, the creator of this series, feels that the character of Ace and his power represent more than just physical strength; they symbolize the true meaning of legacy and freedom, and loyalty. And that is why Maridueña’s energy has the capability to fit into this role perfectly. While there is time for One Piece Live Action Season 3 to start with its production, it is safe to assume that whenever it does start, we can expect yet another phenomenal season.

Edited by Nisarga Kakade