Netflix's One Piece Live Action season 3 set to begin filming ahead of season 2 release news

One Piece Live Action season 3 is officially set to begin filming even before the highly anticipated second season makes its debut, signaling Netflix’s deep confidence in the future of its ambitious anime adaptation. It is reported that the production will kick off in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 24, 2025, with a planned wrap date of June 19, 2026, a massive 207-day shoot that confirms the streamer is fully committed to bringing more of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved saga to life.

Season 3 of One Piece Live Action had been like an open secret in fan circles for months. Rumors swirled after actor Joe Manganiello, cast as the formidable Crocodile, hinted during an interview in June 2025 that filming would begin in the final quarter of the year.

Many speculate that it could be a subtle nod to Skypiea, one of the most mystical arcs in One Piece, though season 3 is expected to primarily adapt the Alabasta Saga, beginning with Whiskey Peak and moving through Baroque Works, Drum Island, and eventually Crocodile’s desert kingdom.

The lengthy filming schedule virtually rules out a 2026 release, with most predictions placing One Piece Live Action season 3’s arrival in 2027. Post-production, especially with the heavy reliance on CGI for Devil Fruit powers, massive ships, and expansive new settings, will extend the timeline even further.

What One Piece Live Action season 3 might cover

While Netflix has kept plot details under wraps, the manga roadmap makes things fairly clear. Season 2 is expected to take the Straw Hats from Loguetown through Drum Island, ending with the introduction of Tony Tony Chopper.

That sets up One Piece Live Action season 3 as the stage for the Alabasta Saga:

• The crew’s clash with Baroque Works agents.
• The growing presence of Miss All Sunday (Nico Robin).
• The rise of Crocodile as the main antagonist.
• The desert kingdom of Alabasta, where Princess Vivi’s homeland hangs in the balance.

Given Joe Manganiello’s star power and Netflix’s heavy promotion of his role as Crocodile, it’s clear One Piece Live Action season 3 will lean heavily into Baroque Works’ schemes. Some fans even speculate that Crocodile and Robin will have expanded roles earlier in the story, similar to how Garp was given additional screen time in season 1.

The long game for Netflix and One Piece

Netflix’s decision to fast-track One Piece Live Action season 3 filming before season 2 airs signals more than confidence; it’s a strategic investment. One Piece is not just another adaptation; it’s a cultural juggernaut. The manga has sold over 500 million copies worldwide, and the anime remains one of the most-watched in history.

For Netflix, keeping One Piece alive in live action is about more than streaming numbers. It strengthens the platform’s global appeal, anchors its anime strategy, and builds trust with a notoriously skeptical fanbase burned by past failed adaptations.

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Of course, the challenge remains enormous. The Grand Line arcs demand massive set pieces, complex visual effects, and an ever-expanding cast. Each season will only grow more expensive. Whether Netflix can sustain that commitment will depend on viewership staying strong across multiple years.

While the wait between seasons may still test patience, with season 2 in 2026 and season 3 likely not until 2027, the early start helps ease concerns about endless delays. The One Piece live-action adaptation is charting a bold course into the Grand Line.

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