DCU star Xolo Maridueña lands an iconic role in Netflix’s One Piece Season 3

After months of rumors floating about the casting of Ace on Netflix's One Piece Season 3, we finally have a confirmed name to report. The DCU Blue Beetle actor, Xolo Maridueña, who also appeared in Netflix's Cobra Kai as the karate sensation Miguel Diaz, is all set to take over the role of Portgas D. Ace.

Netflix's pirate adventure fantasy and the Cobra Kai actor have long been fueling these rumors about Maridueña's addition to the cast, so this confirmation was a long time coming.

Here's everything we know about this brand-new casting and the upcoming seasons of One Piece.

Netflix confirms long-time rumor with Xolo Maridueña's casting as Ace in One Piece Season 3

Ever since Netflix handed One Piece an early renewal for Season 3 ahead of the second season's release, slated for March 2026, fans have been eating up all of the news crumbs they can find on the third season and the possibilities that it opens up in terms of the live-action casting and the plot.

This has also led to a lot of rumors being circulated, with fans discussing possible live-action castings of their favorite anime character. One such very popular rumor was the Cobra Kai and Blue Beetle actor's casting as Monkey D. Luffy's brawling brother, Portgas D. Ace.

Netflix's behind-the-scenes video featuring Xolo Maridueña and Iñaki Godoy doing some martial arts training together, where fans of the show instantly referred to him as "That's our Ace". The never-ending bandwagon took full flight when the streamer itself liked some of these comments.

When asked about it, the actor would initially deny it, even suggesting that the streamer was fanning the flame of this rumor without offering him the position. Xolo Maridueña's denial of the casting appeared to be a classic actor's denial. However, sometime later, he took a more neutral stance on the question. When asked if he'd like to work with his close friend Iñaki Godoy, who plays Luffy on One Piece, he replied:

"I’m looking for ways to work with Iñaki, both in and out of One Piece."

Turns out he found a way, and that too while being in One Piece.

The streamer officially announced the casting recently, saying that:

"The pirate fantasy adventure has recruited Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle) to portray Portgas D. Ace in Season 3, which heads back into production later this year in Cape Town, South Africa."

Xolo Maridueña had his breakout role as Miguel in Netflix's Cobra Kai, leading to his DCU debut in Blue Beetle. His casting as Portgas D. Ace in the Netflix show will be an exciting addition to the actor's credits, especially considering how cherished and important Ace's character is to both the manga and anime fans worldwide.

Nevertheless, we do have to hold on for quite some time before witnessing Luffy's brawling brother Ace in action, as he will not be appearing on One Piece Season 2, which is set to release in March 2026, and Season 3 is a little way off for now since it is yet to start production.

Trending

Keep following Soap Central for more such interesting insights on your favorite shows!

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback