Netflix could not keep One Piece Season 3 production under wraps

One Piece (image via Netflix)
One Piece (image via Netflix)

Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece has been a major success since its debut, quickly becoming one of the platform’s most-watched shows in 2023. The excitement surrounding the series only grew with the announcement of a second season.

However, despite Netflix’s usual efforts to keep production details confidential, news about Season 3 has repeatedly surfaced through cast interviews and industry leaks. Stars featured in the show, including Joe Manganiello and Mackenyu, have inadvertently disclosed that Season 3 filming is to commence in late 2025, even before Netflix officially announced the same.

This leak and hint pattern has served to make it obvious that Netflix was unable to keep production on One Piece Season 3 a secret, and the fans have been quick to catch up on every piece of information released by the cast and crew.


One Piece cast interviews and unintentional leaks

A primary reason that production details on One Piece Season 3 became public is that the cast was open during interviews. Joe Manganiello, who portrays Crocodile in the show, reported in a May 2025 interview that he would be back on set sometime later that year to film the next installment of the story.

The remark made it clear that filming on Season 3 would be commencing soon, even though there had not been any formal announcement from Netflix. In the same vein, Mackenyu, who plays Roronoa Zoro, stated in an interview that his work schedule had both Season 2 and Season 3, heavily implying that work on the third season was underway.

These remarks, although vague, gave fans and media sources enough to know that Season 3 was a go.


Industry rumors and insider reports

Aside from cast interviews, entertainment industry experts and trade journals have been privy to Netflix's intentions. Rumors circulated that the Writers Guild of America had its staff listed for the third season, which meant pre-production began as early as February 2025. Actor Brashaad Mayweather also made a suggestion that Seasons 2 and 3 would be shot back-to-back, adding fuel to the speculation.

These leaks aligned with Netflix's plan to ramp up production because of the lengthy and intricate story arc of One Piece, which makes it necessary to plan carefully and reduce the distance between seasons. Blending of official guild listings and insider remarks made it hard for Netflix to be tight-lipped about Season 3.


Netflix's strategic plan and fan responses

Netflix's strategy for One Piece is indicative of a long-term dedication to the franchise. The company seems to be spending big on the transition, looking to sustain momentum and satisfy fan demand by shortening the wait between seasons.

Making the call to proceed with Season 3 production ahead of Season 2's release shows Netflix believes in the series and doesn't want to see delays driven by the aging of actors or the complexity of the storyline.

Audiences have been overwhelmingly positive in their reaction to these announcements, eagerly following all developments and leaks. The series' official social media channels have also promised great announcements, keeping fans abuzz even when Netflix itself has remained mum on official confirmations.


Stay tuned for more updates!

Edited by Sroban Ghosh