Netflix confirms Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle) will play Portgas D. Ace in One Piece Season 3. Learn about his role, the cast, story details, and production updates.
Keywords: Xolo Maridueña, One Piece Season 3, Portgas D. Ace, Netflix One Piece, Blue Beetle actor, One Piece live-action, Cole Escola Bon Clay, One Piece cast, One Piece filming Cape Town, Monkey D. Luffy, Whitebeard Pirates, Marineford, Eiichiro Oda.
Xolo Maridueña Cast as Portgas D. Ace in Netflix’s One Piece Season 3
After months of fan speculation and online rumors, Netflix has officially confirmed that Xolo Maridueña, best known for his leading role in Blue Beetle, has joined the cast of One Piece Season 3. The actor will take on the beloved and tragic role of Portgas D. Ace, one of the most iconic characters in Eiichiro Oda’s legendary manga and anime series.
Maridueña’s casting comes alongside the announcement that Cole Escola (At Home with Amy Sedaris) has been cast as Bon Clay, adding even more excitement for fans anticipating the live-action adaptation’s next chapter. The third season is set to begin production later this year in Cape Town, South Africa, the same filming location as the previous two seasons.
A Long-Awaited Casting Fans Can Celebrate
Since Netflix’s One Piece debuted in 2023, audiences have been eager to see how the live-action adaptation would bring some of the manga’s most beloved characters to life. When Season 2 was announced under the title One Piece: Into the Grand Line (set to premiere on March 10, 2026), fans immediately began speculating about when Ace would appear — and who might play him.
Now, the wait is over. Xolo Maridueña stepping into the fiery role of Portgas D. Ace is already being hailed as one of Netflix’s strongest casting choices yet. His mix of charm, intensity, and charisma makes him a perfect fit for the character known for his strong sense of loyalty, independence, and brotherly love toward Luffy.
Who Is Portgas D. Ace?
In the world of One Piece, Portgas D. Ace is far more than just another pirate. He’s a pivotal figure in the series’ mythology — the adopted older brother of Monkey D. Luffy and the biological son of the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.
Before joining Whitebeard’s crew, Ace captained his own ship as the leader of the Spade Pirates, earning a fierce reputation across the seas. He later became the 2nd Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, where he served with loyalty and pride under the legendary pirate Edward Newgate (Whitebeard).
Ace’s story is both powerful and heartbreaking. He ultimately meets his tragic end during the Battle of Marineford, sacrificing his life to protect Luffy. That defining moment remains one of the most emotional and unforgettable scenes in all of One Piece history — and fans are already anticipating how Netflix will bring it to life.
The Journey Continues: One Piece Season 3
The live-action One Piece series, produced by Tomorrow Studios in partnership with Shueisha, follows Monkey D. Luffy’s journey as he sets out to find the legendary treasure known as the One Piece and become King of the Pirates.
The show’s main cast features:
- Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy
- Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro
- Emily Rudd as Nami
- Jacob Romero as Usopp
- Taz Skylar as Sanji
Season 2, titled Into the Grand Line, will premiere in March 2026 and is expected to cover major arcs from Oda’s manga that introduce new allies and villains. Season 3, already greenlit by Netflix months ahead of schedule, is expected to dive deeper into the emotional and epic storylines leading toward the Marineford saga — where Ace’s presence becomes crucial.
Behind the Scenes
Season 3 will be helmed by Ian Stokes and Joe Tracz, who serve as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers. The creative team also includes Eiichiro Oda himself as executive producer, ensuring that the adaptation remains faithful to his vision. Additional executive producers include Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes, Christoph Schrewe, and Steven Maeda.
The partnership between Netflix, Tomorrow Studios, and Shueisha has proven successful so far, with the series earning both critical praise and record-breaking viewership. Season 1 became one of the most-watched Netflix debuts of 2023, credited for bringing the One Piece world to life with heart, humor, and adventure — all while respecting the source material.
Xolo Maridueña: From Superhero to Pirate
For Xolo Maridueña, this role marks another major milestone in his fast-rising career. The 23-year-old actor first gained fame as Miguel Diaz in Netflix’s hit series Cobra Kai, appearing across all six seasons. In 2023, he made history by becoming the first Latino superhero to headline a live-action DC film, starring as Jaime Reyes in Blue Beetle.
Maridueña’s versatility and passion for his craft have made him a standout performer in both television and film. His portrayal of Jaime Reyes earned him critical praise for bringing authenticity, humor, and heart to the superhero genre — qualities that will serve him well in his portrayal of Ace.
Outside of his major franchises, Maridueña continues to pursue diverse roles. He is next set to star alongside Leah Lewis (Elemental) in the indie romance Dog Years, the feature debut of writer-director Mary Bronaugh. He is represented by UTA, Valor Entertainment Group, and attorney John Meigs.
A Perfect Fit for Portgas D. Ace
Casting Portgas D. Ace is no small feat — the character carries immense emotional weight and fan expectation. But Maridueña seems to embody everything that makes Ace special: his fiery spirit, his fierce loyalty to his friends, and his internal struggle with legacy and destiny.
Fans have already taken to social media to celebrate the news, praising Netflix for selecting an actor capable of bringing depth and authenticity to one of the story’s most beloved figures.
Given Maridueña’s history of tackling intense, emotionally charged roles, it’s easy to imagine him delivering a performance that honors Ace’s legacy while adding his own unique flair. His dynamic screen presence, combined with his physicality and youthful energy, makes him an ideal choice to portray the pirate who captured the hearts of millions.
The Future of One Piece on Netflix
With Season 2 of One Piece set to launch in early 2026 and Season 3 already in pre-production, Netflix appears to be fully invested in building a long-term future for the franchise. The show’s success has not only drawn in fans of the original manga and anime but has also introduced the One Piece world to new audiences around the globe.
By expanding its cast with talented performers like Xolo Maridueña and Cole Escola, Netflix is signaling its commitment to keeping the adaptation vibrant, inclusive, and true to Oda’s sprawling world.
As production gears up later this year in Cape Town, excitement continues to build. With Maridueña joining the One Piece family as Portgas D. Ace, fans can look forward to more high-seas adventure, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable moments — all leading toward one of the most powerful arcs in anime history.
The fire fist is coming — and it looks like Netflix just found the perfect man to carry the flame.
[…] Xolo Maridueña Joins Netflix’s One Piece Season 3 as Portgas D. Ace […]