Xolo Maridueña joins One Piece Season 3 as Portgas D. Ace. What does his character mean for the show?
Xolo Maridueña at a special preview screening of “In The Heights”. Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Netflix has officially confirmed that Xolo Maridueña, known for Blue Beetle and Cobra Kai, will portray Portgas D. Ace in One Piece Season 3. The casting comes alongside Cole Escola as Bon Clay and is part of the ongoing live-action adaptation of the iconic manga series. Production is set to resume later this year in Cape Town, South Africa.
Portgas D. Ace is a cornerstone character in the One Piece universe. He is the adopted older brother of protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and the son of the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Ace’s backstory and eventual fate, sacrificing himself at the Battle of Marineford to save Luffy, play a pivotal role in shaping Luffy’s journey. Maridueña’s portrayal is expected to bring depth to Ace’s fiery personality, loyalty, and the emotional weight his storyline carries.
What Portgas D. Ace Brings to the Show
Ace’s character is a fan-favorite, celebrated for his courage, sense of justice, and brotherly bond with Luffy. His presence in Season 3 will not only provide key context to Luffy’s development but also deepen the emotional narrative of the series. The Whitebeard Pirates, of which Ace was a member, introduce a new layer of intrigue and conflict, setting the stage for epic confrontations and high-stakes adventures.
Showrunners Ian Stokes and Joe Tracz, along with executive producers including Marty Adelstein and Eiichiro Oda, aim to capture the essence of Ace’s fiery spirit while translating it to live-action. This adaptation seeks to honor the original manga while making it accessible for both long-time fans and newcomers.
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Xolo Maridueña’s Career and Impact
Maridueña is no stranger to action-packed roles. He made history in 2023 as the first Latino superhero in a live-action DC film, starring in Blue Beetle. He also starred across all six seasons of Netflix’s Cobra Kai, showcasing his versatility and ability to convey complex characters. His casting as Ace is expected to resonate with audiences familiar with his prior performances and bring a fresh perspective to the live-action series.
What This Means for One Piece Season 3
With Ace joining the live-action adaptation, Season 3 promises heightened drama, emotional stakes, and deeper character exploration. Fans can anticipate intense pirate battles, heartfelt sibling dynamics, and story arcs that faithfully reflect the original manga. Ace’s narrative arc will likely serve as a key turning point for Luffy’s character, solidifying the show’s mix of adventure, camaraderie, and tragedy.
FAQ
Q: Who is Xolo Maridueña playing in One Piece?
A: Xolo Maridueña will play Portgas D. Ace, Luffy’s adopted older brother and a pivotal character in the story.
Q: Why is Portgas D. Ace important in One Piece?
A: Ace’s loyalty, bravery, and sacrifice at the Battle of Marineford significantly impact Luffy’s journey and the series’ emotional depth.
Q: When will Season 3 of the live-action One Piece air?
A: Production is set to resume later this year, following the March 2026 launch of Season 2, One Piece: Into the Grand Line.
Q: What can fans expect from Ace’s portrayal by Maridueña?
A: Maridueña is expected to bring Ace’s fiery personality, emotional depth, and strong sense of justice to life, making him a standout character in the live-action adaptation.
Q: What other notable roles has Xolo Maridueña played?
A: He starred as Blue Beetle in the DC live-action film and appeared across all six seasons of Netflix’s Cobra Kai.
Q: How does Ace’s storyline affect the overall plot of One Piece?
A: Ace’s arc introduces key emotional stakes, connects major pirate factions, and serves as a defining moment in Luffy’s character development.