Is Ace in ‘One Piece’ Season 2? Netflix confirms major plans for Monkey D. Luffy's sworn brother
Putting an end to a long wait, all eight episodes of 'One Piece' Season 2 are now streaming on Netflix. While the sophomore season of the live-action show based on the Manga universe created by Eiichiro Oda mostly stays true to its source material, it introduces a few changes here and there. Fans of the Manga were eagerly looking forward to the introduction of the beloved character Portgas D. Ace, also known as Ace in short. Widely referred to as the sworn brother of Monkey D. Luffy and the wielder of the Flame-Flame Fruit, Ace isn't just a supporting character, but an integral part of the universe of 'One Piece'. But what about his inclusion in Season 2?
Despite high expectations surrounding Ace's appearance in Season 2, he wasn't introduced in the show's latest batch of episodes. One must keep in mind that the second season adapts the manga source material from the Loguetown arcs and through to Drum Island. Members of the audience were justified in expecting Ace's appearance in the second season, as that is the same spot, plot-wise, where he appears in the manga.
The eighth and final episode of 'One Piece' Season 2 rapidly sets things up for the upcoming Alabasta storyline to be covered in Season 3, and doesn't make any mention of Ace. Heartbreaking as that might be, there's a much more practical reason behind Ace's disappearance. Netflix has confirmed that the casting for Ace is officially over, with actor Xolo Maridueña having landed the role. Maridueña is known for portraying Miguel Diaz in 'Cobra Kai', and for helming 'Blue Beetle' at DC.
Maridueña's casting was finalized in late 2025. By that time, the sophomore season had already finished filming. Owing to the exigencies of film production, Maridueña couldn't be introduced in Season 2, even with a little cameo.
The show's makers subsequently decided to introduce Maridueña as Ace in a proper, befitting fashion in the upcoming third season. This decision carries narrative sanction from the manga source material since Ace isn't someone whom the live-action show can trifle with. He is a major character who crosses paths with Luffy at numerous important junctures in the storyline.
He has a strikingly fearless disposition and is intensely loyal. These qualities allow him to harness one of the most awe-inspiring Devil Fruit abilities. His induction into the narrative would go a long way in raising the stakes. Moreover, the scenes involving Luffy and Ace are poised to be among the most emotionally potent in the show. Thereafter, if Ace were to appear in the premiere episode of 'One Piece' season three, the Netflix live-action adaptation wouldn't have to give its success a second thought.
