Netflix's 'One Piece' Season 3 kicks off production in South Africa, accompanied by major cast updates
The Straw Hat crew is officially back in action. Netflix has kicked off production on the third season of its hit live-action 'One Piece' series, with cameras now rolling in Cape Town, South Africa, as reported by Variety. The update marks the next major step in the streamer's ambitious plan to continue adapting Eiichiro Oda's iconic pirate saga for a global audience. Season 3 was confirmed months ago, long before fans see what awaits them in the second season. Netflix renewed the series early as a show of confidence, greenlighting another installment ahead of Season 2's debut, which is scheduled to arrive on March 10, 2026, according to The Mirror.
With development already well underway, the streamer appears committed to keeping its momentum strong and reducing the gap between seasons. This is something fans appreciate after the success of the first chapter. Along with the production announcement, several cast upgrades were revealed. Mikaela Hoover, who is set to debut as Tony Tony Chopper, has been elevated to series regular status after joining the ensemble in Season 2. Joe Manganiello, playing Mr. 0, also moves into a central role for the third season. Lera Abova (Miss All Sunday) and Sendhil Ramamurthy (Nefertari Cobra) have likewise been promoted.
These returning players join the core Straw Hat actors: Iñaki Godoy as the ever-cheerful captain Monkey D. Luffy, Mackenyu as the stoic swordsman Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as navigator Nami, Jacob Romero as sharpshooter Usopp, and Taz Skylar as master chef Sanji. Season 3 also strengthens its ensemble with previously announced newcomers. Charithra Chandran joins as Miss Wednesday, Cole Escola steps into the fan-favorite role of Bon Clay, and 'Cobra Kai' star Xolo Maridueña will portray Portgas D. Ace.
Before the series reaches those chapters, however, Season 2 will chart the crew's entry into one of the most iconic locations in the franchise: the Grand Line. The upcoming season, titled 'One Piece: Into the Grand Line', will expand the show's scale with stranger islands, more elaborate threats, and higher stakes. In this direction, Netflix's official synopsis promises that Luffy and his crewmates will encounter both breathtaking wonders and dangerous new adversaries as they continue their quest for the world's most elusive treasure. Behind the scenes, the creative leadership is also shifting as the show grows.
Season 2 is shepherded by co-showrunners Matt Owens and Joe Tracz, who also serve as writers and executive producers. For Season 3, showrunner duties pass to Joe Tracz and Ian Stokes, who will oversee the next chapter's narrative structure and worldbuilding. Their work is supported by a large team of executive producers, including original manga creator Eiichiro Oda, Tomorrow Studios' Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements, Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes, Christoph Schrewe, and Steven Maeda. Produced in partnership with Shueisha and Tomorrow Studios, the live-action 'One Piece' series has become one of Netflix's most carefully crafted franchise projects.
