Ace in One Piece: If you’ve been following One Piece live-action news as closely as I have, this is the update you’ve been waiting for. Netflix just confirmed who’s playing Portgas D. Ace, and honestly, it’s a choice that makes total sense.
After weeks of speculation, it’s official: Xolo Maridueña, the breakout star from Cobra Kai and Blue Beetle, will be taking on the role of Fire Fist Ace in One Piece live-action Season 3. Yeah, you read that right, our favorite fire-wielding big brother is coming to live action, and Netflix clearly isn’t holding back.
Ace Joins the Crew (Kind Of)
If you’re new to the One Piece world, Ace isn’t just another pirate. He’s Luffy’s brother, a Flame-Flame Fruit user, and one of the most beloved characters in the entire series. The guy literally sets the world on fire, both with his powers and his charisma.
From what Netflix has shared, Ace is expected to make his first appearance in Season 2’s post-credit scene, setting up his full entry in Season 3. That’s a clever move, teasing a fan-favorite character right at the end is classic One Piece energy.
And if the show sticks to the anime’s timeline, we’ll probably see Ace dive into action during the Arabasta arc. It’s the perfect place to introduce him, full of emotional beats, desert battles, and the kind of brotherly moments fans have been waiting to see brought to life.
Why Xolo Maridueña Is a Great Choice
Casting Ace is tricky. He’s got that mix of charm, fire, and tragedy that can’t be faked. But Xolo? He’s got the right energy.
He’s already proved himself as a young hero in Blue Beetle, balancing humor and heart while carrying an entire movie on his shoulders. And in Cobra Kai, he nailed that mix of confidence and emotional depth that Ace absolutely needs.
Ace isn’t just strong, he’s complex. And if Xolo can bring that same emotional layering he’s shown before, we might be looking at one of the most faithful live-action anime portrayals yet.
The Hype Is Real
Netflix is clearly going all-in on One Piece. With Season 2 already filming and Season 3 cast news dropping early, it feels like the creators know exactly what the fans want: more world-building, more beloved characters, and higher emotional stakes.
And let’s be honest, the moment Ace shows up, even for a few seconds in a post-credits teaser, the internet is going to lose it.
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The Good and the Bad So Far
| The Good | The Bad |
|---|---|
| Xolo Maridueña is a solid, fan-approved casting choice for Ace. | Still no official teaser or first-look image of Ace — we’re all dying to see the costume. |
| Netflix’s early Season 3 casting shows confidence in the show’s future. | Some fans worry about pacing if too many major characters appear too soon. |
| Perfect setup with a post-credit tease in Season 2. | Live-action anime adaptations always walk a fine line between hype and high expectations. |
| The Arabasta arc promises emotional depth and big moments. | We’ll have to wait till next year to see Ace in action. |
Final Thoughts
I’ll be honest, when One Piece live-action first dropped, I wasn’t sure how it would hold up. But Netflix actually pulled it off, and each casting update keeps the excitement alive.
Bringing in Xolo Maridueña as Ace feels like a genuinely smart move, someone who’s got both the acting chops and the fan credibility to handle such an iconic role. If done right, Ace’s arrival could be the emotional anchor that pushes the live-action adaptation from “surprisingly good” to “truly great.”
So yeah, I’m hyped. Season 2 can’t come soon enough, and if we get even a 10-second glimpse of Fire Fist Ace lighting up the screen, it’ll be worth the wait.
