Netflix has just dropped a casting bomb that could incinerate Going Merry.
Xolo Maridueña, known for his breakout performance in Cobra Kai and DC’s Blue Beetle, will be making his official entrance in the live-action adaptation of One Piece as Portgas D. Ace in Season 3. That’s right – Rubberhead’s elder brother is finally getting his live-action adaptation, and his live-action version will be embodied by one of Hollywood’s brightest new stars.
This is just a casting announcement, and it has sparked a firestorm of reactions across social networks, gaining over a million views in just one hour following a declaration by the official One Piece Netflix page.
What Does Portgas D. Ace Mean to One Piece Fans?
Portgas D. Ace is more than just an older brother to Monkey D. Luffy. He is a legend, a Whitebeard pirate, a well-loved guardian, and one of the most emotionally charged characters that Eiichiro Oda has ever created.
“Ace’s story has continued to traumatize audiences in the past two decades. Therefore, yes, expectations have been sky high.”
First impressions are that the fandom is welcoming to Xolo. His natural congeniality and physicality were often highlighted as qualities that are paramount in making Ace a mix of big brotherly caring and hot-headed passion.
When Will We See Him
Season 3 of the show is scheduled to recommence filming later this year in Cape Town, South Africa, where it has been filming from the start. Netflix has not announced a release date for Season 3 yet, but now that we have this latest casting update, it’s official: the fire is lit.
