Fans of the popular anime series One Piece might get to see the third season sooner than many expect.
Netflix's adaptation of One Piece just dropped its second season – all 16 episodes were made available on Wednesday, March 10th.
The show is based on the popular Japanese manga by Eiichiro Oda. The story follows a young pirate, Monkey D. Luffy, portrayed by Iñaki Godoy. Luffy dreams of becoming the King of the Pirates.
To achieve his goal, he and his Straw Hat crew navigate the dangerous Grand Line, a sea route spanning the globe, searching for the legendary treasure known as One Piece.
What's the second season about?
In the second season, the crew faces even more dangerous opponents and embarks on riskier adventures than ever before.
The official synopsis describes their new journey like this:
“Luffy and the Straw Hats set sail on the extraordinary Grand Line – the legendary stretch of sea where danger and wonder await at every turn. On their journey through this unpredictable world in search of the world's greatest treasure, they encounter bizarre islands and a host of powerful new enemies.”
Perfect ratings
The new episodes are doing great so far. On Rotten Tomatoes, they've received a perfect 100% rating from critics and about 95% from viewers.
The third season is already in the works
The third season is officially confirmed. Netflix announced back in November that the production of new episodes is already underway in Cape Town, South Africa.
Fans can also look forward to new familiar faces in the cast. For instance, actor Xolo Maridueña, known from Cobra Kai, will play the character Portgas D. Ace. Cole Escola from Big Mouth will appear as the eccentric assassin Bon Clay.
The creators have also announced other new characters from Baroque Works. Actress Daisy Head, known from Shadow and Bone, will play Miss Doublefinger, and actor Awdo Awdo will portray Mr. 1.
When might the third season arrive?
The exact premiere date hasn't been announced yet. Between the first season in August 2023 and the second in March 2026, about two and a half years passed.
This delay was mainly caused by events in Hollywood, specifically the strike in 2023, which affected the production of many shows and movies.
The good news is that this time, the wait could be shorter. Since filming has been going on since last year, new episodes could appear by the end of 2027 or early 2028. However, Netflix hasn't officially confirmed a timeline yet.
