Blue Beetle Star in One Piece Season 3
An absolute fan favorite finally makes an appearance
"One Piece" Season 2 is about to set sail – but there is already news about Season 3! For a long time, there were rumors about the casting of Portgas D. Ace, the supposed brother of Luffy. Now, those rumors have finally come true: Netflix announced that Xolo Maridueña will take on the role. He is best known for his work in the series "Cobra Kai" and the superhero film "Blue Beetle".
In addition to Maridueña, another new cast member was recently confirmed: the flamboyant character Bon Clay will be played by Cole Escola. Filming for the third season is set to begin later this year in Cape Town. But first, Season 2 awaits us on Netflix – starting March 10, 2026.
The most popular characters from the "One Piece" universe: heroes, legends and pirates with heart
For more than a quarter of a century, "One Piece" has fascinated millions of people worldwide. The story of Monkey D. Ruffy and his crew has long been more than just a manga or anime – it is a global phenomenon. Author Eiichirō Oda has created a universe that is bursting with creativity, humor and emotion. In addition to the exciting plot, it is above all the unique characters that captivate fans to this day. Each of them has dreams, weaknesses and values that viewers can identify with. Here are the most popular characters from the world of "One Piece".
Monkey D. Luffy: The unshakeable dreamer
First and foremost, of course, is Monkey D. Luffy, the cheerful, fearless captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. His biggest dream is to find the legendary "One Piece" and become pirate king. Luffy has become a rubber man thanks to the gomu-gomu fruit and can stretch his body at will. However, it is not his powers but his heart that make him a symbolic figure: he fights for freedom, friendship and good – and will not let anything deter him from his path. His courage and boundless energy inspire fans all over the world.
Roronoa Zoro: The swordsman with a code of honor
Zoro was the first member to join Luffy and is considered one of the strongest swordsmen of the seas. With his three swords – the famous "Santoryu" technique – he strives to become the best in the world. His iron discipline and indomitable will make him a rock in the surf of the Straw Hat crew. Zoro is not only a warrior, but also a symbol of loyalty – even if he regularly gets lost in a new town.
Nami: The navigator with brains and heart
Nami is the strategic genius of the gang. Her talent for reading the sea and predicting storms makes her indispensable. Her story is one of loss and hope – she became a pirate to save her homeland. Today, she is pursuing her dream of drawing a complete map of the world. With her blend of intelligence, courage and empathy, Nami stands for the belief that knowledge and heart can go hand in hand.
Sanji: The cook with the golden leg
Sanji, the cook of the Straw Hats, is not only known for his culinary skills, but also for his elegance in battle. He uses only his legs to protect his hands for cooking. His dream is to find the legendary sea All Blue, where all the world's fish species come together. Sanji's polite nature, his sense of humor and his big heart make him one of the most likeable characters in the series.
Tony Tony Chopper: The brave reindeer
The talking reindeer Chopper is the crew's doctor. The human-human fruit allows him to switch between different forms. Although he often appears shy and childlike, he always shows great courage when his friends are in danger. With his warmth and unwavering belief in goodness, Chopper is one of the most emotional characters in the series – and undoubtedly a fan favorite.
Nico Robin: The scholar with a dark past
Nico Robin, the Straw Hats' archaeologist, brings knowledge and calm to the crew. Her dream is to decipher the true history of the world that lies hidden in the mysterious poneglyphs. Her tragic past and her development from a hunted criminal to a beloved member of the crew make her one of the most profound characters in the "One Piece" universe.
Franky: The cyborg with a heart of steel
The eccentric shipbuilder Franky is not only known for his technical skills, but also for his loud but loving character. He built the ship Thousand Sunny, which carries the Straw Hat Gang across the seas. Behind his metallic façade lies a loyal friend with a huge heart.
Brook: the musician with a soul
Brook, the living skeleton, keeps things light with his music and black humor. But behind the jokes lies a moving story about loss, loneliness and the power of hope. His dream of seeing his old girlfriend – the whale cow Laboon – again still moves fans to tears today.
Portgas D. Ace: The brother who became a legend
Ace, Luffy's older adopted brother, was a proud and courageous pirate. As the son of pirate king Gol D. Roger and a member of the Whitebeard pirates, he embodied pride and sacrifice. His tragic fate is one of the most emotional moments in the series and has finally made him a legend.
Shanks: The man who started it all
Shanks, the red-haired pirate, inspired Ruffy to become a pirate himself. As one of the four emperors of the seas, he stands for strength, calm and dignity. Each of his rare appearances is a source of excitement for fans – he symbolizes the ideal of a free, honourable pirate.
Trafalgar D. Law: The cool strategist
Law, also known as the "Surgeon of Death", is one of the most popular supporting characters. He can manipulate body parts or entire rooms with his Ope-Ope fruit. His mysterious, serious nature and tragic past make him a fascinating anti-hero.
Conclusion
The "One Piece" universe lives from its characters. Every character – whether hero, friend or rival – embodies an idea: courage, loyalty, freedom or knowledge. This diversity makes the series an epic about dreams, humanity and self-belief. Perhaps this is the secret of its success: in a world full of pirates, "One Piece" shows what it really means to live your own adventure.
