Summary
One Piece season 2 of the Netflix adaptation will feature the return of the cast from the first season, ensuring continuity for fans of the series.
The second season holds great potential for welcoming a multitude of characters from different story arcs, truly heightening the anticipation and speculation for fans.
Fans have been particularly intrigued by the casting possibilities for iconic characters such as Crocodile, Nico Robin, Smoker, and Tashigi. Actors like Michael Madsen and Eiza González, who are highly esteemed in their field, have generated considerable excitement and admiration for their potential portrayals of these roles.
Netflix's adaptation of One Piece received praise from viewers for its accurate casting of the original characters. With the show already confirmed for a second season, fans are left speculating about which familiar characters will make appearances and the actors who will portray them. One Piece is known for its unique and unforgettable characters, whether they are human or otherworldly. Eiichiro Oda's art style brilliantly complements his characters, captivating viewers without even needing to read a single page.
The return of the cast from the first season of One Piece reassures fans of the manga, anime, and live-action series that the actors who brought the Straw Hats to life will be back for season 2. Although there is limited information about the second season at this time, there is a wide array of characters who could potentially play significant or supporting roles, or even make cameo appearances. Given Oda's extensive creation of characters since 1999, virtually any character from any arc could appear in One Piece's second season.
Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers for the One Piece anime and manga.
10 Crocodile - Michael Madsen
Known by various aliases to stay one step ahead of the law, Crocodile, the merciless head of a criminal empire, is instantly recognizable by his commanding presence, a distinctive facial scar, a gleaming golden hook in place of his left hand, and a perpetually dangling cigar. When contemplating the perfect actor to embody the intimidating leader of Baroque Works, there is one name that unquestionably stands out - Michael Madsen.
9 Nico Robin - Eiza González
: Madsen's remarkable performances in Reservoir Dogs, Donnie Brasco, and The Hateful Eight have firmly established him as a Tarantino regular who effortlessly portrays characters on the wrong side of the law. Despite the majority of his roles being psychopaths or sociopaths, Madsen skillfully injects his characters with a certain vulnerability and even elicits sympathy from the audience. With over forty years of industry experience, Madsen's veteran status adds an intriguing dynamic when paired with the emerging talent of today. When envisioning the ideal candidate for the slicked-back hair, gravelly-voiced character known as the notorious Crocodile, Madsen unquestionably rises above the competition.Nico Robin serves as the archaeologist of the Straw Hat Pirates, accompanying them on their two ships, the Going Merry and Thousand Sunny. Alongside her remarkable beauty and intelligence, Robin possesses a calm and kind demeanor, often assuming a motherly role among her fellow crewmates. While she exudes warmth and approachability, Robin will not hesitate to show her stern side when confronted with blatant ignorance, as demonstrated during the Skypiea arc when she scolds Yama for negligently destroying invaluable artifacts.
Eiza González, the Mexican actress and singer, has carved a niche for herself in Hollywood with her captivating performances in films like Alita: Battle Angel, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Ambulance. With her ability to convincingly portray sophisticated and cunning villains, González has established herself as a rising talent. Now, at the age of 33, she possesses the charm, maturity, and life experience needed to embody the role of Robin with precision.
8 Smoker - Alan Ritchson
Smoker, the Commander of the G-5 Marine base and a Marine vice admiral, is introduced in a distinctive way. Unlike the character Crocodile, Smoker is consistently seen with a cigar in his mouth, creating a cloud of smoke that envelops him - hence his name. Known for his audacious and insubordinate nature, Smoker quickly garnered a dedicated fan following who saw him as the ideal counterpart to the Straw Hat Pirates. As the first season of One Piece reaches its conclusion, viewers are given a glimpse of Smoker's forthcoming appearance in the second season. However, the excitement of speculating or even imagining the perfect actors to portray these beloved characters is always a thrilling pastime.
Alan Ritchson, a multi-talented individual, ventured into the entertainment industry almost two decades ago through his involvement in American Idol and Smallville. Although not widely recognized, Ritchson possesses the physical attributes necessary to portray a character like Smoker in terms of both physique and stature. Additionally, his recent portrayal of Jack Reacher in the Reacher television series highlights his aptitude for executing challenging stunts, a crucial aspect for Smoker's numerous encounters with the Straw Hat crew.
7 Tashigi - Natasha Liu Bordizzo
When discussing Smoker, it is impossible to overlook his pupil, Tashigi. Renowned for her unwavering devotion to Smoker and her exceptional sword skills, she consistently demonstrates that she possesses more than just beauty. However, one characteristic of Tashigi that sets her apart is her constant clumsiness, which greatly annoys Smoker.
Natasha Liu Bordizzo, the Australian actress known for her remarkable acting skills, first made a splash in the entertainment industry in the 2016 Netflix film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny." This wuxia masterpiece, helmed by the legendary fight choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, marked Bordizzo's acting debut. To ensure authenticity in her portrayal, Bordizzo underwent extensive martial arts training to master the art of wielding a blade on-screen. Not only did she impress in this project, but she also showcased her talent and skill in "Ahsoka," where she once again flawlessly handled a bladed weapon. With her exceptional acting abilities and her extensive background in sword fighting, Bordizzo is the ideal choice to breathe new life into the character of Tashigi in the highly anticipated second season of "One Piece."
6 Dr. Kureha - Jamie Lee Curtis
Dubbed the "witch" by fans, Dr. Kureha makes her entrance in the Drum Island arc. With her intelligence, wit, and impressive combat skills, Dr. Kureha stands out as one of Oda's most distinct characters - a noteworthy feat given the eccentric cast encountered in each story arc. Beyond her peculiarities, she nurtures a warm and mentoring relationship with several Straw Hats, especially Chopper.
Iconic scream queen, veteran actress, and Jamie Lee Curtis, the fancasting choice for Kureha, has garnered attention with her recent response to the news. In a display of her professionalism, Curtis has agreed to advocate for the role, provided that labor unions can reach a fair deal amidst the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes. With her remarkable talent in both drama and comedy, Curtis' potential involvement is yet another reason why One Piece season 2 holds great promise.
5 Nefertari Vivi - Bella Ramsey
Nefertari Vivi, a former member of the Straw Hats Pirates, gained immense popularity among fans for her captivating design and amiable personality. Despite her royal status, Vivi defies expectations by displaying humility and independence. She consistently exhibits strength and selflessness, choosing to rely on herself rather than others. Additionally, Vivi's exceptional bravery shines through as she fearlessly confronts adversaries who clearly surpass her in power.
Bella Ramsey, renowned for their exceptional performances in Game of Thrones and the highly praised live-action adaptation, The Last of Us, has swiftly emerged as a rising star. Despite their tender age, Ramsey has already showcased immense talent, portraying characters with remarkable maturity, and is steadily establishing themselves as one of the industry's finest. Additionally, considering Ramsey and Vivi are currently of the same age, it is not difficult to envision Ramsey accurately portraying the struggles and challenges faced by a young adult.
4 Wapol - Jack Black
During the Drum Island arc, a new character named Wapol was introduced. Wapol, a powerful and dominant figure, used to be a malicious ruler until he was defeated by the Straw Hat Pirates. Despite being the main antagonist of the Drum Island arc, Wapol quickly became popular due to his remarkable personality and comically eccentric appearance. Jack Black would be a perfect fit to portray Wapol in the live-action adaptation, considering his background in comedic roles and his charming off-screen persona. Through the utilization of prosthetics and clever camera techniques, Black could effectively portray a formidable threat to the Straw Hat pirates in One Piece season 2.
3 Monkey D. Dragon - Jimmy Smits
Monkey D. Dragon has garnered a reputation for being the "World's Worst Criminal" and for being the father of Monkey D. Luffy. He first appeared in the Loguetown arc, where he demonstrated his occasional aid to Luffy and provided covert support whenever necessary. Unlike his son, Dragon exudes an air of austerity and mystery, leaving audiences to ponder his true intentions. Jimmy Smits is widely recognized for portraying Bail Organa in the Star Wars franchise, but he has also received critical acclaim for his roles in Dexter, The West Wing, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Although Smits is often associated with portraying lawful characters, it would be intriguing to witness this seasoned actor delve into the realm of the lawless.
2 Tony Tony Chopper - Brina Palencina (Voice)
Tony Tony Chopper, the adorable reindeer we meet during the Drum Island arc, has become a beloved character among fans of the Straw Hat Pirates. With his spunky personality and unwavering loyalty to his friends, Chopper has captured the hearts of many. While there hasn't been an official announcement yet, there are hints that Chopper may make an appearance in the second season of One Piece, much to the delight of his fans. When it comes to bringing Chopper to life, the decision between practical effects and CGI hasn't been finalized. However, if CGI is chosen, it would be fitting for Brina Palencina, his talented voice actress, to portray the character, given her previous success with audiences.
1 Portgas D. Ace - Xolo Maridueña
Appearing in the Arabasta arc, Portgas D. Ace has garnered a strong fan base and earned immense respect as one of the most beloved characters in the One Piece series. As the older brother of Monkey D. Luffy, Ace quickly became one of Oda's most successful creations due to his distinctive appearance and appealing personality. Tragically, Admiral Sakazuki murdered Ace while protecting Luffy from a fatal attack. Though devastating, this selfless act solidified Ace's status as a legendary figure.
Xolo Maridueña possesses qualities that make him a perfect fit for the role of Ace. With a similar age to the character, Maridueña's breakthrough performance as Jamie Reyes/Blue Beetle has generated excitement for his potential as a top-tier actor. Alongside his notable role in Blue Beetle, Maridueña has captivated audiences as Miguel Diaz in Cobra Kai, making it easy to envision him tackling the challenges associated with embodying the athletic and charismatic Ace in the second season of One Piece.