Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation has done something few anime remakes ever manage, because it has captured the spirit of Eiichiro Oda’s sprawling pirate epic without losing its heart. With production for Season 3 officially underway, the casting of Cobra Kai star Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace has electrified fans, and for good reason.

From his natural charisma to his emotional range, Maridueña feels like a casting choice that was destined to happen. His chemistry with Iñaki Godoy (Luffy) has fans buzzing, and the moment the two appeared together, it already felt like the brotherly bond between Ace and Luffy had leapt off the manga’s pages. Netflix didn’t just find an actor who looks like Ace, they found one who embodies him.

Xolo Maridueña Brings Ace’s Fire to Life

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