Summary
Xolo Maridueña spoke about his desire to play Ace in Netflix’s live-actionOne Pieceadaptation, addressing rumors that he’s been cast in the role for season 2. Maridueña, who plays Miguel Diaz onCobra Kai, is preparing to bid farewell to the long-running dojo dramedy as it will sign off in 2025. But, according to the online push that’s been calling for him to portray Portgas D. Ace, he could have another big role lined up withOne Pieceseason 2.
On a recent episode of theLone Lobospodcast, which he co-hosts, Maridueña talked about the casting rumor. He saidit would be a dream to play Ace, the older brother of Luffy(Iñaki Godoy), andindicated that he hasn’t actually been castfor season 2 yet. Read the quote below:
Not yet. It’s a dream, but at the same time, it has to be right. I’ve got to audition for it. I’ve got to go the same route as everyone else. Unless they’re like, ‘Hey, this guy here is so perfect’.
Maridueña’s Previous Roles Make Him A Good Choice For Ace
The Character Has Elements Of Maridueña’s Previous Characters
Ace’s story, at least at first, offers the chance for Maridueña to shine in a scene-stealing supporting part.
The casting of Ace is important toOne Piece, with Maridueña being a great choice. Ace demonstratessimilar character aspects to Miguel inCobra Kaiand Jaime Reyes inBlue Beetle,both of whom have been portrayed by Maridueña. Luffy’s older brother has the sort of politeness and good nature that define the actor’s two most well-known characters. At the time, however, there would be an advantage to playing Ace that Maridueña hasn’t gotten to enjoy as much with his other roles.
Ace is a comedic character, with an insatiable appetite and running gags that would give the rising performer a more consistent opportunity to showcase his lighter side. Those moments have popped up inCobra KaiandBlue Beetle. But in the case of the Emmy-nominatedKarate Kidspinoff, the narrative has always leaned in a melodramatic direction. As forBlue Beetle, though there were several funny moments, Maridueña still had to balance different tones as the lead of the DCU movie. Ace’s story, at least at first,offers the chance for Maridueña to shine in a scene-stealing supporting part.
Netflix’s One Piece Season 1 Ending Explained (In Detail)
One Piece season 1’s ending may bring the first chapter of Netflix’s live-action adaptation to a close, but it’s only the beginning for Luffy.
The anime adaptation, currently filming new episodes in South Africa, has already revealed severalcast additions forOne Pieceseason 2, including Daniel Lasker, Camrus Johnson, Jazzara Jaslyn, and David Dastmalchian, as Mr. 9, Mr. 5, Miss Valentine, and Mr. 3, respectively. That’s in addition to Clive Russell, Brendan Murray, and Werner Coetser, who play Crocus, Brogy, and Dorry. There’s no word yet on who might play Ace, but there’s a solid case to be made for Maridueña.
One Piece
Cast
One Piece follows young pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew as they embark on a daring quest for treasure. Released in 2023, the film brings the adventurous world of the popular manga to life, capturing Luffy’s relentless pursuit of the legendary One Piece treasure.
