Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the manga anime seriesOne Pieceis already a giant hit going into its second season, not least because its main hero Monkey D. Luffy has been perfectly cast. So far, young Mexican actor Iñaki Godoy has nailed his performance as Luffy, the legendary captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. But this inspired piece of casting has given showrunners Matt Owens and Joe Tracz a potential headache for seasons 2 and 3, when Luffy’s adoptive big brother Ace is set to enter the fray.
Concern among fans thatNetflix may not include Ace in upcoming seasons of the live-actionOne Piecehas more-or-less been put to bed, following updates about where the show will take its story next. With the announcement that Joe Manganiello will play the villainous pirateSir Crocodile in season 2 ofOne Piece, the appearance of Ace is effectively guaranteed, given that both characters primarily feature in the manga’s Baroque Works Saga. A question mark remains, though, overwhich actor will be teaming up with Godoy to play his character’s brother.
One Piece’s Perfect Live-Action Luffy Sets The Bar High For Netflix’s Ace Actor
Luffy Actor Iñaki Godoy Is An All-Round Pirate Hero
Iñaki Godoy strikes the ideal balance between a shōnen manga sketch and a flesh-and-blood teen herorequired of him to play the live-action version of Monkey D. Luffy. He faithfully honors the comic book tradition from which his character is derived, through exaggerated physical gestures, a winning smile with a pirate’s glint in his eye, and his infectious cry of “Whoo!” whenever it’s time to celebrate.
He faithfully honors the comic book tradition from which his character is derived, through exaggerated physical gestures, a winning smile with a pirate’s glint in his eye, and his infectious cry of “Whoo!”
Yet hisLuffy is also sensitive and emotionally layered. Whenever his actions are particularly reckless or daring, we can see the strength of feeling motivating him to act etched across his face. Despite the goofy quality to his character that Godoy retains from the anime,Luffy in Netflix’sOne Pieceis clearly a smart kid, too, as well as a born leader. Whoever plays Ace has his work cut out living up to this level of all-round heroism and charisma, to prove that Luffy’s command of a pirate crew runs in the family.
Why Casting The Right Ace Is So Important For Netflix’s One Piece Show
Ace Could Play A Bigger Role Than He Does In The Anime Version Of One Piece
Portgas D. Ace is the big brother everyone wants to have, who’s on hand to protect his younger sibling when it’s needed most. That’s whythe actor who ends up playing Ace should have great on-screen chemistry with Iñaki Godoy, to portray the kind of intuitive bond only pirates who are sworn brothers could share. Their chemistry will be especially important during Ace’s intervention to save Luffy and his crew from Smoker. This storyline is one thatOne Piece’s live-action adaptation will struggle to replicate from the anime, so casting the right Ace is essential to making it work.
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More broadly, recruiting the right actor for the role is so important becauseAce could appear more in the live-actionOne Piecethan he did in the anime series. The announcement of Crocodile as a main character in season 2 suggests that the show will go deeper into his backstory. The same could be true ofAce, who has an extensive backstorythat ties him to Luffy’s aim of becoming the Pirate King. While his origins were only explored after the fact in the originalOne Piecemanga, Netflix’s show has the opportunity to make them a subplot in upcoming seasons.
The Most Popular Ace Fancast Would Be A Great Choice For Netflix’s One Piece
Fans Have Been Suggesting Xolo Maridueña For The Part
What better choice would there be to play Ace thanan actor who’s known to be friends with Iñaki Godoy, and already has extensive experience performing in onscreen fight scenes? The internet went into meltdown last September when Godoy went to hang out withBlue Beetlestar Xolo Maridueña on the set of Netflix’s martial arts seriesCobra Kai(viaAS). Godoy’s set visit followed Maridueña’s positiveresponse to the rumor he’d be cast as Ace inOne Piece.
This has long been the casting decision fans have been calling for. The two actors obviously get on, and Maridueña is the perfect age and height to play Luffy’s protective big brother. What’s more, his experience both as a karate kid and superhero should stand him in good stead to enter the fearsome world of pirates, marines and warloads of the sea. He’s ready forOne Piece, and the role of Ace should be ready and waiting for him soon.
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.
