Netflix has officially resumed filming for the third season of its global hit One Piece, returning for a third consecutive year to Cape Town, South Africa. Production kicked off on November 25, 2025, with more than 200 filming days scheduled. The shoot is set to wrap up on June 19, 2026, further cementing Cape Town’s reputation as a leading international production hub.
Returning to the Grand Line
Based on Eiichiro Oda’s legendary and best-selling Japanese manga, the live-action adaptation follows Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates on their quest for the mythical treasure known as the One Piece. After the enormous success of the first season—which broke global viewing records and earned widespread critical acclaim—Netflix renewed the show early for Season 3, even before the premiere of the highly anticipated second season, One Piece: Into the Grand Line, scheduled to debut on March 10, 2026.
Season 3 promises to continue Luffy’s adventure on the Grand Line, diving deeper into the vast and treacherous world of pirates, camaraderie, and freedom. With filming now underway, fans can expect Netflix’s most ambitious live-action production yet to push the series’ world-building even further.
The Returning Cast
Iñaki Godoy reprises his role as Monkey D. Luffy, joined once again by Mackenyu as Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji. Charithra Chandran, who portrays Miss Wednesday, is also back for the new season.
Several members introduced in Season 2—Mikaela Hoover (Tony Tony Chopper), Joe Manganiello (Mr. 0), Lera Abova (Miss All Sunday), and Sendhil Ramamurthy (Nefertari Cobra)—have been promoted to series regulars for Season 3.
The upcoming season will also welcome exciting new additions: Daisy Head will play Miss Doublefinger, Awdo Awdo portrays Mr. 1, Cole Escola joins as the flamboyant assassin Bon Clay, and Xolo Maridueña—known from Blue Beetle—takes on the role of Portgas D. Ace.
Production and Creative Team
Cape Town Film Studios remains the heart of the production, equipped with tailor-made large-scale sets and soundstages to recreate the vibrant world of One Piece. Iconic shooting sites such as The Orion building and several coastal areas will again feature prominently.
Behind the scenes, Joe Tracz and Matt Owens serve as showrunners and executive producers, with Tracz co-writing the season alongside Ian Stokes. Other executive producers include Eiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes, Christoph Schrewe, and Steven Maeda, under the banner of Tomorrow Studios in collaboration with Shueisha and Netflix.
Cape Town’s Growing Global Role
The continued presence of One Piece in South Africa underscores Cape Town’s emergence as a global filmmaking destination, capable of hosting large-scale, long-running international productions. The series has already earned critical recognition, including a WGA Award for its pilot episode and two Emmy Awards for original song and stunt coordination.
As production for Season 3 gathers momentum, both Netflix and the South African film industry stand to benefit from the expanding success of this ambitious adaptation—proving that One Piece’s adventurous spirit isn’t confined to the high seas alone, but is alive and thriving in the heart of Cape Town.
