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Netflix’s One Piece season 3 is now in full production in Cape Town, South Africa. The live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s legendary manga has already been filming for months, with the Alabasta arc set to dominate the upcoming season. Here’s what fans need to know about the epic third season underway.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Production Status: Filming began November 24, 2025, and will wrap by June 19, 2026.
- Location: All scenes being shot at Cape Town Film Studios in South Africa, just like seasons 1 and 2.
- Storyline: Season 3 will focus entirely on the Alabasta arc, covering manga chapters 155-217.
- Cast Expansion: New stars like Xolo Maridueña as Ace and Cole Escola as Bon Clay join the returning crew.
Where Production Stands Right Now
Filming is well underway as of March 2026, with cameras rolling for over four months already. The production schedule spans more than 200 days of shooting, making season 3 the most ambitious installment yet. Cape Town Film Studios has proven the perfect base of operations, with the picturesque South African location providing stunning backdrops for the pirate adventure.
The original Straw Hat crew has reassembled, including Iñaki Godoy as Luffy, Emily Rudd as Nami, Mackenyu as Zoro, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji. New additions like Awdo Awdo as Mr. 1 and Daisy Head as Miss Doublefinger are already on set bringing the Alabasta saga to life.
One Piece season 3 production underway in Cape Town with Alabasta arc
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Why Alabasta Arc Makes Season 3 Game-Changing
The Alabasta arc represents the Straw Hats’ darkest and most emotionally charged adventure so far. The kingdom faces a devastating civil war engineered in secret by Crocodile, one of the seven deadly Warlords of the Sea. Princess Vivi becomes central to the action as Luffy’s crew fights to save her nation from destruction. This arc is significantly longer than previous storylines, spanning 62 manga chapters across the anime adaptation.
Joe Manganiello’s expanded role as Mr. 0, aka Crocodile, promises to deliver one of the series’ most menacing villains. Lera Abova returns as Nico Robin, and the ensemble of Baroque Works operatives ensures constant high-stakes conflict throughout the season.
New Cast Members Bringing Iconic Characters to Life
| Character | Actor | Known For |
| Portgas D. Ace | Xolo Maridueña | Cobra Kai |
| Bon Clay | Cole Escola | Broadway and Oh, Mary |
| Mr. 1 | Awdo Awdo | Emerging talent |
| Miss Doublefinger | Daisy Head | Shadow and Bone, Dungeons and Dragons |
Xolo Maridueña, who captured hearts in Cobra Kai, joins as Portgas D. Ace, a controversial character central to the arc’s emotional climax. Cole Escola, the Tony Award winner, brings theatrical flair to the flamboyant Bon Clay. These new additions complement the returning cast seamlessly.
“Production on the third season has begun in Cape Town, South Africa, with Ian Stokes joining Joe Tracz as co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer. New and exciting cast members have already been announced for some fan favorites.”
— Netflix Official Statement, Season 3 Announcement
When Can Fans Expect One Piece Season 3 Release?
With filming scheduled to wrap in June 2026, the post-production timeline suggests a release window of June 2027 through August 2027 at the earliest. Each episode costs between 15 million to 20 million dollars, making this a major Netflix investment. The network is taking time to deliver the quality the franchise deserves, ensuring animation, editing, and visual effects are flawless.
Showrunner changes bring fresh creative energy as Ian Stokes joins Joe Tracz in the co-showrunner role, taking over from Matt Owens. This transition signals Netflix’s commitment to evolving the series while maintaining its beloved character dynamics and loyal fanbase expectations.
Will One Piece Season 3 Be the Biggest Yet?
All signs point to yes. The Alabasta arc is widely considered the franchise’s turning point, where the stakes escalate dramatically and character development reaches new heights. With over 200 days of filming, an expanded budget, and a roster of both beloved returning actors and exciting newcomers, season 3 promises to be the most action-packed and emotionally resonant installment of the live-action saga. Fans worldwide are already counting down to when they can see Luffy and the crew take on the desert kingdom’s impossible odds.
Sources
- Netflix Tudum: Official One Piece season 3 production announcement and cast details
- What’s on Netflix: Comprehensive season 3 update with filming timelines and new cast members
- Variety: Actor interviews regarding One Piece season 3 Alabasta arc plans
