After weeks of speculation and fan theories, it is finally official that One Piece season 3 is happening. Joe Manganiello, who will portray the infamous villain Mr. 0 (Crocodile) in season 2, confirmed that filming for the third installment of Netflix’s live-action One Piece adaptation will begin later in 2025. In a recent interview, Manganiello mentioned the production break between seasons and his return to set, hinting at a smooth continuation for the beloved series.

This confirmation from @OP_Netflix_Fan on X comes at a time when fans were unsure about the show's future, especially following the departure of co-showrunner Matt Owens earlier this year. While Netflix has remained tight-lipped, this latest news aligns with earlier industry buzz. A Writers Guild of America listing hinted that season 3 would be produced between 2025 and 2026, which now appears to be accurate. The early production start could also mean a shorter wait between seasons, which is a rarity in big-budget streaming shows.

"We've taken a break between Season 2 and Season 3, I'll be heading back later on this year, and we'll be working on the next part of the story."

- Joe Manganiello

Straw Hat Cast Returns as Season 2 Wraps

Cast Chemistry and Continuity Drive the One Piece Live-Action Forward

Season 2 finished filming in February 2025, with the main Straw Hat cast of Inaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Taz Skylar, and Jacob Romero Gibson returning in full force. Though Netflix has yet to confirm a release date, the series is still projected for a 2025 drop. That puts season 3’s production start in promising territory, potentially allowing for a consistent release schedule moving forward.

This momentum is crucial for a show that depends heavily on maintaining audience engagement across arcs. The rapid pace of development suggests Netflix has confidence in the series’ performance. More importantly, it implies that the adaptation may continue delivering the dense and emotional storytelling that has earned the original anime and manga a global fanbase.

Behind-the-Scenes Shifts Could Impact One Piece Season 3

Netflix is Navigating New Waters Without Matt Owens

Despite the good news, there is still uncertainty behind the scenes. Co-showrunner Matt Owens’ decision to step away from One Piece in March raised concerns about creative consistency. Owens played a vital role in translating One Piece's sprawling world into a live-action format that resonated with fans and newcomers alike. His departure leaves open questions about who will guide the tone and structure of the next chapter.

However, the involvement of series creator Eiichiro Oda and Netflix’s continued partnership with Tomorrow Studios suggest the production remains in steady hands. While no successor has been officially named, Oda’s close supervision likely ensures the adaptation stays true to its source. With Manganiello’s confirmation and production on the horizon, the future of One Piece still looks bright, even if the waters are a bit choppy behind the scenes.