The live-action One Piece season 2 began production in June 2024 and wrapped filming in February 2025. The original release date was scheduled for late 2025, which would be a significant shift from season 1's August 2023 release date.

At Netflix's Tudum event, the One Piece cast gathered to celebrate the end of production and to tease the episodes. As post-production continues, Tony Tony Chopper (Mikaela Hoover) was introduced to the Tudum audience with a major announcement. While initial hopes were that the season could debut in 2025, One Piece's sophomore season will officially be released in 2026. Chopper did not explain exactly when the season will debut, but it will be coming within the next year.

What The New Release Window Means For One Piece

Straw Hats Will Have To Wait A Little Longer

The delay is not especially surprising, given that a late 2025 release date was already a stretch. With the amount of VFX work needed simply to ensure that Luffy's Devil Fruit powers are not especially goofy, there has to be a substantial post-production process. Season 1 wrapped on August 22, 2022, and it would be another year before the season actually reached audiences. Given that season 2 announced the end of filming on February 4, 2025, a 2026 release was only natural. The initial expectations may have been too optimistic, unfortunately.

One Piece season 3 is expected to feature the Arabasta Saga.

While it does mean a longer wait, which is disappointing, given that the release will now come three years after season 1, it is important to get this story right. This season will cover several important arcs, including the Loguetown, Reverse Mountain, and Little Garden arcs. It is comforting that the cast and crew taking their time with the production to ensure that its storytelling is effective. Fortunately, One Piece season 3 is expected to enter production in 2025, even before season 2 releases, which means that it should have a much quicker release date.

Our Take On One Piece's Release Window

Significant Delays Are Becoming An Industry Standard

Recent years have seen an increase in the lengths between seasons, as House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, Stranger Things, and other major shows have seen gaps of two to three years. This means better quality visual effects, but it has the unfortunate effect of dulling excitement and a show's momentum. The season 3 production process beginning in 2025 is a good sign that season 3 will not be marred by similar issues, but it is disappointing to see that the One Piece wait will be even longer.

Source: Netflix