WARNING: SPOILERS FOR ONE PIECE ARCS AFTER SEASON 1 OF THE LIVE-ACTION SERIESThere have been promising signs regarding the future of the One Piece Live-Action adaptation, but with a possible season three adapting the beloved Alabasta arc, the show's success may depend on the arc's most crucial character, Baroque Work's leader and Warlord of the Sea Crocodile. Actor Joe Manganiello (Spider-Man, True Blood) got cast for the role in September, and the talented performer has some significant sand-filled shoes to fill.

Season one of Netflix's One Piece Live-Action adaptation did a surprisingly great job of bringing the beloved franchise to life in a digestible package that found a way to appeal to both fans and those unfamiliar with Eiichiro Oda's modern epic. By the end of its first eight episodes, the adventure of the newly formed Straw Hat crew had shifted gears towards the foreshadowed Grand Line. News that season 2 would be adapting up to the Drum Island arc means a season 3 would begin with the Alabasta arc, but the groundwork for its iconic villain has already been laid.

The Alabasta Arc Flourished Because Its Villain

One Piece's Alabasta Arc takes place in Anime Episodes #92 - #130, Manga Chapters #155 - #217

The East Blue's waters introduced a bevy of good-natured and selfish characters that built up a charming yet dangerous look at the world Monkey D. Luffy resides in. However, the story's eleventh arc made a huge impression on fans, mainly because it hyped up its charismatic villain, who still managed to exceed the high expectations previous One Piece villains had established. Arlong's influence and relationship with Nami made him a memorable threat, but Mr. 0's (aka Crocodile) intimidating and mysterious introduction during the Reverse Mountain arc quickly teased the next significant threat was going to be something different, something sinister.

Season one of OPLA covered most of the arcs involved in the East Blue saga with only a few changes to the source material. One such change was an exciting addition involving Zoro battling the Baroque Works member, Mr. 7, a change that's already begun building up towards one of One Piece's best villains. The long lead-up to Crocodile's reveal built anticipation for his eventual confrontation with the Straw Hat crew, and with his lackey's overwhelming abilities, the reputation of the man who led them built the villain up better than any previous foe before him.

After meeting Vivi, Luffy and his crew are set on a crash course against Crocodile and his Baroque Works organization. For years, his plan to overthrow the Alabasta Kingdom's royal family led to a brutal Civil War spurred by misinformation and carefully executed manipulation. The mystery surrounding the character and the intimidation factor brought on by his voice and untouchable aura will be challenging for the Live-Action series and actor Joe Manganiello to live up to. Still, if done correctly, viewers will fear Crocodile long before One Piece Live-Action season 3 releases.

Fans Will See Crocodile Before The Alabasta Arc

The Voice and Silhouette of the Baroque Works Leader first appeared in Anime Episode #76, and Manga Chapter #126

Before the Straw Hats and Vivi make it to Alabasta in an attempt to save her family and the Kingdom that she loves, the arc's main villain has already set the stage and intimidating expectations for an arc that would rank among One Piece's best. While season one already teased the existence of Baroque Works with the swordsman named Mr.7, who attacked Zoro, more powerful characters from the organization are going to be playing increasingly prominent roles in season two. Like the source material, they'll provide intense opportunities to tease Crocodile brilliantly.

The great David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil, The Suicide Squad) has been cast for the role of the Wax Man Mr. 3, who served as a tricky foe during The Little Garden arc. While the antagonist was busy capturing two giants and getting the better of Zoro, Sanji infiltrated his hideout and accidentally established communication with Mr. 0; the first time fans might hear Manganiello's version of the character, but season 2 will likely have some changes of its own that could break canon to include more of Crocodile before his breakout arc in season 3.

What To Expect In Season 2, And How It Will Be A Perfect Season 3 Set Up

Depending on how many Episodes Alabasta takes to Adapt, Season Three might also include Skypiea

Season two of OPLA will end after Drum Island, which will introduce the highly anticipated Straw Hat doctor, Tony Tony Chopper. However, the island sidetracked from the growing tension between Luffy's alliance with Vivi and Crocodile's forces. Once Baroque Works agent, Miss All Sunday (aka Nico Robin) was introduced, surprising cutaways from the overarching plot revealed more about Crocodile and Robin in the organization leader's menacing underground base. The OPLA adaptation will likely include those and more scenes with the villain before season three begins.

The Alabasta Saga officially begins with the Reverse Mountain arc, where Luffy's crew sets out on the Grand Line and immediately runs into Baroque Work agents. Crocodile's cronies play a role as antagonists in every arc leading up to Alabasta except for Drum Island. It remains unclear how many alterations from Eiichiro Oda's source material new seasons of OPLA will make, but it would make sense to include a more prominent role for Baroque Works during Chopper's introductory arc or at least a dramatic after-credits tease at the very end of season two.

By putting in the work of already establishing a shadowy organization of skilled assassins, the perfect end credits scene for One Piece Live-Action season two would show Crocodile, Miss All Sunday, and all of the other remaining top Baroque Works agents meeting up before enacting the final stages of their plan that would unfold throughout season three. With the right tension-building, writing, and charismatic performance from Joe Manganiello, more people than ever can experience how great of a villain Crocodile is.

Why Crocodile Could Make Or Break The Live-Action

The Release Date for One Piece Live-Action Season 2 is Currently Slated for Mid to Late 2025

Buggy is the only prominent Devil Fruit who challenges Luffy and his crew in season one, but they will soon encounter even more overwhelming Devil Fruit powers. Both Mr. 3 and Crocodile will be a challenge to best because of their Logia-Fruit powers that allow them to change their bodies and turn them into a specific element, especially with Mr. 0's ability to turn into sand. Besides the incredibly well-built tension before Crocodile's full reveal, the ultimate Alabasta saga antagonist also demonstrates his overwhelming power on multiple occasions throughout the titular arc.

The new villain of season two of One Piece's Live-Action should have a more prominent role in season 3 if the series sticks close to the original events. With his nearly unstoppable sand-manipulating powers, incredible charisma, and effective build-up, Crocodile easily sured the franchises' villains introduced and many that are presented in the future. Since One Piece Live-Action has already begun to build up anticipation for Mr. 0, it's clear that much thought will be going into the character's portrayal. If they pull it off, it will significantly help keep the adaptation going into season 3 and beyond.