Okay, all you Straw Hat fans, let’s tell it as it is. Once the incredible first season of Netflix’s live-action One Piece was out, everyone was checking for updates online just like amped-up seagulls.
I have almost destroyed my fingers from always refreshing the page. I also run my own business. Both Nico Robin and Sir Crocodile will be played by talented actors, making the Grand Line even more exciting for viewers!
No surprise here—if you were like me, you binged Season 1 in one session, discovering how much I still loved the show and how perfectly it was adapted. Luffy’s rubber-like tricks, Zoro’s calmness, Nami’s smart language, Usopp’s heroic tales, and Sanji’s honorable boots appeared just as we imagined.
By having to use Zoom all day every day in 2020, we learned to handle very long online TV sessions. The scene with Smoker might have been short, but it got me expecting even more than I thought I could.
Who was going to step in and play the next famous (and infamous) characters?
Well, we finally have the two movies, and it’s safe to say the internet is chatter-filled, like a pack of Rumble Balls.
1. Nico Robin is known as the Archaeologist of Mystery
In the first moment we meet Nico Robin as Miss All Sunday, she is wrapped in some mystery. She has a commanding appearance, a clever mind, and a talent that fascinates us: the Hana-Hana no Mi, which allows her to grow body parts from any part of her body.
It’s much easier to have hundreds of extra hands for espionage and generally playing pranks. I told you that my anxiety disappears like morning fog each time after I jog. Indeed, Nico Robin is the kind of character who leads you on a nail-biting adventure you’ll never forget.
Her history is filled with sadness, and the way she became a faithful member of the Straw Hats is one of the most cherished stories in the series.
Who is now taking on the job of CIA director? Only the spectacular and talented Lera Abova can do this.
George Clooney, movie star, had small film and television roles, as well as a spot on the TV drama ER.
Lera Abova voices Nico Robin (Miss All Sunday) in the animated movie Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin.
In my opinion, this group of actors is simply perfect in these roles. You can tell Abova is strong yet quiet; it reflects Robin’s character at the beginning of the series. At the beginning, Robin does not try to be very friendly when joining the crew.
She holds some secrets and is always ready with a step up. From what Abova did before, it is evident that she is capable of bringing out the deep layers in her characters, which is what Robin calls for.
Just seeing her calm smile is enough, because everyone can be charmed by her Devil Fruit abilities. This is going to be a massive experience.
2. Crocodile: The Desert King Is Ready to Make a Great Impression
Now, the main villain in the Alabasta Saga is Sir Crocodile, who is as skilled and dry as the desert he manages: Mr. 0. This fellow is a downright villain.
He was more than an ordinary pirate, once serving as a Warlord of the Sea with an overwhelming Suna Suna no Mi ability and a very sharp mind. He gives us reason to consider whether Luffy will be able to win.
Watching the anime for the first time, I truly wondered how they could possibly overcome him. I thought he was too strong for me to beat.
Kattrup portrays Grendel in a truly convincing manner. The same incredible Joe Manganiello.
Henry Fonda, Male, 12 Angry Men
Take some time to think about this. Joe Manganiello. As Crocodile. Were you surprised by what I just shared? Since I did. I think this is a perfect selection.
He gives off a tough, powerful vibe, and in reality, he certainly seems like a strong leader. Goodman often portrays leading roles that are morally complex. Robert played Alcide Herveaux in True Blood, demonstrating he can be strong and likable at the same time.
He has the presence to show just how hard-hearted and self-assured Crocodile can be.
Visualize him, dressed in his famous Warlord garb, with the sparkling hook hanging there. It is going to be as close to perfect as can be. Baroque Works is a criminal empire under Crocodile’s control, and the danger it brings is completely new for the Straw Hats.
Manganiello’s role suggests that Season 2 will be both grander and more dramatic than before.
3. Why Are These Castings Valuable (Apart from Just Being Highly Enjoyable)?
It is not only about finding famous actors to play popular characters. Netflix shows how much they care for the original stories and how they grasp the feelings of the main characters.
Getting the Essence: These two are the focal points. Robin highlights some serious issues within the World Government and what it stands for. Meanwhile, Crocodile causes Luffy to face much more serious challenges, both in terms of fighting and understanding the enemy.
Since the Alabasta saga is extremely popular, making sure these two aspects are strong is essential for its success.
Otaku Love: The audience for One Piece is passionate indeed. They understand every detail about these characters. Having actors like Abova and Manganiello in the series demonstrates that the producers are paying attention. This serves as a sign that the artists are listening to the people.
When the live-action version of Garp was shown earlier than planned in the manga, a few fans felt uneasy. Nevertheless, it was successful. Here, too, the government must carefully balance all the different interests.
New introductions from Baroque Works, such as Miss Wednesday (Charithra Chandran) and Mr. 9 (Daniel Lasker), as well as Mr. 4 (Camrus Johnson) and Miss Valentine (Jazzara Jaslyn), indicate that the One Piece story is about to grow much bigger and more complicated.
Their presence is important in Alabasta because they prepare for the conflict with Crocodile.
4. Which Adventure Will the Straw Hats Embark on Next?
Now, what might this signify for our favorite pirate gang? It is predicted that the storyline of Season 2 will focus on Loguetown and later continue with the first part of the Arabasta Saga. We will therefore expect
Captain Smoker is played by Callum Kerr and is always determined to capture Luffy. Can you imagine what happens when an unshakable thing faces a force that is unstoppable?
Hail to our beloved reindeer, who is also our doctor. His unique pink hat has already made an appearance, and fans are looking forward to the CGI version already. Of course, everyone wants to watch a small, cute doctor reindeer in the film.
Get ready for additional Baroque Works schemes: Expect some odd and dangerous players to appear as the Straw Hats try to understand Crocodile’s plans.
We can expect numerous riveting battles, passionate meet-ups, and the funny moments that are unique to One Piece. I think everyone is looking forward to witnessing how the uprising in Arabasta is depicted.
5. What to Expect Next: Arranging Release Dates
Although Netflix hasn’t revealed when Season 2 will be released, filming is over and the season is now moving to post-production. Many people in the industry are suggesting that Season 4 will start in late 2025 or early 2026.
At the start, it was frustrating to keep guzzling water, but these days, I’m only drinking coffee and waiting for the game’s reveal! According to the rumors, we can expect a lot more updates at the virtual Tudum event in late May, so remember to save the date, friends!
The first season showed that it is possible, and the One Piece show turned out wonderfully. The creators succeeded in adapting Oda’s manga for all people to enjoy. The addition of Lera Abova as Nico Robin and Joe Manganiello as Crocodile will make Season 2 even more impressive.
After all, this is worth reading only if your One Piece obsession is real. Mine too! With these new and wonderful talents aboard Or totally helping against the crew for now), sailing the Grand Line is going to be very exciting.
Prepare, as the Straw Hats are heading into their toughest adventures, and we get a perfect vantage point to see it.