Netflix Greenlights One Piece Season 3 — Filming in Cape Town as Arabasta Wraps and Sky Island Looms
Netflix has officially renewed its live-action One Piece for a third season, and it already has a production start location and new leadership changes attached. The streamer also showed a first look at season 2 during Japan’s annual One Piece Day, while confirming season 2 won’t arrive until 2026.
- Netflix greenlit One Piece Season 3 during One Piece Day.
- Season 2 gets a first look and is scheduled for 2026.
- Season 3 production will begin later this year in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Ian Stokes joins Joe Tracz as co-showrunner after Matt Owen stepped down.
- Season 2 covers early Arabasta material; Season 3 will finish Arabasta and move into Sky Island.
What Netflix announced
During Japan’s One Piece Day event, Netflix released footage from season 2 and confirmed a third season is already in the works. Moreover, the company said season 2’s release is slated for 2026, and that production for season 3 will begin later this year in Cape Town, South Africa.
Production and showrunners
In addition, the show’s leadership is changing. Ian Stokes — known for producing Marvel’s Luke Cage and Iron Fist — will join Percy Jackson and the Olympians writer Joe Tracz as co-showrunner. This follows original showrunner Matt Owen stepping down earlier this year.
Season coverage details
Season 2 is set to cover the early stages of the Arabasta saga, including Reverse Mountain, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island. In addition, the season will likely set up the larger Arabasta arc, as evidenced by casting news for the season; Mr. 0 actor Joe Manganiello confirming his debut this season.
Season 3 focus
Season 3 is expected to wrap up the Arabasta saga and then launch into the full Sky Island saga. Netflix has not published a release date for season 3 yet, but production timing in Cape Town was confirmed.
Timeline and what to watch for
There’s no official release date for season 3. However, since season 2 is set for 2026 and production for season 3 begins later this year, expect further announcements after season 2 debuts. For now, fans can look forward to the remaining Arabasta storylines and the transition toward Sky Island.
