Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the One Piece manga, inspected the filming location for Netflix’s third live‑action season in early 2024. The visit gave fans their first live‑action glimpse of the Alabasta Kingdom, the setting for the series’ next arc, which is slated for release in 2027.

Oda walks the Alabasta set in 2024

During a behind‑the‑scenes video posted to the official Netflix One Piece X account , Oda can be seen stroolling across a sprawling desert set, even sketching Luffy’s silhouette in the sand. The footage, which the report says was released in March 2024, underscores Oda’s hands‑on role as an executive producer and his confidence that the production is honoring his source material.

Cole Escola cast as Bon Clay, Xolo Maridueña as Ace

The season will introduce several key characters who were absent from the first two installments. According to the source, Cole Escola has been hired to play Bon Clay,the flamboyant “Mr. 2” who becomes a crucial ally, while Xolo Maridueña will portray Portgas D. Ace, Luffy’s older brother. Both actors are expected to appear in the back half of the Alabasta saga, adding new emotional layers to the story.

Targeted 2027 release anchors Netflix’s long‑term plan

Netflix has earmarked 2027 as the launch year for Season 3, a timeline that reflects the streaming giant’s ambition to stretch the One Piece adaptation across multiple years. The report notes that this schedule builds on the cliffhanger of Season 2, which ended with the Straw Hats pledging to help Princess Nefertari Vivi save her homeland.

Baroque Works showdown promised in live‑action

The upcoming arc will pit Luffy and his crew against the criminal syndicate Baroque Works and its leader Sir Crocodile. The source highlights that the production aims to stage “large‑scale battles” and “memorable fights” that mirror the manga’s most iconic moments, suggesitng a significant budget for visual effects and choreography.

Will Sir Crocodile’s live‑action design match the manga?

One unanswered question is how the series will translate Sir Crocodile’s distinctive look and powers to a realistic setting. The report does not reveal any details about costume or CGI choices, leaving fans to wonder whether the adaptation will prioritize fidelity or reinterpretation.

Overall, the on‑set visit signals that Netflix is staying true to Oda’s vision while expanding the cast and production values. As the series moves toward its 2027 debut, the blend of faithful storytelling and high‑budget spectacle could set a new benchmark for manga adaptations on streaming platforms.