Netflix’s live-action One Piece series is moving full speed ahead with its third season. The streaming platform recently released behind-the-scenes footage showing Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the One Piece manga, visiting the set where they are building the desert kingdom of Alabasta.
The video confirms that production for One Piece Season 3 is deep in progress. Oda traveled to Cape Town, South Africa, where the show films, to see how the team is bringing one of the most famous storylines from his manga to life.
Eiichiro Oda Walks Through the Alabasta Desert Set
In the video shared by Netflix, Oda walks through a massive outdoor set designed to look like the sandy kingdom of Alabasta. He greets Iñaki Godoy, who plays Monkey D. Luffy, while Godoy was wearing his full Straw Hat costume. Oda also drew a picture of Luffy in the sand using the character’s classic look from the manga.
Oda kept his face partially hidden with a fish decoration, which is normal for him. Many manga artists in Japan choose to cover their appearance to keep their private lives separate from their public work. Even with his extremely busy work schedule, the creator made time to visit the set and check on the show’s progress.
Reports from the visit say Oda was very happy with what he saw. He described the footage as “incredible images” and told reporters he is looking forward to seeing how the third season turns out.
One Piece Season 3 Release Window and Title
One Piece Season 3 is scheduled to arrive on Netflix in 2027. The streaming platform has not announced a specific month or day yet, but the plan is for a mid to late 2027 release. Filming started in late 2025 and will continue through mid-2026. After that, the team needs a long period for visual effects and post-production work because the show uses heavy CGI to recreate Oda’s world.
The third season has an official title: One Piece: The Battle of Alabasta. This name makes it very clear which part of the story the new episodes will cover.
What Will Happen in One Piece Season 3
The third season will adapt the Alabasta arc, which is one of the most popular and important storylines in the original One Piece manga. In this arc, Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates arrive at the desert island of Alabasta. Princess Nefertari Vivi, who traveled with the crew in Season 2, asks for their help. Her country is falling apart because of a rebellion that someone is secretly controlling from the shadows.
The main villain of the season will be Sir Crocodile (played by Joe Manganiello). Crocodile is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, powerful pirates who work for the World Government. He runs a criminal group called Baroque Works and is the real force pushing Alabasta toward civil war. Lera Abova plays Miss All Sunday, Crocodile’s partner.
The season will also bring in Portgas D. Ace, Luffy’s older brother. Xolo Maridueña (known for Cobra Kai and Blue Beetle) has been cast to play Ace. Other new cast members include Cole Escola as Bon Clay, Awdo Awdo as Mr. 1, and Daisy Head as Miss Doublefinger.
Returning Cast for One Piece Season 3
The main crew of Straw Hat Pirates will all return for Season 3:
- Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy
- Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro
- Emily Rudd as Nami
- Jacob Romero as Usopp
- Taz Skylar as Sanji
- Charithra Chandran as Princess Vivi
The second season ended with Tony Tony Chopper joining the crew. Chopper will be a bigger part of the action in Season 3 as the Straw Hats face tougher fights and bigger dangers in the desert.
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Where to Watch One Piece Season 2
While waiting for One Piece Season 3, viewers can watch the first two seasons right now on Netflix. Season 2 launched on March 10, 2026. It has eight episodes and covers the Drum Island arc, where the crew meets Chopper, and the beginning of the Alabasta storyline.
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