Fans of the live-action One Piece have been given their first clear look at one of the series’ most beloved characters. Netflix has released new images for One Piece Season 2, featuring the giant whale Laboon and introducing actor Clive Russell as the lighthouse keeper Crocus. The photos confirm the show is bringing a key emotional story from the manga and anime to life as the Straw Hats enter the Grand Line.
Meet Laboon and Crocus
The newly released images give fans a detailed view of the live-action versions of two iconic characters. Laboon, the island whale, is shown with the scars he gained from years of trying to break through Reverse Mountain. The visual effects used to create him aim for a realistic appearance while staying true to the original source material. The scale of the whale is emphasized in a key art poster that shows the tiny Going Merry ship next to the massive creature.
Alongside Laboon, the images introduce Clive Russell, known for his role in Game of Thrones, as Crocus. His character is the doctor and caretaker who looks after Laboon at the Twin Cape lighthouse. One of the released photos shows Crocus inside the lighthouse, reading a newspaper with a headline that mentions the missing Alabasta princess, Nefertari Vivi, hinting at future plot points for the season.
Another picture shows the entire Straw Hat crew—Iñaki Godoy (Luffy), Mackenyu (Zoro), Emily Rudd (Nami), Jacob Romero Gibson (Usopp), and Taz Skylar (Sanji)—meeting with Crocus outside his home.
A Whale of a Set: Building Laboon
Bringing a giant whale to life for a live-action series is a significant challenge. The production used a combination of cutting-edge CGI for the exterior shots and a massive practical set for the scenes that take place inside the whale.
Taz Skylar, the actor who plays Sanji, shared details about working on the Laboon set. He explained that the production repurposed their largest boat set to create the interior of the whale. However, the actor noted one peculiar issue with the set: it had no roof. This meant that while filming scenes inside Laboon, the actors were completely exposed to the elements, including a very bright sun that made some scenes challenging to shoot.
The Emotional Story of Laboon
For those unfamiliar with the story, Laboon is much more than just a giant whale. He is one of the first major characters the Straw Hat Pirates meet after entering the Grand Line. Laboon’s story is a deeply emotional part of the One Piece saga.
The whale has been waiting for decades at Reverse Mountain for the return of a group of pirates he befriended as a calf. His scars come from repeatedly ramming his head against the mountain in a desperate attempt to follow them. His tale is a central theme of loyalty and promises in Eiichiro Oda’s story. The live-action adaptation appears committed to honoring this poignant narrative.
What to Expect in Season 2
The second season, officially titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, is scheduled to premiere on Netflix in 2026. The story continues directly from the first season, with Luffy and his crew sailing into the legendary and dangerous Grand Line.
This new sea promises fiercer adversaries, more perilous quests, and the introduction of many fan-favorite characters. The season is confirmed to adapt several early Grand Line story arcs, including Loguetown, Reverse Mountain, Whisky Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island. This will set the stage for the crew’s encounters with the criminal organization Baroque Works and the introduction of the beloved reindeer doctor, Tony Tony Chopper.
The show has already been renewed for a third season, confirming that the live-action journey of the Straw Hat Pirates is just getting started.
Also Read: Every Devil Fruit Design Shown in One Piece So Far
