Production has officially begun on season 3 of Netflix’s hit live-action series One Piece, with cameras rolling once again in Cape Town.
Netflix confirmed on Tuesday that filming resumed on 25 November, marking the show’s third consecutive season to be shot in the Mother City. With more than 200 days scheduled on set, the new season is expected to wrap on 19 June 2026.
The globally acclaimed adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s long-running manga follows Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they chase the legendary One Piece treasure. The series has become one of Netflix’s biggest international productions — and Cape Town continues to play a key role in bringing its vast world to life.
The Straw Hats return to SA
Iñaki Godoy returns as Luffy, alongside Mackenyu (Zoro), Emily Rudd (Nami), Jacob Romero (Usopp) and Taz Skylar (Sanji). Charithra Chandran reprises her role as Miss Wednesday.
Several season 2 cast members — including Mikaela Hoover (Chopper), Joe Manganiello (Mr. 0), Lera Abova (Miss All Sunday) and Sendhil Ramamurthy (Nefertari Cobra) — have been promoted to series regulars.
New additions include Daisy Head as Miss Doublefinger and Awdo Awdo as Mr. 1. Cole Escola and Blue Beetle star Xolo Maridueña join as Bon Clay and Portgas D. Ace.
Cape Town: a global production hub
Cape Town Film Studios remains the production’s main base, with large-scale sets and soundstages built specifically for the series. Other familiar locations, such as The Orion building and areas along the coastline, will once again be used extensively.
The show’s continued presence in South Africa highlights the city’s growing reputation as a world-class filming destination capable of hosting long-form, high-budget international productions.
One Piece has been a major win for Netflix, earning a WGA Award for its pilot episode and two Emmy Awards for original song and stunt coordination. Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on 10 March 2026.
As production on season 3 ramps up, Cape Town cements its position as a cornerstone of the franchise — and a key player in Netflix’s expanding slate of global hits.
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Featured Image: Instagram | @emilysteaparty
