Cobra Kai’s Xolo Mariduena Dismisses One Piece Season 2 Casting Rumors

For months, social media has been buzzing with speculation that Cobra Kai’s Xolo Maridueña would play Portgas D. Ace in Netflix’s One Piece season 2. Fan edits, theories, and even Netflix’s own social media interactions helped fan the flames. But now, he said Blue Beetle star has finally addressed the viral rumor and his response might surprise fans.

During a recent interview with YouTuber @Straw_Hat_GoofyMaridueña opened up about how the rumor started and why he finds it both flattering and frustrating. Although fans were convinced the actor had been secretly cast as Luffy’s beloved brother, Maridueña confirmed that he is not involved, and that Netflix’s social media may have unintentionally made things worse.

Xolo’s Side of the Story of the One Piece Ace Rumors

Maridueña revealed that the confusion started after Netflix’s Geeked Week event, where he participated in a promotional photoshoot alongside other Netflix stars. The event featured talent from several hit series, including one piece, Wednesdayand Avatar: The Last Airbender. When a fan commented on an Instagram photo calling him “our Ace,” Netflix’s official account liked the comment, and the internet did the rest.

The actor described the incident as surreal, admitting that the fan reactions made him feel conflicted. On one hand, being compared to a character as iconic as Ace was flattering. On the other, he said the viral speculation felt “like slander” because fans assumed he had already been cast, even though no official talks ever took place.

Maridueña laughed about how quickly the rumor spiraled out of control, noting that he started seeing fan art, fancasts, and even mock promotional posters of himself as the fiery pirate. While he appreciated the creativity, he clarified that the attention created unrealistic expectations, especially since he does not have the role.

Why the One Piece Ace Rumor Caught Fire

Fans were not entirely imagining things. Maridueña’s natural charisma and physicality from Cobra Kai made him a perfect fit for the role of Portgas D. Ace, a bold and loyal older brother figure. His performance as Miguel Diaz showed the kind of emotional depth and agility that many fans felt mirrored Ace’s personality.

Adding to the confusion, Netflix’s social media activity gave the rumor an air of legitimacy. When the streamer liked fan comments hinting that Maridueña was “their Ace,” fans took it as an unofficial confirmation. Combined with Geeked Week’s cross-promotional content, the situation snowballed into a full-blown theory.

Still, Maridueña’s comments make it clear that he is not part of it One Piece live-action cast, at least, not yet. His gracious handling of the situation, however, shows why fans were so eager to imagine him in the role. Even if he is not Ace this time, Maridueña has proven he is more than capable of taking on a major anime-inspired role in the future.

Release Date

August 31, 2023

NETWORKS

Netflix

Showrunner

Matt Owens

Directors

Tim Southam, Marc Jobst, Josef Kubota Wladyka

Writers

Tiffany Greshler, Diego Gutierrez, Allison Weintraub, Lindsay Gelfand

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  Iñaki Godoy

  Monkey D. Luffy

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