One Piece cast shines at Tudum, season 2 filmed in South Africa

The South African

2 days ago

The live-action cast of the beloved series One Piece took centre stage, delivering exclusive insights and thrilling first looks at the upcoming season.
Fans were treated to a vibrant showcase featuring Iñaki Godoy (Luffy), Mackenyu (Zoro), Emily Rudd (Nami), Jacob Romero (Usopp), and Taz Skylar (Sanji).
They shared their passion for the show and teased what's to come.
One of the biggest highlights was the introduction of Tony Tony Chopper. This is the adorable reindeer doctor, voiced by Mikaela Hoover, according to Forbes.
It also marked the first official glimpse of the character in the live-action adaptation, instantly winning hearts with his charm and cuteness.
Netflix confirmed that One Piece Season 2 will officially drop in 2026. This is a slight delay from earlier expectations, but one that promises even greater adventures and storytelling depth.
The cast's enthusiasm was palpable, with several new faces joining the crew. This includes Bridgerton's Charithra Chandran and The Suicide Squad 's David Dastmalchian.
Part of the magic behind Season 2's production lies in its filming location, as the crew reunited in Cape Town, South Africa, to shoot key scenes.
This choice not only highlights South Africa's stunning landscapes but also its growing status as a prime filming destination for international productions.
Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece and an executive producer on the show, personally visited the South African set.
He expressed immense satisfaction with the cast and crew's dedication. 'Seeing them all in person convinced me: they were the perfect choice!' Oda enthused.
He praised the 'huge' sets, 'insane' attention to detail, and the crew's 'off the charts' passion. Oda's visit underscored the importance of South Africa in bringing this iconic story to life.
For South African viewers, the filming of One Piece Season 2 on home soil adds a layer of pride and excitement.
It's a testament to the country's growing influence in the global entertainment industry. Local fans can look forward to seeing familiar landscapes woven into the fabric of a worldwide phenomenon.
The Tudum event also brought a sense of community, with the cast engaging directly with fans worldwide.
Iñaki Godoy, who plays Luffy, shared, 'We're all thrilled to continue this journey and can't wait for everyone to see what we've created.'
The combination of stellar casting, breathtaking South African locations, and the visionary guidance of Eiichiro Oda promises an unforgettable voyage.
With the series now firmly anchored in South Africa's vibrant film scene, it's clear that the country's role in global entertainment is only growing.
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