Netflix is preparing for the highly anticipated second season of its live-action adaptation of One Piece. Recently, the streaming giant released several cast announcements, including the actor playing Monkey D. Dragon, who is revealed to be Rigo Sanchez. Sanchez will portray the pivotal character, father to Iñaki Godoy’s Straw Hat Luffy. In addition to Sanchez, Yonda Thomas is set to lend his voice to Igaram, the captain of the Arabasta royal guard, while James Hiroyuki Liao will take on the role of Ipponmatsu, an arms dealer located in Loguetown. The news was shared through the official One Piece accounts on social media platform X.
Monkey D. Dragon holds significant importance in the One Piece universe, not only as Luffy’s father but also as the leader of the Revolutionary Army. His organization’s primary goal is to dismantle the World Government. Igaram is recognized as a fierce ally to Princess Vivi, portrayed by Charithra Chandran, throughout the arcs of Whiskey Peak and Alabasta, which are expected to be key plotlines in the upcoming season. Lastly, Ipponmatsu plays an essential role as the supplier of Zoro’s formidable Sandai Kitetsu, an infamous sword rumored to carry a curse.
Additional Cast for One Piece Season 2
More Cast Members Announced
… #ONEPIECE … pic.twitter.com/EkAySf4JXp — ONE PIECE @Eiichiro_Staff January 15, 2025
In addition to the main trio, three other actors have been confirmed for minor roles. Sophia Anne Caruso will portray Miss Goldenweek, Anton David Jeftha is set to play K.M., and Mark Penwill has been cast as Chess. Miss Goldenweek is affiliated with Baroque Works and is a collaborating partner of Mr. 3, both serving under the Alabasta arc’s antagonist, Sir Crocodile—played by Joe Manganiello. K.M., also known as Kuromarimo, is the magistrate during Wapol’s tyrannical reign on Drum Island, a location introducing the future Straw Hat member, Tony Tony Chopper, in season 2. Meanwhile, Chess fulfills the role of Wapol’s defense minister on Drum Island.
Thoughts on One Piece Season 2’s Casting Decisions
Are These New Cast Members Right for Their Roles?
The recent casting announcements have elicited mixed reactions on social media, with critics questioning certain choices. However, the discourse often appears exaggerated. While many fans enthusiastically welcome Rigo Sanchez in the role of Dragon, the other characters are generally minor and likely won’t reappear in this streamlined adaptation of the One Piece saga. Critics have also suggested a greater representation of Asian actors within the cast. Nevertheless, the variety of casting serves a vital narrative function, as One Piece fundamentally embraces themes of unity and peace among diverse cultures, classes, and species.
With the recent casting updates, ongoing excitement surrounding the manga, and the renewed interest in the anime’s return to the Egghead Island arc, 2025 promises to be an exhilarating year for One Piece enthusiasts.
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