The second season of *One Piece* will arrive on Netflix in 2026, and we’re learning more and more about it as the year goes on. After a recent preview of the massive whale Laboon, I’ve been thinking about what other surprises the show might have in store, based on the titles of the upcoming episodes.
The new live-action version of the anime is taking a very Hollywood approach to its episode titles. It’s a bit odd, but I don’t mind, particularly because I spotted something that could confirm a big casting rumor that everyone keeps dismissing.
One Piece Season 2‘s Episode Titles Are Mostly Puns On Movie Titles And Quotes
Season 2 of *One Piece* has taken a fun approach to its episode titles, playfully referencing popular movies! Each title is either a clever pun based on a film, a famous quote from one, or the movie title itself. Thanks to @WhatOnNetflix, here’s a list of them:
- Big Trouble in Little Garden
- Deer and Loathing in Drum Kingdom
- Good Whale Hunting
- Nami Deerest
- Reindeer Shames
- The Beginning of the End
- Wax On, Wax Off
- Whisky Business
I won’t explain all the jokes, as I expect most movie fans will recognize the references. I want to focus on one episode specifically: “Wax On, Wax Off.” That’s a clear reference to *The Karate Kid* movies, and anyone following rumors about *One Piece* recently will probably understand what I’m hinting at.
Does “Wax On, Wax Off” Confirm Xolo Maridueña’s Casting As Ace?
For some time, there have been reports that Xolo Maridueña, known for his role in *Cobra Kai*, will be playing Portgas D. Ace in the live-action *One Piece* series. Ace is an important character who doesn’t appear often in the story, so casting a popular up-and-coming actor like Maridueña makes sense.
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Even though Netflix highlighted Xolo Maridueña in promotional material for *One Piece*, he’s stated he isn’t playing the character Ace. However, almost immediately after denying the role, another hint suggesting his involvement appeared.
Could the phrase “Wax On, Wax Off” hint at an appearance by Xolo Maridueña as Ace in the upcoming episode? In the original anime, Ace didn’t meet Luffy and his crew until after the events at Whisky Peak, which seems to be foreshadowed in this episode. However, the live-action series has already made changes to the story, such as expanding the roles of characters like Koby and Helmeppo compared to the anime and manga.
It’s very likely he’ll appear soon, and the latest evidence suggests Maridueña will be playing Ace. If that’s true, I’m completely on board with it!
The live-action adaptation of *One Piece* will be available on Netflix in 2026, though the exact release date hasn’t been announced yet. With so many details being revealed recently, it seems likely the show might premiere earlier in the year, but we’ll have to wait for confirmation.
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2025-10-20 01:38