Iñaki Godoy and Xolo Maridueña proved they are the perfect Luffy and Ace for One Piece live-action, but this new video clarifies any doubts.
One Piece fans have been excited and nervous for Portgas D. Ace’s casting in Netflix’s live-action adaptation the most. Most already wanted and predicted Xolo Maridueña would get the role. He has proven his natural, brotherly chemistry with Iñaki Godoy. They prove it further in a silly TikTok video Maridueña posted, marking the beginning of Season 3’s production.
Luffy and Ace’s chemistry will be pivotal in Season 3’s Alabasta Arc, and Maridueña has to leave his mark as Ace. If the impact doesn’t hit like the One Piece anime adaptation, his eventual death in the Marineford Arc and the flashbacks in the Post-War Arc are ruined. However, the two actors appear comfortable being free with each other, just as their characters would.
Iñaki Godoy and Xolo Maridueña Have the Perfect Brotherly Energy
Most One Piece fans have already seen the video of Iñaki Godoy and Xolo Maridueña on the YouTube channel, Still Watching Netflix. It features the Cobra Kai star showing Godoy around the set of the martial arts series. At the end, the two fight together, and their coordination reminded fans of Luffy and Ace while escaping Marineford.
Mind you, this was posted a year ago, well before Maridueña was announced as Ace. It sparked the rumors that he was chosen for the role, and the tour was a chemistry test between him and Godoy. Fans felt there was brotherly energy between them, with Luffy’s actor trying to impress Maridueña like a younger brother. You can watch the full YouTube video here:
One Piece live-action is ready for Season 2, with a confirmed release date of March 10, 2026. Season 3 is currently in production, and Xolo Maridueña has joined the team in Cape Town, South Africa, where the adaptation is being filmed.
The cast members often post funny videos from the set, and this time, Xolo Maridueña uploaded one of him and Godoy. It shows the two dancing and then messing around.
It’s exactly the brotherly energy we need for Portgas D. Ace and Monkey D. Luffy, two very carefree and happy characters. One Piece live-action has done a great job of casting the right actors, but especially nailed it with Xolo Maridueña, who looks like he could be Godoy’s older brother and acts like it, too.
One Piece Fans Are Happy With the Two Brothers’ Chemistry
Although the two actors have an established friendship and have proven their chemistry, there will still be doubts around whether they can portray the brothers accurately. After all, their brotherhood and Ace’s passing will significantly impact Luffy’s story. Maridueña has to make it convincing.
However, after seeing the TikTok video, One Piece fans are at ease. They found nothing but joy between the two. Their antics are exactly what a big brother-little brother duo would do.
We can’t wait to see what Xolo Maridueña brings to his character and how One Piece live-action has written Ace. His bond with Godoy has been taken care of, but he also has other aspects of his character to nail. Season 3 will be the most exciting one for the adaptation, especially with new characters, and Alabasta is its first major arc.
What do you think of Iñaki Godoy and Xolo Maridueña as Luffy and Ace? Let us know in the comments below!
