The live-action adaptation of One Piece on Netflix is setting sail for season 2! Season 1, which premiered in August 2023, was a hit and followed Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of Straw Hat Pirates on their quest for the One Piece treasure. Now, filming for season 2 is underway, and both Netflix and One Piece are dropping hints about what’s to come.
One of the biggest teases is the title of the very first episode of season 2: “The Beginning of The End.” This title holds special significance for fans of the original manga and anime, as it references the city of Loguetown, where Luffy’s mysterious father, Dragon, makes his first appearance.
The casting news for season 2 also fuels speculation about Dragon’s arrival. New actors have been announced, including the one portraying the ominous post-credit villain from season 1, Captain Smoker. Other castings include Tashigi, Wapol, and Dalton, characters who appear in the Loguetown arc of the story.
Even season 1 offered clues about Dragon. The finale included a shot of a newspaper article mentioning the Revolutionary Army, which Dragon leads. With Smoker confirmed for season 2 and hints pointing towards the Loguetown arc, fans can expect Dragon to be at least mentioned or foreshadowed.
However, the exact role Dragon will play in season 2 remains unclear. There haven’t been any official announcements about his casting, and the showrunner has hinted at having a specific plan for the season’s scope. This suggests that if Dragon has a major part, his casting news would likely be out to keep viewers excited.
On the other hand, the confirmation of Dr. Kureha and her assistant Chopper for season 2 points towards the Drum Island arc, which typically precedes Loguetown in the story. This could mean that Dragon’s introduction might be pushed back to season 3.
With limited details about how each episode will be structured, it’s difficult to say for sure how Dragon will be integrated into the Loguetown arc, if it’s included at all. Since Loguetown has a lot of important plot points, the writers might need to prioritize and potentially minimize Dragon’s role in season 2.
Overall, while Dragon’s arrival in season 2 seems likely, the extent of his involvement is a mystery. Fans can expect at least some hints and foreshadowing, with a possible minimal role or a set-up for a bigger part in future seasons.
