Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ Season 2 Faces Extended Delay, Fans Await 2025 Release

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Netflix‘s live-action adaptation of the beloved anime and manga series “One Piece” will face a longer-than-expected wait for its second season, with a release now tentatively scheduled for late 2025, according to recent updates from the streaming giant.

The first season of “One Piece” premiered on August 31, 2023, and quickly became a hit for Netflix. However, fans hoping for a quicker turnaround will be disappointed, as the second season is unlikely to debut before late 2025, marking a gap of over two years. Actor Vincent Regan, who plays Garp, initially hinted at a Christmas 2025 release, but other sources suggest 2026 may be more realistic.

Netflix’s official TUDUM site recently mentioned a 2025 release window in an article about a LEGO collaboration, but the streaming service has yet to confirm a specific date. This uncertainty has left fans speculating about the timeline, with some fearing the wait could stretch even longer.

The delay is attributed to the show’s ambitious production scale. Season 2 will introduce a slew of new characters, including Daniel Lasker as Mr. 9, Camrus Johnson as Mr. 5, and Joe Manganiello as Sir Crocodile, among others. The series will also condense storylines from the anime and manga, which boast over 1,100 episodes and 1,000 chapters, respectively.

“It’s a genuinely huge list of additions,” said one industry insider. “The show is trying to condense a massive amount of material into just eight episodes, which is no small feat.”

Despite the delay, Netflix remains committed to the project, with showrunner Matt Owens and his team working to ensure the adaptation stays true to its source material while appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. The first season successfully blended the anime’s vibrant visuals with a more grounded live-action style, a balance the creators hope to maintain in Season 2.

Fans of the franchise have expressed mixed reactions to the extended wait. “It’s disappointing, but if it means they’re taking the time to get it right, I can wait,” said one fan on social media. Others worry that the long gap between seasons could deter new viewers from staying engaged.

Netflix has not ruled out the possibility of a coordinated release strategy for future seasons, similar to its approach with “Squid Game” and “Stranger Things.” This could help reduce wait times between seasons and keep audiences invested in the sprawling narrative.

As the live-action “One Piece” continues to navigate the challenges of adapting such a vast and beloved franchise, fans are encouraged to view the series as its own unique interpretation rather than a direct replication of the anime or manga. With an ocean of material still to explore, the show’s creators have their work cut out for them.