True Blood Star Joins Netflix’s One Piece Season 2
Thanks to an accidental post from Tudum, Netflix’s companion news site, fans got a star-studded and surprising update regarding the casting of two critical characters for One Piece Season 2. Tapped to play the powerful and self-assured Crocodile, also known as Mr. 0, will be True Blood star Joe Manganiello, an actor who is certainly no stranger to playing the occasional villain. In addition to Manganiello, Russian actress and model Lera Abova will also be joining the cast to play Nico Robin, also known as Miss All Sunday.
Joe Manganiello Is Crocodile
With the majority of the cast of One Piece Season 2 already in place, it was only a matter of time before Netflix announced the casting of Crocodile, who plays a crucial role throughout the One Piece universe. Crocodile serves as one of the seven Pirate Warlords of the Sea and the president of the mysterious crime syndicate Baroque Works. With Manganiello’s hulking physical appearance and on-screen charisma, it makes perfect sense for his casting.
Lera Abova As Miss All Sunday
In what appears to be her first major role, Abova will take on the role of Nico Robin, also known as Miss All Sunday or Devil Child. Robin also plays a crucial role in the overall narrative of One Piece, so it remains to be seen how the character will be featured in the Netflix live-action adaptation.
An Accidental Announcement
The news of the recent casting update for One Piece Season 2 appeared to be a premature move on the Todum website, which has since scrubbed mention of the hiring of Manganiello and Abova. The official announcement is expected to happen during the Geeked Week Live 2024 , an event that will be hosted by Manganiello alongside Cobra Kai stars Jacob Bertrand and Xolo Maridueña, who will serve as correspondents.
Geeked Week Live 2024 is the finale of Netflix’s Geeked Week, a week-long event that showcases the streaming giant’s upcoming films and TV shows that are more catered to its geek-centric audience.
Currently in its fourth year, Geeked Week will conclude with a live in-person event in Atlanta, which will also live stream across all of Netflix’s social media accounts for the duration of the two-hour show. At some point during the show, it has been predicted that Manganiello will announce his involvement in One Piece Season 2.
Other Stars Joining One Piece Season 2
Manganiello and Abova will join several new additions to One Piece Season 2, including Bridgerton star Charithra Chandran, who will appear as Miss Wednesday. Veteran actor, Katey Sagal, best known for her roles in Sons of Anarchy, Married with Children, and Futurama, will appear as Dr. Kureha. David Dastmalchian, who made waves in his starring role in Late Night With the Devil, will play Mr. 3.
One Piece Season 2 Lands In 2025
Throughout the duration of 2024, it has long been rumored that One Piece Season 2 would feature Manganiello to some degree, though his exact role was never clear. Daniel Richtman, also known as DanielRPK, who has become a reliable source for inside information and breaking news scoops inside the world of nerd entertainment, first hinted at the potential casting of Manganiello in the early days of summer.
Following Netflix’s September 9 announcement of Manganiello handing primary hosting duties for Geeked Week Live 2024, rumors of his One Piece casting certainly gained credibility.
The popular series returns to Netflix sometime in 2025.