Summary:
- Netflix confirms One Piece Season 2 will release in 2026.
- Tony Tony Chopper makes his live-action debut via CGI and motion capture, voiced by Mikaela Hoover.
- Joe Tracz steps in as the new showrunner, with Eiichiro Oda still involved creatively.
After nearly two years of anticipation, Netflix has finally given fans something exciting to look forward to for the live-action One Piece series. At Tudum 2025, the streaming giant not only released a highly anticipated character but also announced the release window of season 2 of the show. Tony Tony Chopper is here! Let’s look at everything that was revealed alongside it in the One Piece live-action trailer.
Table of Contents
Chopper’s Live-Action Design Makes Its Debut
The biggest surprise at Netflix’s Tudum event came in the form of Chopper’s very first official live-action appearance. One of the Straw Hat Pirates’ beloved members, the adorable, quirky reindeer doctor’s appearance had been a point of contention among fans for ages. We finally get a glimpse.
Chopper will come to life using a combination of CGI and performance capture. Actress Mikaela Hoover, who has been in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Superman, will be voicing and providing facial expressions for the character.
In the short clip Netflix uploaded, fans got a glimpse of Chopper’s pre-timeskip look, complete with his signature pink hat, big expressive eyes, and tiny hooves, all of which provided fans with a sweet first impression.
The CGI doesn’t aim for ultra-realistic but rather settles into a nice middle ground suitable for the light-hearted, over-the-top tone of the show. Details such as realistic fur and subtle facial expressions bring Chopper to life, despite him being completely CGI.
Why CGI Was the Right Choice
Bringing a talking reindeer with human emotions in a live-action world is no easy task. While some were eagerly anticipating a practical approach, such as that used on Grogu in The Mandalorian, Chopper’s quick movements and facial expressions made CGI the better decision.
He’s a highly expressive character who must be able to move seamlessly with Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats, a feat that would have been hard to achieve through animatronics or puppetry.
The decision to go fully CGI gives the creative team greater creative freedom in depicting Chopper’s unique reactions and his energetic, action-packed sequences. And given the typical limitations of a TV budget, what Netflix has delivered is a surprisingly solid interpretation.
Release Window and Production Update
While initially there were rumors that Season 2 would not arrive until as late as 2025, Netflix has now confirmed that Season 2 of One Piece will arrive in 2026. The release schedule remains a mystery, but based on all indications thus far, it appears an early 2026 release, allegedly in the first quarter of the year.
Also Read:
- One Piece Straw Hat Crew: Bio, Age, Height, Birthdays, Bounty, Blood Type, and More
- One Piece Filler List: All Episodes You Can Skip and Why
- One Piece Live-Action Season 2 Update: New Characters, Arcs, and Production Details
Joe Tracz is stepping in as the new showrunner, replacing Matt Owens and Steven Maeda. Tracz has expressed enthusiasm for the project, citing One Piece as one of the most imaginative and most beloved properties he has ever had the opportunity to work on. With creator Eiichiro Oda involved and the original cast returning, there is definitely enough to get fans’ hearts racing.
Season 2 Will Be “Bigger” in Every Way
The first season of One Piece was a huge hit, attracting massive viewers across the globe and receiving acclaim from longtime fans and newcomers alike. It was the most-watched series on Netflix in the second half of 2023 and is widely regarded as one of the best live-action adaptations of an anime series to date.
Following that momentum, Season 2 is going to be even bigger. The cast has already hinted that the second season is going to be “bigger” in every way, with new characters and storylines directly from the world of One Piece. Along with Chopper, fans will be introduced to main characters like Dr. Kureha (Katey Sagal), Dr. Hiriluk (Mark Harelik), and main villains like Mr. 0 (Joe Manganiello) and Miss All Sunday (Lera Abova).
One Piece Season 2 is coming to Netflix in 2026, and based on what we’ve seen so far, the wait will be well worth it.
