Netflix recently made headlines with an intriguing development regarding the highly anticipated second season of One Piece. Fans were thrilled when the streaming giant accidentally revealed the actors portraying two major characters, Nico Robin and Crocodile, on the Netflix Tudum website. This unintended leak was quickly noticed by What’s On Netflix, and it has since generated significant buzz in the fandom.
Accidental Reveal of Key Cast Members
In what appeared to be an accidental update on Netflix Tudum’s Season 2 preview page, Lera Abova and Joe Manganiello were unveiled as the actors behind Nico Robin (also known as Miss All Sunday) and Crocodile (also known as Mr. 0), respectively. While Netflix hadn’t yet made an official announcement, this slip gave fans an early look at two pivotal characters from the One Piece universe.
The timing of this reveal coincided with the platform’s Geeked Week, during which a new video, featuring Jeff Ward (the actor who plays Buggy the Clown), offered a lighthearted behind-the-scenes glimpse of the set for Season 2. Alongside the video, Netflix added a slideshow with images of the new cast members, heightening the excitement for the upcoming season. Although the full announcement was expected to take place later on the same day (September 19), this early reveal only added to the anticipation.
The Importance of Nico Robin and Crocodile
For those unfamiliar with One Piece, Nico Robin and Crocodile are not just any characters—they play crucial roles in Season 2’s story arc. Both are part of the Baroque Works agency, a secretive and powerful organization that the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, must confront.
Nico Robin, known as Miss All Sunday before joining the Straw Hats, is initially an antagonist working alongside Crocodile. As the story progresses, she becomes a key member of Luffy’s crew, making her one of the most beloved and complex characters in the One Piece universe. Her enigmatic background and cool, intellectual demeanor are part of what makes her character so intriguing.
Crocodile, on the other hand, serves as the primary antagonist in the Baroque Works arc. A former warlord with ambitions to seize control of the desert kingdom of Alabasta, Crocodile is a fearsome foe with the ability to control sand thanks to his Devil Fruit powers. His rivalry with Luffy is intense, and his influence on the story extends far beyond just Season 2. Both Crocodile and Nico Robin’s inclusion are key to setting up some of the most thrilling moments in One Piece.
The Actors Behind the Characters
The casting of Lera Abova as Nico Robin and Joe Manganiello as Crocodile brings significant star power to the show. Abova is a rising star who has previously appeared in films like Good Side of a Bad Man, Exterritorial, and Anna. Her selection as Nico Robin could signal a more nuanced and understated portrayal of the character, aligning with Robin’s calm and calculating nature.
Joe Manganiello, on the other hand, is a well-established actor with an impressive resume. He first gained widespread recognition for his role as Flash Thompson in the 2002 Spider-Man film and later went on to star in popular shows and movies such as True Blood, Magic Mike, and How I Met Your Mother. With his rugged looks and strong screen presence, Manganiello seems perfectly suited to play the menacing and charismatic Crocodile.
Expanding the One Piece Universe
The addition of Abova and Manganiello is just the tip of the iceberg for One Piece Season 2. The upcoming season will introduce a host of new characters, many of whom are fan favorites from the original manga and anime. Among the new faces are Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday (Princess Vivi), Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha, and Mark Harelik as Dr. Hiriluk, each of whom plays an essential role in the Alabasta arc.
Other notable castings include Sendhil Ramamurthy as Nefertari Cobra, Brendan Sean Murray as Brogy, Callum Kerr as Smoker, and Camrus Johnson as Mr. 5. These characters, along with the returning Straw Hat crew, are set to bring the vibrant and expansive world of One Piece to life in a new way, captivating both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Notable Absence: Jamie Lee Curtis
One surprising update, however, is the absence of Jamie Lee Curtis in the cast for Season 2. Curtis, a legendary actress who had previously expressed interest in playing Dr. Kureha, had become a fan favorite for the role. Matt Owens, the co-showrunner of the series, had even hinted that the production team had been writing the character with Curtis in mind. Yet, it seems that scheduling conflicts or other factors prevented her from joining the show. Instead, Katey Sagal has taken on the role of the eccentric doctor, a decision that still promises to deliver a memorable performance.
Moving Forward with Season 2
With production for One Piece Season 2 already underway, Netflix aims for a release window in 2025. Given the scale and ambition of the show, it’s clear that the streaming platform is investing heavily in making this live-action adaptation a success. The unexpected casting reveal only adds to the anticipation as fans eagerly await to see how these iconic characters will be brought to life on screen.
As the One Piece live-action series continues to unfold, viewers can look forward to a richly detailed adaptation of one of the world’s most popular anime and manga franchises, with Nico Robin and Crocodile playing crucial roles in what promises to be a thrilling second season.
