Since season one, one of Netflix’s strongest weapons in breaking the live-action curse for One Piece has been its casting team. While a few faces sparked debate, overall the production always found perfect fits.
In season two, this casting magic exploded even further as the new characters not only matched the original looks but also captured the spirit. Let’s rank the 10 most impressive faces that have just landed on the Grand Line!
10. Sendhil Ramamurthy, Nefertari Cobra
King Cobra ranks last due to his limited screen time in Vivi’s Reverie flashbacks. Still, Sendhil Ramamurthy managed to convey the authority of a wise king through just a few lines exchanging with the brutal Wapol. A promising teaser for season 3 in Alabasta.
9. Joe Manganiello, Sir Crocodile
Season 2 closed with the official reveal of Sir Crocodile and his signature deep laugh. It’s fascinating to see “Deathstroke” Joe Manganiello shave off his beard to become the Baroque Works boss. His cold gaze and dangerous aura make fans believe he’ll be a formidable rival for Luffy.
8. Callum Kerr, Smoker
As shown in the trailer, Callum Kerr truly embodies Smoker straight from the manga pages. Taking over Garp’s role as the Straw Hats’ hunter, Kerr’s Smoker brings a rugged, masculine look and an intense determination.
7. Rob Colletti, Wapol
In the manga, Wapol can be quite comical, but the live-action turns him into a truly disgusting tyrant. Rob Colletti nails the selfishness, cowardice, and unpleasant personality of the Drum Island king, making viewers eager to see Luffy punch him out immediately.
6. Katey Sagal, Dr. Kureha
Although fans once hoped for Jamie Lee Curtis, Katey Sagal proved to be an irreplaceable choice. She brings the image of a veteran “rocker” in One Piece’s medical world. Despite being 139 years old, Sagal’s Kureha is full of energy and dominates every scene.
5. Charithra Chandran, Nefertari Vivi
Once doubted to pull off Princess Vivi, Charithra Chandran shattered all doubts. She brilliantly portrayed two contrasting sides: a quirky, cunning Miss Wednesday and a compassionate Alabasta princess ready to sacrifice for her people.
4. Lera Abova, Nico Robin
In appearance, Lera Abova was simply born to play Nico Robin. She delivers a mysterious, calm yet deadly Miss All Sunday. The Shells Town scene not only showcases Abova’s sharp beauty but also an impressive demo of the Hana Hana no Mi powers.
3. Mark Harelik, Dr. Hiriluk
This role is challenging because Hiriluk is central to one of One Piece’s most tear-jerking flashbacks. A small mistake could ruin the emotional impact. Fortunately, Mark Harelik perfectly captured both the madness and noble spirit of this quack doctor, especially in his final confrontation with Wapol.
2. Martial Tchana Batchamen, Brook (human form)
The biggest question for fans: “How did they find someone who looks so much like Brook?” From singing style and elegant gestures to his iconic laugh, Martial Batchamen is Brook come to life. Though the Thriller Bark arc is still far off, this performance makes fans want the “musician” to join the Straw Hats right now.
1. David Dastmalchian, Mr. 3
The Suicide Squad star once again proves his skill playing eccentric characters. David Dastmalchian’s Mr. 3 combines weirdness, cruelty, and a very human touch. His transformation makes this character more vivid and terrifying than ever, earning the top spot as the best performance of season 2.