One Piece Season 2: We didn’t expect this disappointing news from Netflix

Fans of One Piece’s live-action adaptation were eagerly anticipating the return of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates in season 2. However, Netflix’s recent announcement has thrown a wrench in those plans, leaving many disappointed. Despite being one of the most successful shows of 2023, it seems that the next season won’t be gracing our screens as soon as expected.

**What’s Happening with One Piece?**

Last Thursday, Netflix unveiled its much-anticipated release schedule for 2025, promising a huge lineup of shows. Among the highlights are the return of major franchises like Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Squid Game. It’s clear that Netflix is gearing up for its biggest year yet. However, amidst all the excitement, one notable absence stood out: One Piece.

While we had all been hoping for a 2025 release, Netflix has dashed those expectations. Despite the live-action series’ immense popularity in 2023 and the official renewal shortly after its debut, production for season 2 didn’t kick off until nearly a year later. The shooting process is now set to last until December 2024, with post-production likely extending well into 2025. As a result, fans will have to wait much longer than anticipated—well into 2026, most likely.

Why the Delay?

So, what’s behind this extended delay? The obvious factor is the sheer scale of the production. As with any series featuring heavy special effects and elaborate sets, One Piece requires significant time and resources to create the world that fans have come to love. Netflix may also have decided to hold off on the release to avoid overcrowding their 2025 lineup. With so many high-profile shows, it seems like they’re spacing out their releases, possibly saving One Piece for a bigger launch in 2026.

Still, it’s frustrating for fans who were expecting to catch up with Luffy and the crew sooner. In fact, some of the actors had even teased a winter 2025 release, and the Netflix TUDUM site previously listed it as such—only to remove the information. It’s clear that fans had high hopes, but now they’ll need to adjust their expectations.

Is This the Best Strategy for Netflix?

Let’s face it: One Piece is no ordinary series. The original manga is a sprawling, ongoing work that has captured millions worldwide. So, a three-year gap between seasons feels like an eternity. The decision to delay season 2 for such an extended period raises questions about Netflix’s long-term plans for the series.

With so much material to adapt, there’s a risk of losing momentum. The showrunners have only scratched the surface of Eiichiro Oda’s massive universe, and while fans are willing to be patient, waiting for years between releases could risk losing the excitement that made the first season such a success.

In an ideal world, Netflix would greenlight a season 3 even before season 2 airs, allowing the teams to continue working on the series uninterrupted. This would ensure that the momentum doesn’t fade, and the production can keep pace with the growing fanbase.

What Else Is Missing from the 2025 Lineup?

While One Piece fans are left to wait, they’re not alone in their disappointment. Other major series are also notably absent from the 2025 release calendar. Here’s a quick look at what won’t be arriving as soon as expected:

Outer Banks: The fifth season hasn’t even started filming yet, so expect it to arrive sometime in 2026.
Bridgerton: The highly anticipated fourth season is in production, but Netflix warned fans that there’s typically a two-year wait between seasons.
The Lincoln Lawyer: Season 3 has been renewed, but the wait will be a bit longer, likely until next year.
The Gentlemen: Guy Ritchie’s series won’t hit screens until 2026 due to its filming schedule starting in 2025.
Avatar: The Last Airbender: With its heavy post-production needs, fans will need to wait a minimum of two years for season 2.
Acharnés: This multi-award-winning series will be back in 2026 with a completely new cast, but filming has just begun.
The Three-Body Problem: The expensive sci-fi series from the Game of Thrones showrunners is facing slow development, making its 2026 return uncertain.

It’s clear that fans of several series will have to wait a bit longer for their favorite shows. But for One Piece fans, the news about season 2’s delay stings the most.

The Long Wait Ahead

At the end of the day, Netflix’s decision to push One Piece season 2’s release into 2026 leaves many fans disappointed and questioning the strategy behind such a long wait. While we understand the challenges of adapting such an expansive universe, it’s hard not to wonder if a quicker turnaround would have kept the fanbase even more engaged.

For now, we’ll just have to hold on tight and hope that the next season is worth the wait. After all, with Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates, it’s bound to be an adventure we won’t forget—whenever it arrives.