Netflix has reportedly started its first wave of casting calls for the second season of its "One Piece" live adaptation, confirming the appearances of several fan-favorite characters.
According to an insider report, Netflix has begun looking for potential actors for Princess Vivi, Nico Robin, Smoker, Tashigi, Ms. Valentine, Mr. 5, and Crocus.
The casting call also sheds some light on what the production expects the upcoming characters to look like.
So far, a Latina actress seems to be the favored to play Robin while Princess Vivi could either be Middle Eastern or South Asian.
Aside from Crocus, the mentioned roles are cast as recurring "Guest Stars" for Season 2 and possibly future seasons.
Noticeably, the casting call has yet to include other integral characters during the "Alabasta Saga," including Tony Tony Chopper, Luffy's brother Portgas D. Ace, and Crocodile.
There is no news when the next waves of casting calls will begin, although reports indicate that it might start sometime this year too.
The second season is expected to cover the Straw Hat Pirates' adventure in the Grand Line and at least some parts of the Alabasta Kingdom.
'One Piece' Season 2: What We Know So Far
Despite the looming release of its second season and the plot already available in manga and anime, Netflix has kept most of the "One Piece" live-action production inside closed doors.
Earlier reports indicated the second season is codenamed "Project Renaissance" with filming set to start by June this year in South Africa.
The appearance of Mr. 3 and the whole Baroque Works plotline was already hinted at by the show's main star Iñaki Godoy on TikTok during Luffy's birthday on May 5.
@onepiecenetflix It’s May 5th, NAKAMA! Join our captain Iñaki Godoy in celebrating the greatest, coolest, and most inspiring pirate to ever sail the Grand Line. Happy B-B-B-B-Birthday, Monkey D. Luffy! ️ ♬ original sound - One Piece Netflix
Related Article : Netflix's 'One Piece' Might Cast Jamie Lee Curtis as Dr. Kureha
Netflix Plans to Launch More Shows Amid Live Adaptation Hype
Following the success of "One Piece" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender" live adaptations, Netflix is reportedly jumping on the people's hype to release similar projects in the future from other anime and cartoon series.
So far, the streaming giant has already announced plans to adapt "Yu Yu Hakusho" into a Japanese-led live-action series.
The company has also started drafting plans for Season 1 of "My Hero Academia" and "Sword Art Online," complimenting the original adaptations' manga and light novel runs.
The massive step is seen as Netflix's second attempt to capture anime and animated series fans after its first try with "Cowboy Bebop" and "Death Note" ended with an underwhelming reception.
