The world of “One Piece” is expanding with an exciting new addition. Actor Xolo Maridueña, known for his roles in “Cobra Kai” and “Blue Beetle,” will join the third season of the hit Netflix series.
Maridueña is set to portray Portgas D. Ace, a fan-favorite character from the original manga. His casting is expected to heighten the story’s intensity.
Industry outlets, including The Hollywood Reporter, note that Maridueña’s involvement further solidifies Latino impact within global live-action projects. This marks another significant role for the 24-year-old actor.
Ramario Xolo Ramírez Maridueña was born on June 9, 2001, in Los Angeles, California. He comes from a proudly Latino family. His mother is of Mexican descent, and his father has Ecuadorian-Cuban ancestry.
His parents, radio announcer Carmelita Ramírez and music producer Omar G. Ramírez, fostered his early interest in the arts. Maridueña has stated his goal is to “open a path for more young Latinos in Hollywood.”
At age 11, Maridueña made his television debut. He played Victor Graham in the series “Parenthood” from 2012 to 2015. This role showcased his early dramatic talent.
His breakthrough came in 2018 with “Cobra Kai.” In the “Karate Kid” sequel series, he stars as Miguel Díaz, a Latino teenager who transforms his life through martial arts. His performance earned him nominations for Teen Choice Awards and Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
In 2023, Maridueña made history as the lead in “Blue Beetle.” The film was the first DC Universe superhero movie centered on a Latino protagonist. He played Jaime Reyes, a young Mexican-American who gains powers from an alien scarab.
The movie received praise for its cultural authenticity and Maridueña’s charismatic performance. He proved his ability to lead major action productions.
Beyond acting, Maridueña also founded The Tacos & Beer Company. This production company focuses on promoting Latino narratives and diverse cultural projects. His vision aims to expand Hispanic representation both in front of and behind the cameras in Hollywood.