One Piece Season 2 Drops First Look at Its Nastiest Villain Yet (But We Love It)

While Netflix’s One Piece may have stolen the hearts and minds of fans with the castings of Bon Clay and Portgas D. Ace earlier, this hasn’t stopped anticipation from building ahead of season 2’s March 10, 2026 release date. Alongside key reveals of more Baroque Works members,Rob Colletti King Wapol of Drum Island was the latest reveal.

Wapol is possibly the most dastardly of the One Piece rogues’ gallery to feature in season 2. A tyrant hoarding the kingdom’s prized doctors while killing anyone who didn’t step in line, he originally fled after a run-in with a mysterious and powerful pirate crew. The new season will detail his brutal attempt to reassert power over Drum Island.

One Piece Season 2 Reveals Its Live-Action Wapol

Portrayed by Rob Colletti, Wapol will terrorize the Straw Hats and Drum Island in season 2’s final arc. As part of the storyline introducing Tony Tony Chopper, this encounter will not only expand the Straw Hat crew, but utterly change the landscape of Drum Island for the better.

The glimpse appears widely manga-accurate, down to the plate armor across his body and adorning his jaw. Whether or not the series properly captures the absurdity of his Munch-Munch powers, down to unhinging his jaw and devouring massive objects, remains to be seen. But it’s perhaps the most pleasant surprise reveal yet.

Wapol’s attempt to take back power over this kingdom will lead to key run-ins like with his former servant, Dalton. But in his absence, it’s clear the inhabitants don’t wish to return to the dire circumstances under Wapol’s rule.

Wapol Is the Latest in a Line of Tiny Villain Glimpses

Before Wapol, there were other new looks at smaller villains in One Piece season 2, namely Mr. 9 and Mr. 5. Each of these glimpses featured intense, moody lighting and specific hue choices, strikingly showcasing their silhouettes and impressive costume designs. While less significant as villains compared to Wapol, Baroque Works isn’t to be underestimated.

In fact, while Mr. 9 and Mr. 5 join others like Mr. 3, Nefertari Vivi, and more, they tease the Alabasta Saga’s true final villain, Mr. 0 aka Crocodile. While Crocodile has already had fan-made glimpses circulating, the unveiling of Joe Manganiello’s portrayal is sure to be an anticipated event, as he’ll serve as the major season 3 antagonist.

It’s impressive to see how much One Piece has truly embraced accurate character renditions for a strong season 2 return. Given the hype for the live-action series refusing to die down, it’d be wise not to turn away from the announcements just yet, either. Mere months away, One Piece season 2 will leave Netflix viewers craving more.

Release Date: August 31, 2023
Network: Netflix
Showrunner: Matt Owens
Directors: Tim Southam, Marc Jobst, Josef Kubota Wladyka
Writers: Tiffany Greshler, Diego Gutierrez, Allison Weintraub, Lindsay Gelfand