One Piece enthusiasts can finally relax as the third series is already in the works, even before the second series graces our screens.

Netflix confirmed on Monday that filming for the third instalment has kicked off in South Africa, with the second series set to be released on 10 March 2026.

The cast will include original Straw Hat members Monkey D. Luffy (played by Iñaki Godoy), Zoro (portrayed by Mackenyu), Nami (Emily Rudd), Usopp (Jacob Romero), and Sanji (Taz Skylar).

Fans can also look forward to seeing newcomers from the second series returning for the third chapter. These include Bridgerton star Charithra Chandran, who plays Miss Wednesday.

She is accompanied by Superman actress Mikaela Hoover in the role of Tony Tony Chopper and True Blood's Joe Manganiello as Mr. o, reports the Mirror US.

Meanwhile, Honey Dont! actress Lera Abova reprises her role as Miss All Sunday, while Heroes' Sendhil Ramamurthy returns as Nefartari Cobra.

Several of these characters have been promoted to regulars for the upcoming series three. Actors Hoover, Manganiello, Abova, and Ramamurthy are all set to play more significant roles in the forthcoming season.

As previously announced, the new cast will also feature Cole Escola as Bon Clay and Xolo Maridueña as Portgas D. Ace, with more stars yet to be unveiled.

Netflix revealed that new episodes had started production on Instagram, posting a picture of the script for the series premiere.

The caption announces: "Production on Season 3 has started, Straw Hats! As our adventure grows behind the scenes, get ready to set sail once more when Season 2 launches on March 10th!"

Fans were overjoyed by the announcement, celebrating the fact that there will be no delay between the upcoming two series.

One fan humorously commented: "Ahhh yesss!! We won't have to wait 3 years for season 3."

Another expressed relief, stating: "Thank God this time the production starts so soon. Would be a shame to wait 3 years between each season."

A third wrote: "I pray they don't stop and just continuously keep making seasons for every year."

Loyal viewers will recall that the first season of the live-action manga adaptation debuted in August 2023, meaning fans have been waiting nearly three years to reunite with the beloved Straw Hat crew.

Others were simply thrilled by the news, with one gushing: "I'm crying, thank you guys sm [so much] for your hard work."

Based on the Japanese manga series by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy on his quest to find the legendary treasure, the One Piece, in his bid to become the King of the Pirates.

One Piece Season 1 is streaming now on Netflix