Ahoy, Straw Hat fans! The seas are buzzing with excitement as Netflix’s live-action One Piece gears up for its second season, set to drop in 2026. The big news from Netflix’s Tudum 2025 event is the reveal of Tony Tony Chopper, the adorable reindeer-boy hybrid who’s joining Luffy’s crew as their doctor. Here’s everything we know about Chopper and what’s coming in Season 2, straight from Netflix’s Tudum.
Meet Tony Tony Chopper
If you’re new to One Piece, Tony Tony Chopper is the pint-sized, blue-nosed reindeer who’s as cute as he is brilliant. After eating the Human-Human Fruit, a Zoan-type Devil Fruit, Chopper gained the ability to talk, think like a human, and transform into a human-reindeer hybrid. He’s the Straw Hat Pirates’ doctor, with a dream to cure every disease in the world. Picture a toddler-sized bundle of fur in a giant pink top hat, armed with medical know-how and a heart bigger than the Going Merry. He’s shy, loves compliments (but pretends he doesn’t), and has a soft spot for sweets like cotton candy and fruit juice. Oh, and don’t call him a raccoon—he’s a reindeer, and he’ll set you straight
At Tudum 2025, held on May 31 in Los Angeles, the One Piece cast—Iñaki Godoy (Luffy), Mackenyu (Zoro), Emily Rudd (Nami), Jacob Romero (Usopp), and Taz Skylar (Sanji)—took the stage with WWE stars to unveil Chopper’s live-action debut. Voiced and motion-captured by Mikaela Hoover (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Chopper’s design, crafted by visual-effects team Framestore, stays true to Eiichiro Oda’s manga with big, expressive eyes and that iconic hat. Hoover nailed the role by tapping into Chopper’s mix of tough-guy attitude and mushy emotions, saying, “There’s a little Chopper in all of us—we all want to be loved and accepted.” Creator Eiichiro Oda praised the team’s work, noting the “world-class” effort to bring Chopper’s fur, expressions, and voice to life.
What’s Season 2 About?
While Netflix is keeping the plot under wraps, Season 2 will dive into the Grand Line, covering arcs from Loguetown to Drum Island. Expect epic adventures, new enemies, and deeper world-building as Luffy and his crew chase the legendary One Piece treasure. Chopper joins the Straw Hats during the Drum Island arc, where we’ll meet key characters like Dr. Kureha (played by Katey Sagal) and Dr. Hiriluk (Mark Harelik). The season promises bigger stakes, jaw-dropping action, and the same heart and humor that made Season 1 a hit in 2023.
The Cast and Crew
The core Straw Hats are back: Iñaki Godoy as the stretchy dreamer Luffy, Mackenyu as the swordsman Zoro, Emily Rudd as the clever Nami, Jacob Romero as the sharpshooter Usopp, and Taz Skylar as the flirty chef Sanji. New faces include Joe Manganiello as the villainous Mr. 0 (Crocodile), Lera Abova as Miss All Sunday, and Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday, setting up some spicy Baroque Works drama.
Behind the scenes, Matt Owens and Joe Tracz are co-showrunners, with Eiichiro Oda, Steven Maeda, and others as executive producers. The series, a partnership between Netflix, Shueisha, and Tomorrow Studios, has Oda’s stamp of approval, ensuring it stays true to the manga’s spirit.
Why Chopper’s a Big Deal
Chopper’s not just a cute face—he’s a fan favorite for a reason. Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto and Jamie Lee Curtis are among his biggest fans, with Curtis calling him her top One Piece character. His mix of bravery, vulnerability, and medical genius makes him a standout, and his live-action debut has fans hyped. Social media posts on X exploded during Tudum, with fans shouting, “The hype is real!” and “I NEED to see Chopper!” The reveal, backed by Oda’s enthusiasm, has set expectations sky-high.
When’s It Coming?
One Piece Season 2 is set to sail in 2026, though Netflix hasn’t dropped an exact date yet. Production wrapped earlier, and the Tudum teaser—complete with reindeer tracks and Chopper’s big reveal—has fans counting down the days. The event also teased other Netflix heavyweights like Stranger Things and Wednesday, but Chopper stole the show.
Why You Should Be Excited
Season 1 won over fans and critics with its faithful adaptation, stellar cast, and vibrant energy, and Season 2 is shaping up to be even bigger. Chopper’s arrival adds heart and humor to the Straw Hats’ journey, and with Netflix’s VFX team nailing his look, he’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a longtime One Piece fan or a newbie, this season promises adventure, laughs, and maybe a few tears (Chopper’s backstory hits hard). So, grab your straw hat and get ready to sail the Grand Line with Luffy and crew in 2026!