AceShowbiz - One Piece has become a massive hit since Netflix launched its live-action adaptation in 2023, sparking excitement and anticipation for the upcoming second season. As the show continues to grow its audience, the announcement of new cast members for season two in 2025 drew significant attention, especially with the addition of Katey Sagal, a renowned actress known for her dynamic roles on television.

The original manga by Eiichiro Oda, which began publication in 1997, has long been a cultural landmark, not only in Japan but globally. Its characters, including Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates, have become iconic figures within geek culture and beyond, thanks to the manga and its anime adaptation. Netflix’s live-action iteration brought these beloved characters to life in a new way, attracting both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

In 2025, Netflix revealed that Katey Sagal would join the cast of season two, playing the character Dr. Kureha. Known for portraying strong, complex women across series such as Married... with Children, 8 Simple Rules, Sons of Anarchy, Rebel, and Futurama, Sagal’s casting was met with enthusiasm from the One Piece fan community.

Katey Sagal shared with The Hollywood Reporter that her involvement with the series began in the spring or summer of 2024 with a direct offer, without the need for an audition. She expressed her excitement about the opportunity, recalling, “You get jobs where you’re just like, ‘Oh my God.’” The offer came shortly after she had watched the first season, which she described as a wonderful introduction to the show and its world.

Joe Tracz, co-showrunner of season two, recounted how they reached out to Sagal, who had already become a fan after watching the initial season with her family. Interestingly, she did not realize at first that the show was an adaptation of a manga—she simply thought it was a compelling Netflix original. This response was encouraging for the team, as it confirmed that their adaptation could attract a broad and diverse audience.

Sagal’s initial exposure to manga and anime came through her family, particularly via Pokémon, which her children enjoyed. However, she was not familiar with manga itself until her husband, TV creator Kurt Sutter, recommended watching One Piece. Together with their 17-year-old child, they found themselves captivated by the first season, which blended heartwarming moments with an edgy tone that resonated with all of them.

In the second season, Katey Sagal embodies Dr. Kureha, a 140-year-old doctor who operates as the sole medical practitioner on Drum Island. The island itself suffers under the rule of King Wapol, portrayed by Rob Colletti, a harsh leader whose tyrannical governance has devastated the once-thriving kingdom. The townspeople regard Dr. Kureha as a “witch,” and she lives and works in the abandoned Drum Castle atop a mountain overlooking the village.

Dr. Kureha reluctantly takes on the responsibility of training Tony Tony Chopper, a young talking reindeer played by Mikaela Hoover, N’Kone Mametja, and Gavin Gomes. Chopper becomes her ward after the death of her passionate friend and fellow doctor, Dr. Hiriluk (Mark Harelik). This relationship forms a central emotional thread in the season and highlights themes of care, loss, and growth.

Katey Sagal was drawn to Dr. Kureha’s unique blend of toughness and warmth. Despite the character’s advanced age, she carries a youthful spirit and a grounded, no-nonsense attitude. Sagal appreciated that Kureha remains composed and confident, unafraid to embrace her distinct style, including wearing tight clothing that reflects her personality.

The physical transformation into Dr. Kureha was essential for Sagal’s portrayal. The costume, hair, and props were meticulously designed based on Oda’s original manga vision, providing authenticity and depth to the character’s live-action incarnation. Sagal noted how the leather suit and accessories, such as the glasses and bottle, perfectly captured Kureha’s essence, making it easier for her to inhabit the role.

Unlike some projects with smaller worlds, One Piece presents an expansive universe, which was a new experience for Sagal. However, she found her younger co-stars to be welcoming and supportive, which helped facilitate intimate, character-driven scenes that emphasized relationships and emotional depth rather than just spectacle.

Sagal was particularly moved by the scriptwriting, which she described as grounded and imbued with humanity. She found the characters’ journeys believable despite their larger-than-life qualities. This balance, she said, made it easy to accept and emotionally invest in the stories of Luffy, Nami, Sanji, and others.

Season two focuses heavily on Dr. Kureha’s interactions with Hiriluk, Chopper, and Wapol. Sagal related personally to Kureha’s initial resistance to forming attachments, especially with Chopper, who unexpectedly touches her heart. The doctor’s heartbreak when Chopper eventually leaves is portrayed with nuance, reflecting Kureha’s inner struggle between independence and compassion.

The conflict with King Wapol, who has ordered the capture or elimination of Drum Island’s doctors, creates a tense backdrop for Dr. Kureha’s stand alongside the Straw Hat Pirates. This resistance underscores themes of protecting caregivers and valuing science in a world where these roles are villainized, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

Overall, Katey Sagal’s addition to One Piece season two brings a powerful presence that honors the spirit of Dr. Kureha while enriching the story’s emotional landscape. Her involvement highlights the ongoing success and ambition of Netflix’s adaptation as it expands its reach and deepens its storytelling.