The straw hats have set sail for another round on Netflix. One Piece became the curse-breaker for the streaming giant's live-action adaptation streak last year, despite the very palpable sense of anxiety among all the Nakamas. And now as the second season has finally begun rolling its camera, the excitement has broken through the roofs. There are many things that anime lovers have been looking forward to in the sequel, one of them being the Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis joining the live-action cast. 

Unfortunately, it seems that hope will not be realized as a production issue has led Jamie Lee Curtis to pass on the franchise.

Jamie Lee Curtis was rumored to play the former Doctor of the Rocks pirates, Dr. Kureha, in One Piece season 2. The actress first talked about it last year when she declared that she would “lobby along with the growing fan frenzy to become Doctor Kureha” just as the Hollywood strikes end. However, recently, during an interview with Deadlinene, Tomorrow Studios president Becky Clements dashed all hopes, confirming that Curtis will not be playing the role of Dr. Kureha because of scheduling clashes.

“Our production dates aren't going to work,” said the executive producer. Clements also shared that Curtis really wanted to be a part of the One Piece franchise “but she's got deals in first position.” Not too long ago, the One Piece Netflix account on X announced that the filming for season 2 has started in Cape Town while also confirming some important arcs for the upcoming season.

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The arcs for season 2 were also teased by Iñaki Godoy in a video to wish his on-screen counterpart, Monkey D. Luffy, a happy birthday.

The Netflix announcement video for One Piece season 2 teased that the sequel could be adapting arcs up to the Alabasta arc, also known as the Arabasta arc and the Sandy Island arc. Including these arcs would mean that the second season shall cover multiple adventures of the Straw Hats on the Grand Line. A similar tease was thrown around by the lead, Iñaki Godoy, as well.

As Godoy took to Instagram to celebrate Luffy's birthday, he lit a number-three-shaped candle, which led people to speculate that season 2 might have the fan-favorite Baroque Works criminal Mr. 3. Godoy also asked Siri for directions in another video to South Africa, to which the digital assistant replied, "getting directions to The Grand Line." With all these teases and a release window finally in sight, the anticipation for One Piece season 2 is only on the rise. 

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What do you think about One Piece losing Jamie Lee Curtis? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!