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Rising stars

Who's Iñaki Godoy? The 'One Piece' Mexican actor starring in Netflix's hit show

Beyond television, Iñaki has been a force in Mexican independent cinema.


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
AUGUST 12, 2025 10:48 AM EDT

At the "One Piece Day" celebration in Tokyo, Netflix unveiled the first official trailer for the upcoming second season of its popular live-action series, now titled "One Piece: Into the Grand Line." The trailer served up a mix of action and nostalgia, introducing beloved characters and hinting at iconic locations from the manga while showcasing Iñaki Godoy, the standout star playing Monkey D. Luffy.

In the preview, fans were treated to glimpses of Smoker, the cigar-smoking Marine known for his unwavering sense of justice; Nico Robin, the enigmatic archaeologist with a mysterious past; and Miss Wednesday, who conceals more than she reveals. Additionally, the trailer took us to legendary sites from the "One Piece" world, such as Loguetown, a place of beginnings and farewells, and Reverse Mountain, the perilous entryway to the Grand Line.

Iñaki Godoy attends the Netflix's Tudum: A Global Fan Event 2023 at Fundação Bienal de São Paulo on June 17, 2023 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images for NETFLIX)© Getty Images for NETFLIX
Iñaki Godoy attends the Netflix's Tudum: A Global Fan Event 2023 at Fundação Bienal de São Paulo on June 17, 2023 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images for NETFLIX)

As if that wasn't enough, Netflix made a surprise announcement confirming that a third season is already in the works, with filming expected to start in Cape Town, South Africa, by the end of the year. Fans of the beloved pirate crew have plenty more adventures to look forward to!

Iñaki Godoy: From Mexico City to the Grand Line

If there's one thing the trailer makes clear,  Iñaki Godoy is the beating heart of Netflix's "One Piece." Born on August 25, 2003, in Mexico City, Iñaki discovered his passion for acting early, making his television debut in 2016 on the series "Blue Demon." He quickly built an impressive résumé with roles in "La querida del Centauro," "Who Killed Sara?," and Netflix's "The Imperfects."

Iñaki Godoy arrives at the Netflix's "Avatar: The Last Airbender" World Premiere Event at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on February 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)© FilmMagic
Iñaki Godoy arrives at the Netflix's "Avatar: The Last Airbender" World Premiere Event at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on February 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

Beyond television, Iñaki has been a force in Mexican independent cinema. In 2020, he starred in "Go Youth!" (¡Ánimo Juventud!), a critically acclaimed film exploring Mexico's modern youth culture, and later appeared in "MexZombies" and "Don't Open the Door" (No abras la puerta).

His global breakthrough came in 2023 when he stepped into the straw hat of Monkey D. Luffy for Netflix's live-action adaptation. His boundless energy, infectious optimism, and genuine love for the character struck a chord with audiences worldwide, earning him fans from Tokyo to Toronto. The role has catapulted him into international stardom and made him one of Mexico's most promising young actors on the world stage.

Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Taz Skylar, Jacob Romero and Mackenyu attend NETFLIX TUDUM 2025: THE LIVE EVENT at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Netflix)© Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Net
Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Taz Skylar, Jacob Romero and Mackenyu attend NETFLIX TUDUM 2025: THE LIVE EVENT at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Netflix)

Why One Piece Continues to Conquer Hearts

 Eiichirō Oda's "One Piece" has been a cultural phenomenon for over two decades. The manga and anime follow Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they chase their dream of finding the legendary treasure, "One Piece," in a world with adventure, danger, and unforgettable characters.

The original anime doesn't follow conventional seasonal breaks; instead, it unfolds across sagas and arcs. By fan estimates, there are 27 seasons' worth of episodes, with more than 1,100 adventures already aired.

Emily Rudd, Taz Skylar, Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu and Jacob Romero attend the Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/FilmMagic)© FilmMagic
Emily Rudd, Taz Skylar, Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu and Jacob Romero attend the Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/FilmMagic)

When Netflix's live-action series premiered in August 2023, skepticism from long-time fans quickly gave way to praise. The adaptation stayed faithful to Oda's vision while carving out its identity, largely thanks to its vibrant cast, stunning production design, and a tone that balanced over-the-top fun with heartfelt storytelling.

What's Next for Luffy and the Crew

Season two, slated for release in 2026, promises to be a turning point. The Grand Line is where the stakes get higher, the villains more formidable, and the friendships even more tested. With season three already greenlit, Netflix is betting big on Luffy's journey continuing to dominate global streaming charts.

Iñaki Godoy attends NETFLIX TUDUM 2025: THE LIVE EVENT at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Roger Kisby/Getty Images for Netflix)© Getty Images for Netflix
Iñaki Godoy attends NETFLIX TUDUM 2025: THE LIVE EVENT at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Roger Kisby/Getty Images for Netflix)

For Iñaki Godoy, the voyage is just beginning. His portrayal of Luffy has become more than just an acting gig; it's a career-defining role that bridges cultures, generations, and fan communities. As filming shifts to Cape Town later this year, anticipation will only keep growing.

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