Ahead of the March 10 premiere of One Piece Season 2, Iñaki Godoy returned to Mexico City for an unforgettable fan celebration. The 22-year-old star, who plays Monkey D. Luffy in the live-action adaptation, reunited with his Mexican fanbase just days before embarking on a global press tour for the highly anticipated new season.
One Piece first debuted as a manga in 1997, written and illustrated by Japanese creator Eiichirō Oda. It became an anime in 1999 and has captivated audiences around the world for more than two decades.
The second season of ‘One Piece’ premieres on March 10 on Netflix.
In 2023, Netflix launched the series, which was embraced by longtime fans, known as nakamas. Now Season 2 promises even bigger adventures for Luffy and his crew, with Godoy at the helm of one of the most beloved franchises in the world.
Emily Rudd as Nami, Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy in season 2 of Netflix’s ‘One Piece’.
¡HOLA! had exclusive access to the celebration, which blended Mexican culture with the adventurous spirit of One Piece. Between tacos, lucha libre and nonstop fan energy, Godoy spent the day with his “crew” before setting sail on his international tour.
Mexican nakamas training at the Captain’s Dojo with wrestlers like Esfinge, Guerrero Maya Jr. and Kemalito.
Wrestling stars Esfinge, Guerrero Maya Jr. and Kemalito taught him signature moves, including a classic headlock. Inside the ring, Godoy showed off his athletic side and fully embraced the moment. He was also gifted a special wrestling mask inspired by the series, a fitting tribute to both Mexican wrestling tradition and his pirate alter ego.
Iñaki Godoy training with Esfinge, Guerrero Maya Jr. and Kemalito at Arena México.
“I feel grateful that people welcomed me, and I just want to keep working hard so more people can enjoy One Piece.”
Iñaki Godoy
Watch the trailer for the second season:
A Nakama Fair Full of Surprises
The celebration continued at the Nakama Fair, where fans tested their pirate skills with archery games and gathered to watch the official Season 2 trailer. Attendees were treated to an exclusive preview of what lies ahead for Luffy and his crew.
One Piece: Training of Mexican crewmates at the Captain’s Dojo.
One of the biggest surprises of the day came when a giant Chopper mascot appeared, delighting fans as it posed for photos and mingled with the crowd. Then came the twist. When Chopper stepped on stage and removed the costume head, it was Godoy underneath.
The Chopper mascot caused a stir among the fans of the Nakama fair, without imagining that underneath it was none other than Iñaki Godoy himself!
The crowd erupted as he greeted fans and answered questions, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception he had received as Monkey D. Luffy. When asked about meeting Eiichirō Oda, the creator who personally approved his casting, Godoy spoke with deep admiration.
“What Oda san has done with his life is truly extraordinary. He has written a story that resonates with so many people around the world. He is incredibly intelligent, charismatic, he knows how to joke, and he is deeply passionate about what he does.”
Iñaki Godoy at the training of Mexican nakamas in Mexico City, where he surprised everyone inside a Chopper mascot costume.
“Getting the approval of the person who wrote One Piece is probably the greatest compliment you can receive as an actor. For me, it was an enormous validation of my work. I felt so happy knowing Oda was truly satisfied.”
Iñaki Godoy
Here is part of our interview with Iñaki Godoy
Watch Iñaki Godoy in an interview with ¡HOLA!
What does it mean to lead such a massive global franchise? Do you feel like you are putting Mexico on the map?
I was born and raised in Mexico City. Many of my acting teachers are from here. My family and friends are here. I grew up in this city, and being part of a list of people who represent Mexico in incredible projects is an honor for me.
I feel grateful to everyone who came before me and helped pave the way for actors like me to have even bigger opportunities. People like Eugenio Derbez or Salma Hayek, not only actors but directors like Iñárritu, and even athletes.
I think we continue to prove more and more that Latino and Mexican talent is real. What an honor and what gratitude I feel for all the people who demonstrate that every single day.
From left to right: Taz Skylar as Sanji, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy in season 2 of ‘One Piece’.
“I think we continue to prove that Latino and Mexican talent is real. What an honor and what gratitude I feel for all the people who demonstrate that every single day.”
Iñaki Godoy
Your fans say the series has helped them through difficult moments, including mental health struggles. What does it mean to be a light for them?
It is a big responsibility. I try to approach it by giving my very best and putting in the effort. There are many things outside of my control, but what is in my control is studying my material and doing the best I can. It is incredibly special to be part of a project that represents something so meaningful to so many people, and I feel very grateful for this opportunity.
How does it feel to be embraced by such a passionate worldwide fandom?
It makes me really happy. There is still so much I want to show in my portrayal, but I am very grateful that people have accepted me.One Piece has existed since 1997 as a manga and since 1999 as an anime. It has been around for a long time. I know I am stepping into something that has been beloved for many years.
I feel grateful that people welcomed me, and I just want to keep working hard so more people can enjoy One Piece, and so longtime fans can experience it all over again with me.
Jeff Ward as Buggy, Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy in the second season of Netflix’s ‘One Piece’.
“Take the time to build a community and connect with others because it is worth it. No matter what happens in life, when you have friends, you know everything will be okay in the end.”
Iñaki Godoy
What is one past decision that was difficult to make but that you are grateful for now?
Taking time to pause my acting career for a moment to focus on my relationships. I think that is very important. Sometimes we take friendship and family for granted. No matter what is happening around us, being intentional about the people we love and giving ourselves the opportunity to meet new people is crucial.
After finishing Season 1 of One Piece, I decided to slow down and give myself the opportunity to make more friends and connect more deeply with the people around me. It was a difficult decision because I did not even know where to start, but I began exploring hobbies that had nothing to do with acting and that genuinely interested me.
By opening myself up, I met people who are now some of the closest in my life.My advice to anyone reading this is to give yourself the chance to open up. Take the time to build a community and connect with others because it is worth it. No matter what happens in life, when you have friends, you know everything will be okay in the end.
© Netflix
© Netflix
© Netflix
© Netflix
© Netflix
© Neftlix
© Netflix
© Netflix
© Netflix
