One Piece’s Perfect Live-Action Sabo Actor

Season 2 of the live-action One Piece wasted no time proving it would defy expectations. From its opening episode, the adaptation delivered surprises that even the most seasoned readers of One Piece were surprised by. Chief among them was the inclusion of Loguetown, a fan-favorite arc many feared would be skipped. Instead, Netflix didn’t just lean into the moment, it used it to make some jaw-dropping introductions.

During the chaos of Loguetown in One Piece season 2, Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and Sanji (Taz Skylar) find themselves overwhelmed by Smoker (Callum Kerr), only to be saved by a mysterious figure who manga aficionados know to be Monkey D. Dragon (Rigo Sanchez). While Dragon’s appearance is significant enough, there’s another figure lingering in the background, one who eagle-eyed fans immediately recognized.

That mysterious tophat-wearing individual is Sabo, Luffy’s sworn brother from childhood. His presence in Loguetown is a huge deviation from the manga, where he doesn’t appear until much, much later. With no official casting confirmed yet, speculation about who should play Sabo in the live-action One Piece is already in full swing, but Netflix doesn’t have to look further than its own library for the perfect candidate.

Jacob Bertrand Would Be A Perfect Live-Action Sabo In Netflix’s One Piece

The Cobra Kai Star Is The Ideal Sabo Casting Choice

Sabo’s appearance in season 2 of Netflix’s live-action One Piece is incredibly easy to miss. The future Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army is seen only briefly in the background during the Loguetown episode, portrayed by an uncredited extra. It’s a classic blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but one that carries massive implications for the future of the show.

Despite the fleeting nature of the cameo, One Piece manga and anime fans quickly identified the figure in the top hat as Sabo. This immediately led to intense discussions about who should take on the role properly when the character inevitably steps into the spotlight. Among the popular choices one name seems to stand out more than any other – Jacob Bertrand.

Jacob Bertrand is best known for his role as Hawk in Cobra Kai, where he showcased a compelling mix of intensity, vulnerability, and charisma. These qualities align perfectly with Sabo, a character who, like Hawk, has significant problems with authority and a somewhat volatile temper.

Who plays Sabo in live-action isn’t a decision Netflix can make lightly. Sabo isn’t just another side character, he’s a key player in the One Piece manga. Casting someone who can convey both his warmth and his revolutionary spirit is essential. Jacob Bertrand’s performance as the upstart Hawk in Cobra Kai already proves he could handle that balance with ease.

Another major factor fueling fan support for casting Jacob Bertrand as Sabo in Netflix’s One Piece is his connection to Xolo Maridueña, who has been cast as Ace in the live-action series. The two actors already share strong on-screen chemistry thanks to their time on Cobra Kai, which could translate seamlessly into their roles as brothers-in-arms.

Ace, Sabo, and Luffy form one of the most emotionally significant relationships in the entire One Piece story. Getting that dynamic right is crucial, and casting actors who already have proven chemistry is a smart move. Bertrand’s potential casting would immediately strengthen that foundation.

While Netflix has yet to confirm anything, the fanbase enthusiasm surrounding Jacob Bertrand joining the live-action One Piece cast highlights just how invested fans are in Sabo’s future. The character’s brief cameo may have been subtle, but it has already set the stage for one of the series’ most important casting decisions.

When We Could See Sabo Again In Live-Action One Piece

Sabo’s Early Cameo Suggests A Much Bigger Role Is Coming Sooner Than Expected

Sabo’s inclusion in One Piece season 2 is surprising for one major reason: in the manga he doesn’t appear until chapter 583, during the Post-Marinefold/Post-War Arc, which is long after Loguetown. The live-action series is nowhere near that point yet, making his early cameo a significant timeline shift. It also means there’s now a question just as important as who will play Sabo in the live-action One Piece, and that’s when he will appear again.

In the timeline of the Netflix version of One Piece, Sabo is present in Loguetown alongside his father, Dragon. Though he doesn’t interact with Luffy or the Straw Hats, it has been confirmed that the mysterious figure in the top hat is indeed him. This confirmation could significantly change the narrative trajectory of Netflix’s One Piece, which so far has been mostly faithful to Eiichiro Oda’s manga as far as significant plot moments are concerned.

The biggest question now is when Sabo will return to the live-action One Piece in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer. However, his early introduction strongly suggests that Netflix and Oda are planning to integrate him into the narrative much sooner than expected.

One possibility is that Sabo will appear more frequently alongside Dragon. As the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Dragon plays a crucial role in the broader world of One Piece, and crosses paths with Luffy multiple times before the Post-Marinefold/Post-War Arc. If the live-action series expands on his presence earlier than the manga did, it makes sense for Sabo to be part of that storyline.

There’s also the confirmed introduction of Ace in One Piece season 3 to consider. With Ace entering the picture, the opportunity to explore the shared childhood of Luffy, Ace, and Sabo becomes much more viable. Flashbacks could be used to establish their bond, giving Sabo a meaningful presence even before his main storyline unfolds.

Ultimately, Sabo’s Loguetown cameo isn’t just a fun Easter egg, it’s a clear signal from Netflix and Eiichiro Oda. The live-action One Piece is willing to remix the timeline in ways that enhance character development and emotional payoff. If that’s the case, Sabo’s live-action return may not be far off at all.