With the full TIFF 2025 schedule released this week, we have some leading candidates for five of the year’s most eagerly awaited films.

To commemorate the Toronto International Film Festival’s (TIFF) 50th anniversary, the organizers are presenting the finest movies featuring major stars—many of which will have their premieres for the first time. With the complete TIFF 2025 lineup unveiled this week, we have highlighted several prime films to keep an eye on at TIFF this year. This list takes into account the buzz, the performers, and some that deserve more attention or recognition. Some selections are expected, while others might not be on everyone’s radar.

Some films listed below are well-recognized as making their debut at TIFF 2025, but there are numerous exceptional titles arriving for this milestone anniversary. One such film is Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, featuring Ethan Hawke, Andrew Scott, Bobby Cannavale, and Margaret Qualley. Another eagerly awaited title is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Fans and literature enthusiasts will note that this sequel plays off Edgar Allan Poe’s The Murders in the Rue Morgue. On a more uplifting note, Rental Home stars Oscar-winning Brendan Fraser as an American actor in Tokyo dealing with severe impostor syndrome as he becomes a professional surrogate in the thoughtful and whimsical dramedy by director HIKARI.

For those craving high-stakes romance, Jonathan Edwards presents Carolina Caroline, starring Kyle Gallner, Samara Weaving, and Jon Gries. This charming, stylish road film revolving around a woman’s quest for self-discovery promises to be exceptionally entertaining. On the animated front, Ugo Bienvenu’s Arco tells the story of a realm where rainbows serve as time travelers from our future. The narrative follows 10-year-old Arco, who inadvertently gets lost in time. Produced by Natalie Portman (who also voices a character), the film’s visuals and storytelling reportedly evoke the essence of Hayao Miyazaki’s creations. I could elaborate endlessly about the remarkable films debuting at TIFF 2025, but here is a compilation of some essential must-watch titles.

Christy

Disregard her American Eagle jeans; Sydney Sweeney is reportedly delivering her finest performance yet in Christy. Check out Eden, and you’ll see Sweeney truly at her peak. Ben Foster joins her, delivering one of his most impressive performances following last year’s Sharp Corner. Oscillating between heartbreaking and victorious, the latest work from Australian director David Michôd chronicles the incredible journey of trailblazing women’s boxer Christy Martin. Foster reveals the darkness within the man who was initially Christy’s supporter and later became her abuser, but the soul of this film lies with Sweeney, who immerses herself in the role of a woman grappling with numerous demons as she battled her way to the summit.

Frankenstein

Oscar-winning director and master of Toronto, Guillermo del Toro, returns to TIFF 2025 with another breathtaking horror-monster film. Some are dubbing this adaptation of Mary Shelley’s legendary story del Toro’s crowning achievement. Oscar Isaac portrays Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist tormented by ambition and his own intense desires. Extending his work beyond scientific limits to the edge between life and death, he brings a new entity into being in a breathtaking act of creation. Played in an entirely unique manner by Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein’s creature starts as a formidable, perilous beast but also possesses the dangerous ability to learn from human actions. This poses a threat to both Frankenstein and his fiancée Elizabeth (Mia Goth).

Good Fortune

Actor-writer-director Aziz Ansari co-stars with Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, and Keke Palmer in this amusing modern fantasy in which the angel Gabriel, frustrated with conducting minor acts of divine intervention, seeks to enhance the lives of several struggling mortals. Here, a junior angel named Gabriel intervenes. Distressed by the inequity of Arj’s situation, he compels Arj and billionaire Jeff to swap lives, believing that each can gain insight from experiencing the other’s circumstances. If you caught Freakier Friday, this may resonate similarly—albeit a much more NSFW, unholy version. Interestingly and truthfully, this film offers a commentary on contemporary social disparities.

Motor City

Motor City is a raw revenge narrative set against the industrial landscape of 1970s Detroit. John Miller (Alan Ritchson from TV’s Reacher), a working-class auto employee, has his life shattered when he’s set up by a merciless local crime lord (an intensely unsettling Ben Foster) and incarcerated. Emerging from prison years later, hardened and haunted, Miller embarks on a mission to reclaim the life—and love (Shailene Woodley)—that was taken from him, delivering a violent reckoning along the way. Ritchson consistently infuses his performances with action-oriented intensity.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is anticipated to be released later this year, but it reportedly will not be available for Nintendo Switch 2 at its launch.

This information comes from Dealab’s billbil-kun, known for accurately sharing leaks and release dates. Billbil-kun claims they can “confirm” that the game will not debut on Switch 2 when it releases on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. This is in contrast to Call of Duty developers who stated earlier this year that they are “committed” to bringing titles to Nintendo Switch 2, although they did not specifically mention Black Ops 7.

While Microsoft has not provided extensive comments, it seems quite probable that the game will eventually arrive on Switch 2, particularly given the console’s strong sales thus far. Additionally, in 2023, as VGC reported, Microsoft entered into a “legally-binding” agreement to bring Call of Duty titles to Switch over the next decade. This announcement coincided with the EU’s proceedings regarding the Activision-Blizzard acquisition, aimed at “providing more choices to players and enhancing competition in the gaming market.”

So far, there has yet to be a Call of Duty title on Nintendo Switch, although other Activision franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro have made their way to the system.

Black Ops 7 was initially unveiled with an extended cinematic trailer during the Xbox Games Showcase in June. The trailer emphasized psychological warfare, indicating that players will be under the command of David Mason in this installment. While we have yet to learn much about gameplay, multiplayer, or zombies, details are likely to emerge soon, particularly with events like Gamescom approaching.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to release in 2025 on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Your endurance in the initial hours of DayZ relies on grasping essential basics. Primarily, think about acquiring a DayZ account for an optimal experience.

Town wells act as your vital source since they deliver safe drinking water, eliminating the chance of cholera. While ponds or streams are alternative options, they necessitate chlorine tablets for water purification beforehand. A varied approach to sourcing food proves most effective. You can discover fruit trees close to towns with easy access, and dispatching zombies may yield canned goods. Additionally, abandoned boats along coastlines frequently harbor useful supplies.

Sustained survival demands thorough planning. Hunting animals requires clean hands post-butchering to avert infection while consuming food or liquids. Cooking fresh meat significantly enhances its calorie content and prolongs its shelf life. Temperature regulation requires constant vigilance. Survivors soaked by rain must seek shelter promptly and wring out wet clothing to stave off hypothermia. Hunter’s attire offers superior insulation, while gloves, ski masks, and hats are crucial protections for extremities.

Be aware that sprinting drains more energy and influences your character’s food and water usage rates. Gardening becomes a sustainable food source once you collect seeds and necessary tools. These foundational aspects will elevate your odds of survival well beyond those initial vital hours.

Loot Prioritization and Gear Management

Clever looting can aid your thriving rather than just enduring in DayZ. A knife should be your foremost focus in this endeavor. This adaptable tool enables you to open cans, shred clothing into rags, and hunt efficiently. You can create footwraps with two rags for silent movement to sneak up on prey.

Your selection of backpack is crucial for survival. Leather packs and combat bags offer 63 slots without generating noise, keeping you stealthy. Initial clothing choices should prioritize storage capacity over style.

Loot materials spawn in particular areas marked by tags. High-tier weapons and protective gear can be found at military installations. Medical supplies and bandages appear in medical centers. Early firearms are prevalent in police stations. Survival gear turns up at hunting locales, while coastal regions contain fishing equipment and waterproof containers.

Organizing your inventory is essential for survival. Maintain weapons in your backpack rather than on your person to prevent metallic rattling during movement. Store crucial items such as bandages and medical supplies in your clothing instead of your backpack. This allows you to drop your bag during confrontations while keeping essential gear accessible.

The most valuable loot tends to generate further inland. Veteran survivors typically target Tisy Military Base and the Northwest Airfield. Although these sites are perilous, they reward players with high-quality military equipment.

Combat Strategies, Health, and Collaboration

Your combat prowess in DayZ encompasses much more than just aiming and shooting. You must evaluate the gear, position, and threat level of other players before deciding whether to fight or flee. High situational awareness allows you to utilize cover and remain safe from enemy fire.

Stealth is most effective against zombies. Silent eliminations with a knife conserve ammunition and keep you hidden when approaching from behind. However, a suppressed MK II pistol enables you to discreetly dispatch multiple infected without drawing further attention.

Effective health management is a crucial aspect of survival. You must disinfect bandages and rags prior to treating injuries. Infections progress through two stages—stage one can be treated with disinfectant, while stage two necessitates tetracycline pills. Medical gear should be on hand during combat, as bleeding can quickly deplete your blood and health reserves.

Collaborating with other survivors offers substantial benefits. Groups are better at defending against raiders, conducting supply runs together, and strengthening bases compared to solo players. Most importantly, teammates can render medical assistance when you are unconscious or injured.

New spawns frequently meet and unite on the coast. Establishing trust via Discord before joining games fosters more dependable partnerships.

Final Thoughts

A well-rounded strategy is essential for thriving in DayZ’s unforgiving environment. Your primary focus should be on essential survival needs that form the basis for staying alive—securing clean water, sourcing sustainable food, and regulating temperature. Mastering these fundamentals enhances your ability to survive beyond those critical initial hours.

Strategic looting greatly boosts your survival prospects, particularly by emphasizing crucial items like knives and selecting appropriate storage options.

All you require is preparation and quick thinking in combat scenarios. Astute players assess threats before engagement, maintain awareness of their surroundings, and keep medical supplies readily available. While solo survival can be successful, partnering with trustworthy allies provides advantages that individuals cannot achieve alone.

DayZ presents a harsh learning curve. Once you comprehend these fundamental mechanics, your survival duration can extend from mere minutes to days or weeks. Each demise imparts valuable lessons, while successful encounters build your confidence. Remember that even seasoned players have experienced deaths while grasping these same strategies.

The most skilled survivors continually adapt. They blend these tactics based on current situations instead of adhering to rigid rules. Your journey through Chernarus will challenge your patience, resourcefulness, and decision-making capabilities. The fulfillment of overcoming the elements, infected foes, and other challenges will be your reward.

Paul Wesley is familiar with embodying iconic characters, yet assuming the role of James T. Kirk in *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* carries a distinct significance. Most recognized for his eight-season portrayal of Stefan Salvatore in *The Vampire Diaries*, Wesley became part of the *Strange New Worlds* ensemble in Season 2 and has been delving into the early experiences of one of science fiction’s most celebrated captains.

As *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* progresses into its third season, Kirk’s storyline is starting to develop, unveiling the lessons and obstacles that will shape his future command of the Enterprise. We had a conversation with Wesley regarding the weight of portraying such a culturally significant character, how he navigates honoring William Shatner’s original interpretation while infusing his own essence into the role, and why the optimistic vision of *Star Trek* resonates profoundly in today’s society.

**We’ve reached season three of *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds*. What’s your experience like being part of this season?**

**Paul Wesley:** I truly enjoy this season. I’m really looking forward to viewers seeing this Thursday’s episode because it marks a significant progression in the evolution of James T. Kirk. We get to witness him grasp a crucial lesson that will enable him to eventually become the leader we all recognize. It’s a tremendous honor to be involved in something that contributes to this remarkable legacy. Prequels carry substantial responsibility, and I hold that in high regard.

**On that note, you portray one of the most renowned captains in *Star Trek* lore. What’s that like, and how does it feel to interpret a character previously portrayed by another actor?**

**Paul Wesley:** I certainly contemplated it deeply, and I toyed with the idea of trying to replicate or mimic what William Shatner so brilliantly executed. I swiftly recognized, with guidance from others, that attempting to do so might not be the wisest approach, as I’ll never replicate his inherent qualities as a person. Thus, I focus on identifying the non-negotiable traits of the character and then infusing my own interpretation of James T. Kirk—one that reflects my uniqueness.

**Did you communicate with William Shatner prior to taking on the role of James T. Kirk?**

**Paul Wesley:** No. I’ve spoken with him on separate occasions since we used to be neighbors, which is a bit wild—just a pure coincidence. However, we never discussed the character, and I was also bound by confidentiality. I’ve seen him multiple times since taking on the role, and he’s always been nothing but supportive and gracious. He’s been associated with this character for such a long time, after all.

Thus, the last thing I want to do is press him to discuss it. If he wishes to share, I’m all ears. But his stance has just been, “Go for it, do your thing, you have my endorsement, and rock on.” It’s fantastic.

**You’ve been a part of various franchises so far. Were you a fan of *Star Trek* before joining *Strange New Worlds*, and what’s your perspective on *Trek* now that you embody this character?**

**Paul Wesley:** Absolutely, we’re all familiar with *Trek*. It’s something we all watch—certainly I and everyone I know—I grew up with it, you know, even though I was born in the ’80s and really came of age in the ’90s with all the reruns and *The Next Generation*. *Star Trek* is woven into the fabric of television culture. I had seen a significant amount of reruns and watched *The Next Generation*. I was somewhat of a fan. Once I was cast, I immersed myself deeper into the *Star Trek* universe.

One thing I didn’t fully grasp—because I was merely a viewer—was its significance to people until I got the role. I hadn’t realized how crucial hope, imagination, positivity, and future optimism were to the franchise. Additionally, I never fully comprehended how significant Captain Kirk was to many in their formative years. To a lot of people at home, he was almost like a father figure and a genuine hero, and I’m acutely aware of that obligation.

**This new season of *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* stands out as one of the more uplifting and positive ones in some time. Is this the right

Genndy Tartakovsky: A Trailblazer in Contemporary Animation

Genndy Tartakovsky emerges as an influential personality in the realm of animation, recognized for his unique style and groundbreaking narratives. His career commenced with landmark series like “Dexter’s Laboratory” and “Samurai Jack,” where he refined his skills and cultivated a distinct voice that has impacted numerous animators and storytellers. Tartakovsky’s professional journey spans many years, during which he has persistently presented innovative and engaging works that blur the boundaries between conventional animated films and intricate visual stories.

His latest venture, “Primal,” continues to engage viewers with its compelling storytelling and breathtaking animation, celebrating its third season. Now, Tartakovsky is exploring new ground with “Fixed,” a Netflix original that merges crude humor with touching moments. The film chronicles a dog’s quest to savor life before being neutered, redefining the limits of animated storytelling.

In a discussion with CGMagazine, Tartakovsky revealed his enthusiasm for animation. He articulated his passion for the medium, saying, “I fell in love with the drawings and the movement.” Although he doesn’t see himself as a remarkable artist, Tartakovsky’s talent in animation has enabled him to tell engaging stories that connect with audiences.

“Fixed” boasts a talented ensemble, and Tartakovsky expressed astonishment and appreciation for their participation. He underscored the significance of humor in the project, drawing on his experiences with the “Hotel Transylvania” films to create a comedic yet meaningful storyline.

Tartakovsky’s adaptability is evident in his varied portfolio, ranging from children’s programming like “Dexter’s Lab” to the more adult-themed and intense “Primal.” He delights in exploring various genres and narrative methods, aligning with the evolving animation landscape. With “Fixed,” Tartakovsky aimed to challenge limits and delve into themes aimed at adults, finding liberation in the endless possibilities animation offers for mature viewers.

Reflecting on his journey, Tartakovsky regards the achievements of “Dexter’s Lab” and “Samurai Jack” as major milestones. Nonetheless, he takes great pride in the 30 episodes of “Primal,” viewing them as a reflection of high-caliber storytelling and animation.

As “Fixed” gets ready to premiere on Netflix on August 13, 2025, Tartakovsky’s impact on the animation sector is unmistakable. His capacity to craft memorable characters and engaging narratives continues to motivate both audiences and fellow creators, cementing his status as a trailblazer in contemporary animation.

Since *Magic: The Gathering* announced the upcoming *MTG* x *Avatar: The Last Airbender* Universes Beyond set, fans have eagerly sought more details, and today they received a wealth of new cards, artwork, and mechanics to explore.

As we move into 2025, Wizards of the Coast keeps the excitement for *Magic: The Gathering* alive. While the *Universes Beyond – Final Fantasy* set holds the record for best-selling set ever, and *Edge of Eternities* remains highly relevant, WOTC looks ahead to the future with the upcoming Universes Beyond set, *Magic: The Gathering | Avatar: The Last Airbender*.

Like all set launches, *MTG* | *Avatar: The Last Airbender* brings forth new (and some returning) mechanics to the game of *Magic: The Gathering*. Previous spoiler seasons have given fans a glimpse of the bonus sheet’s potential (with *Edge of Eternities: Stellar Sights*, and *Final Fantasy: Through The Ages*), but today’s reveal from WOTC centers on *Avatar*, its mechanics, and various artistic treatments for card designs that will excite fans of the series.

It should be highlighted that there will be an extended ‘bonus sheet’ for *Avatar* (identified under the Eternal-Legal set code: TLE instead of the main set’s TLA), although no cards have been disclosed yet, nor have any known special guests that often accompany each set, a practice that began with *The Lost Caverns of Ixalan*.

**Magic: The Gathering** – New & Returning Mechanics in *Avatar: The Last Airbender*

**Waterbending** – Certain spells and abilities feature the keyword “waterbend” as part of their costs. For instance, Aang’s Iceberg’s activated ability requires the player to waterbend 3, allowing them to tap artifacts and creatures to help pay the cost, or alternatively, to use traditional mana to activate the abilities. The decision is up to the players.

**Earthbending** – Like waterbending, Earthbending is a keyword action. Earthbenders weaponize the terrain in *Avatar: The Last Airbender*, and players can replicate this using spells and abilities that require them to earthbend in *Magic: The Gathering*. Earthbending Lesson transforms a targeted land you control into a 0/0 land creature with haste and places four +1/+1 counters on that creature-land. If that creature dies or is exiled, it reverts back as a tapped non-creature land.

**Airbending** – Airbending introduces another new keyword action that allows players to control the battlefield without hostility. When you airbend a permanent, you either exile it or flicker it out. While the chosen card is exiled, its owner may cast it for two mana instead of its original mana cost. Even though Appa primarily airbends your permanents, it’s conceivable that airbending could affect an opponent’s permanents as well. The effectiveness of this ability is amplified by synergies that benefit play from exile.

**Firebending** – Firebending serves as a keyword ability that channels your aggression into power. When a creature with firebending X attacks, you generate X red mana, where X matches the creature’s power. This red mana persists until the end of the combat step, enabling players to swiftly escalate their offensive with instant speed cards.

**Magic: The Gathering | Avatar: The Last Airbender** – Special Card Treatments And Where They Can Be Found!

Like earlier *MTG* sets, *Avatar: The Last Airbender* Universes Beyond showcases a range of unique card treatments. It features showcase and extended art cards, presenting breathtaking artwork inspired by *Avatar: The Last Airbender*. The specialized treatments are consistent with *Avatar*‘s aesthetic and include emblematic imagery from *Avatar: The Last Airbender* integrated into *Magic: The Gathering* card art. Showcase treatments can be found in every booster pack, while other treatments (like the textless full art cards) are more scarce.

The table below details each specialized treatment (announced to date) and the corresponding *Magic: The Gathering* product it can be discovered in, alongside the listed MSRP price for each product as specified by WOTC.

| Card Treatment | Play Booster | Collector Booster |
|——————————————–|————–|——————-|
| Full Art Appa Lands | X | X |
| Elemental Frame Cards | X | X |
| Borderless Field Notes | X | X |
| Borderless Double-Faced Sagas | X | X |
| Borderless Raised Foil Avatar Aang (English

Genndy Tartakovsky: A Trailblazing Icon in Animation

Genndy Tartakovsky is a monumental presence in the animation field, enchanting viewers of all ages with his creative storytelling and unique aesthetic. From the fantastical escapades of “Dexter’s Laboratory” to the raw intensity of “Primal,” Tartakovsky’s creations have repeatedly transcended the limits of animated narratives, securing him a cherished spot in the hearts of fans globally.

Tartakovsky’s newest project, “Fixed,” represents a daring move into bolder themes. First envisioned in 2009, the film encountered a challenging path to launch, facing hurdles with Warner Bros. Pictures before ultimately securing a platform on Netflix. “Fixed” narrates the story of Bull, an endearing dog who discovers he is set to be neutered the following day. With only 24 hours remaining, Bull sets off on a final, uninhibited escapade with his companions.

The film, premiering on Netflix on August 13, boasts a skilled voice cast, including Adam Devine, Beck Bennett, and River Gallo, who animate the roles of Bull, Rocco, and Frankie. In a recent discussion, the cast expressed their excitement for the endeavor and the pleasure of working alongside Tartakovsky.

Adam Devine shared his respect for Tartakovsky, remarking, “As soon as I heard that he was directing, you knew you were in excellent hands. Everything he works on turns to gold.” Beck Bennett mirrored this feeling, commending Tartakovsky’s encouraging and enjoyable directing style. River Gallo, a long-time admirer of Tartakovsky’s creations, called the process surreal, having grown up with “Dexter’s Laboratory.”

The cast was attracted to “Fixed” not only by Tartakovsky’s participation but also by the film’s inventive script and the chance to portray multifaceted characters. Bennett relished his role as Sterling, a pretentious wealthy character, while Devine embraced his part as Bull, a dog brimming with life. Gallo infused authenticity into Frankie, an intersex Doberman, reflecting their own confidence and revolutionary spirit in the role.

Switching from live-action to animation, the cast valued the artistic flexibility that animation provides. Devine emphasized the opportunity to try various interpretations, while Bennett enjoyed the endless potential of voice performance. Gallo appreciated the opportunity to embody a character they might not represent in live-action formats.

As “Fixed” gears up for its release, Tartakovsky’s legacy as a pioneering force in animation continues to expand. His talent for merging humor, emotion, and creativity guarantees that every new endeavor strikes a chord with viewers, affirming his place as a genuine legend in the realm of animation.

“Fixed” will be accessible exclusively on Netflix starting August 13, 2025.

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GAMERella, a Canadian non-profit, is making significant strides in the gaming sector with its commitment to mentoring developing game creators, especially those from underrepresented groups. Established in 2013 by Gina Hara and Charlotte Fisher, GAMERella arose from a vision to cultivate inclusive and inviting environments for women, queer, and neurodivergent developers in Montréal. Their inaugural Mentorship Initiative, part of the Canada Media Fund’s Changing Narratives and Sector Development Support Funds, intends to furnish participants with professional expertise, networking possibilities, and the assurance needed to succeed in the industry.

Hara and Fisher’s experiences at game jams underscored the need for greater inclusivity, which led to the creation of GAMERella as a supportive, non-competitive option. Over the years, they have persisted in managing the organization, with Fisher now at Unity and Hara heading the mentorship initiative. The gaming industry continues to grapple with issues like crunch culture and insufficient diversity, yet GAMERella remains dedicated to tackling these challenges.

The Mentorship Initiative encompasses studio visits, workshops, and networking occasions. Participants have recently explored the DON’T NOD and Unity Technologies studios, gaining valuable industry insights and learning from professionals. Workshops led by industry experts such as Osama Dorias and Logan Lesage concentrated on enhancing CVs and portfolios for game development careers.

GAMERella’s initiatives are empowering the forthcoming generation of game developers, offering them the resources and backing necessary to prosper. The program cultivates a sense of community and self-assurance among mentees, aiding them in dealing with the challenges of entering the industry. With an emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, GAMERella is forging a path for a more representative gaming environment.

For those eager to be part of GAMERella’s game jam, registrations will commence in September 2025, with the event set for November 15-16, 2025. The organization encourages women, trans men, non-binary/genderqueer individuals, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and others who have felt marginalized in game development to take part in this thrilling opportunity.

The inaugural “One Piece” Season 2 teaser was unveiled this past weekend, also disclosing that Netflix has already approved Season 3. The live-action rendition is finally steering the Going Merry toward the Grand Line! The initial “One Piece Season 2” trailer was released this weekend, also indicating that Netflix greenlit Season 3. The colossal red streamer launched the new teaser in celebration of the annual One Piece Day event in Tokyo, on Saturday, August 9th. Although it was a brief, minute-and-a-half preview, it hinted at what lies ahead in Monkey D. Luffy’s (Iñaki Godoy) forthcoming arc in Season 2.

“One Piece Season 2’s first glimpse showcases numerous characters and moments, drawn from the original manga by Eiichiro Oda (also known as Oda-sensei). Alongside the well-known characters established in Season 1, including Luffy, Nami (Emily Rudd), Usopp (Jacob Romero), and Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), the footage features a few new faces, such as Lera Abova as Nico Robin and Callum Kerr as Smoker. Where Captain Smoker appears, Tashigi is sure to follow. In the final scene, fans will spot a certain legendary whale named Laboon. Get the tissues ready!

According to the trailer, “One Piece Season 2” appears set to cover the smaller arcs leading up to Alabasta, including Loguetown, Reverse Mountain, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island. One of the initial scenes depicted Luffy gazing at the location of Gol D. Roger’s execution, indicating they will indeed visit Loguetown. Whether they will include Luffy’s execution and interaction with Dragon remains unconfirmed.

A shot of Robin was also featured, who is still Miss All Sunday, being part of Baroque Works. Broggy was highlighted in the trailer as well, showcasing the giants like Dorry from Little Garden. Since Tony Tony Chopper was teased in the previous teaser, it makes sense to have this as a logical stopping point on Drum Island. “One Piece” Season 3 is likely to encompass the entire Alabasta arc. In the anime, Portgas D. Ace is introduced at the end of Drum Island, so this could be a significant hint at the end of Season 2. No actor has been cast for the beloved character.

Overall, the live-action series maintains a solid rhythm, despite streamlining numerous character-development moments. Based on Season 1, they have been addressing the story points—only missing out on some emotional elements. My best estimation is that the CloverWorks update/remake of the “One Piece” anime will be increasing the pace similar to the live-action, but mainly focused on eliminating fillers and superfluous plot points.

Nonetheless, “One Piece Season 2” currently lacks an official release date, but it is anticipated to launch in 2026. However, Netflix is optimistic about the series, as they confirmed in the same trailer that Season 3 is already in production. Whether this swift production schedule will benefit Netflix in the long run remains to be seen when Seasons 2 and 3 are released. Stay tuned to the Netflix “One Piece” official channels for further updates!