The wait is finally over, Tony Tony Chopper is officially coming to Netflix’s live-action One Piece series, and fans were treated to the reveal in the most spectacular way at Netflix’s global TUDUM event. With season 2 already riding high on a wave of anticipation, this surprise appearance has only fueled the hype even more.

As the cast of One Piece took to the TUDUM stage to talk about what’s next for the Straw Hat Pirates, they also dropped a bombshell that had fans cheering from around the world: the reveal of Chopper, the beloved human-reindeer doctor and sixth member of the crew.

And yes, it’s now confirmed that Chopper will be voiced by none other than Mikaela Hoover. Known for her work in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as the motion-captured and emotionally stirring Floor the rabbit, Hoover will not only lend her voice to the Straw Hat doctor but will also provide facial capture, bringing a new level of emotional realism to the character.

Chopper’s inclusion in the live-action series was expected, but until now, the mystery around his casting had kept fans guessing. The first reveal of his look, paired with the casting news, also gave viewers something they’ve all been waiting for: the release window. Season 2 is set to arrive in 2026.

In a statement shared with TUDUM, Hoover opened up about what drew her to Chopper:
“What excited me about playing Chopper is the tug of war between his standoffishness and his huge heart. He tries so hard to hide his emotions and put on a tough exterior, but underneath, he’s a big softy, and his love can’t help but come out.

“I believe there is a little Chopper in all of us. We all want to be loved and accepted. We go to great lengths to keep the people that we love safe. There’s a purity to his nature that reminds us of what’s good in the world.”

Hoover’s emotional insight into the role suggests that her portrayal will stay true to the spirit of Eiichiro Oda’s original manga. And considering her experience in voice acting and mocap work, fans can expect a Chopper who’s both adorable and deeply moving.

Joining Hoover in the wave of new additions for season 2 are some notable names. Charithra Chandran steps into the shoes of Miss Wednesday, Joe Manganiello takes on the role of the cunning Mr 0 (aka Crocodile), and Katey Sagal brings her talents to the mysterious Dr Kureha. Lera Abova joins as Miss All Sunday, further expanding the ensemble.

The cast list is stacked, including Mark Harelik as Dr Hiriluk, Sophia Anne Caruso as Miss Goldenweek, Yonda Thomas as Igaram, Sendhil Ramamurthy as Nefertari Cobra, Brendan Sean Murray as Brogy, and Callum Kerr as the iconic Smoker. Also in the lineup are Camrus Johnson (Mr 5), Clive Russell (Crocus), Daniel Lasker (Mr 9), David Dastmalchian (Mr 3), Jazzara Jaslyn (Miss Valentine), Julia Rehwald (Tashigi), Rob Colletti (Wapol), Ty Keogh (Dalton), Werner Coetser (Dorry), Rigo Sanchez (Dragon), James Hiroyuki Liao (Ipponmatsu), Mark Penwill (Chess), and Anton Jeftha (KM).

Of course, the core Straw Hat crew returns to anchor the adventure. Iñaki Godoy reprises his role as the cheerful and determined Monkey D. Luffy. Mackenyu is back as the swordsman Zoro, Emily Rudd continues as the clever navigator Nami, Jacob Romero returns as sharpshooter Usopp, and Taz Skylar swings back in as the chef with flaming kicks, Sanji. Rounding out the fan favorites are Ilia Isorelys Paulino (Alvida), Jeff Ward (Buggy), and Michael Dorman (Gold Roger).

Showrunner Matt Owens previously teased what lies ahead. Speaking to TUDUM, he emphasized that the writers’ room had a clear roadmap. “We knew how far we were going to get and that this character, Dr Kureha, was going to be a big part of the season,” Owens said. More importantly, he confirmed that the Grand Line, the mystical sea all of season 1 pointed toward, will now take center stage. “The place that we were talking about all of season 1, we’re in it now.”

The addition of Chopper, coupled with the exploration of the Grand Line and the introduction of iconic Baroque Works characters, makes it clear that season 2 will be a turning point for the live-action One Piece series.

Season 2 drops in 2026, and judging from what Netflix has shown so far, it might just be worth the wait. Whether you’re a veteran Straw Hat or a newcomer still discovering the Grand Line, get ready for a season that promises big hearts, epic battles, and a blue-nosed reindeer who might just steal the show.