One Piece Season 2: Katey Sagal on Her Future in the Series

Katey Sagal has joined the cast of the Netflix live-action adaptation of One Piece for its second season, stepping into the role of Dr. Kureha. The casting follows a period where Jamie Lee Curtis was reportedly interested in the part, though that arrangement did not materialize.

Sagal, known for her work in Married… With Children, 8 Simple Rules, Sons of Anarchy, and Rebel, as well as the animated series Futurama, brings a history of portraying bold and fierce characters to the production. Her addition to the ensemble is part of a broader wave of high-profile casting for the second season, which also includes actors such as David Dastmalchian and Joe Manganiello.

The Role of Dr. Kureha

In a feature with The Hollywood Reporter, Sagal discussed her entry into the One Piece universe and the specific nature of her character. The series, based on the manga created by Eiichiro Oda and first published in 1997, has evolved into a global phenomenon that spans nearly three decades.

The second season sees the Straw Hat Crew enter the Grand Line, necessitating a variety of new characters to populate the expanding world. Sagal’s portrayal of Dr. Kureha aligns with her career-long tendency to play women who are often described as rough-around-the-edges or colorful.

Sagal also addressed the timeliness of the season’s themes, specifically touching upon the presence of a tyrannical ruler within the narrative of the second season.

Industry Context and Casting

The live-action adaptation experienced a significant breakout in 2023, leading Netflix to integrate more established Hollywood figures into the cast for subsequent seasons. Sagal’s casting was officially announced in 2025.

The transition of the role from Jamie Lee Curtis to Katey Sagal highlights the production’s effort to find a specific fit for Dr. Kureha. While Curtis expressed interest in the role, the part ultimately went to Sagal, a move that has been well-received by the show’s fan base.

The scale of the production reflects the massive influence of the original Japanese publishing medium and the existing anime adaptation, which have made characters like Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew recognizable even to those outside of traditional geek culture in the United States.

Future in the Series

Beyond her immediate introduction in season two, Sagal has provided insights into her future within the One Piece universe. The actress discussed whether her appearance as Dr. Kureha marks a brief visit or a more permanent fixture in the ongoing story as the crew continues their journey.

As the production moves forward, the inclusion of veteran actors like Sagal, Manganiello, and Dastmalchian suggests a continued strategy by Netflix to blend the fantastical elements of Oda’s manga with recognized talent from American television and film.