FUSION: Looking back at your journey so far, what has been the most rewarding or unforgettable moment in your career?
Mackenyu: Just watching people love my work and seeing their excitement means the world to me. With ONE PIECE, it's the moment when audiences first saw the show and accepted me as their 'Zoro', truly unforgettable.
FUSION: If you could give advice to your younger self-back when you were first starting out, what would you tell him?
Mackenyu: I would probably tell my younger self: Learn more lan- guages, note your father's advice, and if you have a chance, visit all the sets your dad's a part of.
FUSION: Finally, what's next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects, goals, or personal dreams that fans should look forward to?
Mackenyu: There are projects lined up for 2026 and 2027, I try to do it all with the little time I have. I always want to be present for the worldwide audience and people from different continents that enjoy my work. I will continue to push myself and take on as many roles as I can.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES:
FUSION: Can you share what it feels like to be featured on the front cover of Fusion magazine? What message would you like to give to our readers and fans across North America, as this is an exclusive just for them
Mackenyu: It feels absolutely won- derful. For the readers, ONE PIECE season 2 is now streaming on Netflix, we are always trying to bring our best and we think this season delivers. If you haven't started it yet but enjoy the live actions series, the Manga is even better and the live-action show serves as a great introduction to it! More to come, so be excited for future seasons.
The world of live-action anime adap- tations is often unpredictable, but One Piece has proven itself to be a rare exception. After the strong reception of its earlier seasons, anticipation for Season 3 is already running high- and for good reason. Production is officially underway, with filming hav- ing begun in late 2025 and continuing into 2026.
Returning to Cape Town, South Africa, the series continues to expand its ambitious vision of Eiichiro Oda's beloved world. This next chapter is expected to dive into the Alabasta arc, one of the most iconic storylines in the franchise. With its mix of political intrigue, emotional stakes, and larger- than-life characters, the arc presents both an exciting opportunity and a major challenge for the creative team.
Behind the scenes, the scale of production has only grown. From elaborate set designs to increasingly complex visual effects, Season 3 is shaping up to be the most ambitious installment yet. Fans can also expect new characters to join the Straw Hat crew's journey, bringing fresh energy and deeper layers to the story.
While an official release date has not been confirmed, industry expec- tations point toward a 2027 premiere. Until then, excitement continues to build as filming progresses and more details gradually emerge.