As Netflix embarks on the second season of One Piece, the Straw Hat crew is poised to expand, and a pivotal addition has been unveiled: Tony Tony Chopper, the crew’s diminutive doctor. This eagerly anticipated introduction was showcased during the Tudum livestream event, featuring One Piece stars Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero, and Taz Skylar, who presented a sneak peek at the upcoming season, including the first look at the live-action series’ interpretation of Chopper.

The sneak peek, revealed below, offers a glimpse into the character’s introduction in the live-action adaptation.

Mikaela Hoover, known for her role in Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3, will portray Chopper, providing both voice work and facial motion capture for the character. Chopper’s backstory, as an aspiring medic who gained human-reindeer hybrid form after consuming a devil fruit, will likely be an intriguing aspect of his introduction in the series. His desire to travel and expand his medical knowledge drives his narrative, making him a compelling addition to the Straw Hat crew.

Although Netflix has not disclosed a specific release date for the second season, beyond confirming it will premiere next year, the addition of Chopper, played by Hoover, is part of a larger cast expansion. Other new faces joining the series include Katey Sagal, Joe Manganiello, David Dastmalchian, Clive Russell, and James Hiroyuki Lio, among others. As more information about Netflix’s plans for One Piece becomes available, it will be shared.

For more updates on the latest developments in the world of science fiction and fantasy, including One Piece, stay tuned for further news and announcements.

For additional io9 news, explore the following links to discover the latest release dates for upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases. Also, find out what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and get the latest information on the future of Doctor Who.