Katey Sagal Replaces Jamie Lee Curtis as Dr. Kureha

Netflix has announced an exciting addition to the upcoming second season of “One Piece.” Katey Sagal, renowned for her roles in “Married… With Children” and “Sons of Anarchy,” is set to join the cast. Sagal will be portraying Dr. Kureha, a quirky medical professional who encounters Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they continue their adventure to find the legendary treasure.

The Golden Globe Award-winning actress is not the only new face joining the show. Mark Harelik, known for his work on “Presumed Innocent,” will also make his debut in Season 2. Harelik is set to play Dr. Hiriluk, another intriguing medical character in the series.

Fans of “One Piece” might recall that Jamie Lee Curtis was initially in discussions to play Dr. Kureha. A known admirer of the “One Piece” series, Curtis was enthusiastic about taking on the role. However, due to her jam-packed schedule with multiple film and TV commitments, she couldn’t align her availability with the production dates. Becky Clements, president of Tomorrow Studios, shared that while Curtis was eager to be part of the project, other professional obligations took precedence. Despite this setback, Clements reassured fans by revealing that they found an “amazing person” to step into the role. Now that the casting is official, it’s clear that Sagal was the perfect fit.

For those unfamiliar with the character, Dr. Kureha is a somewhat eccentric doctor who plays a significant role in the “One Piece” storyline. Her unique bedside manner and medical expertise are key elements of her character. Fans eager for a closer look at Dr. Kureha can revisit scenes from the “One Piece” anime series, which provides a taste of her distinctive persona.

The live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga series “One Piece” premiered its first season in August 2023. The season consisted of eight episodes and was met with anticipation and curiosity from both long-time fans and new viewers. The production for the second season began in June 2024, but a release date has not yet been established.

The casting announcements have sparked a wave of excitement among “One Piece” enthusiasts. The inclusion of well-known actors like Sagal and Harelik suggests that the upcoming season will continue to capture the essence of the manga series while adding new layers to its live-action interpretation. Fans are eager to see how these characters will come to life and interact with the already established cast.

As the production of Season 2 progresses, viewers are keeping a close watch on any updates. The dynamic between Dr. Kureha and the Straw Hat Pirates is expected to be a highlight, potentially adding both humor and drama to the series. Meanwhile, Dr. Hiriluk’s introduction is also anticipated to deepen the storyline with his unique background and interactions.

The second season promises to build on the foundation laid by the first, exploring new adventures and character developments. With Sagal and Harelik on board, the show seems poised to deliver more of the high-quality, engaging content that has made “One Piece” a global phenomenon.

“One Piece” fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on the new castings and speculate on the potential dynamics these characters will bring to the show. The community’s enthusiasm continues to grow as they await more news on the series’ return.

As “One Piece” moves forward with its live-action adaptation, it remains dedicated to honoring the original manga’s spirit while embracing new opportunities for storytelling. The addition of these talented actors signifies a promising direction for the beloved series.

Source: Netflix