Culture Craze
Yonda Thomas lands major Netflix ‘One Piece’ role in global breakthrough
When a South African actor lands a role in a global franchise, it always feels personal. This week, that spotlight belongs to Yonda Thomas, who has officially joined the cast of One Piece for season two.
For many local viewers, Thomas is a familiar face from Netflix hits like How to Ruin Christmas and romantic comedies such as Happiness Ever After. Now, he is stepping into his first major international series role, and it is a big one.
From Muvhango to the Grand Line
Thomas has built his career steadily on South African screens. Long before global casting directors came calling, he appeared in local favourites including Muvhango and Isidingo. He also took on the powerful role of a young Nelson Mandela in the BET series Madiba, a performance that quietly confirmed his range.
More recently, he has become one of the go-to faces for Netflix’s growing slate of South African content. Audiences have seen him in Seriously Single and Mrs Right Guy, and he is also set to appear in the upcoming film Umjolo: My Beginnings, My End!.
Now, he is trading local drama for pirates, swords, and royal intrigue.
Who is Igaram?
In season two of One Piece, Thomas will portray Igaram. Fans of the manga and anime will know him as the loyal attendant to the Alabasta royal family and a sworn protector of Princess Nefertari Vivi. He is a key figure in the Alabasta storyline, a character defined by devotion, strategy, and quiet strength.
For newcomers to the series, this signals that Netflix is diving deeper into one of the franchise’s most beloved arcs. Igaram’s presence anchors the political drama that unfolds around Alabasta, making Thomas’s casting more than a minor addition.
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A bigger global moment
Netflix confirmed Thomas’s casting alongside two other actors. Rigo Sanchez will play Dragon, while James Hiroyuki steps into the role of Ipponmatsu, the arms shop owner in Loguetown who crosses paths with Zoro.
These announcements were revealed as part of the latest trailer rollout, and social media reacted quickly. South African fans flooded timelines with pride, celebrating another homegrown actor making it onto an international stage. In a country where breaking into Hollywood-level franchises can feel like an uphill climb, moments like this land differently.
Why this matters for local talent
South Africa has long produced world-class performers, but global franchises have not always looked our way. In recent years, that has begun to shift. Streaming platforms are investing more heavily in African stories and talent, and actors like Thomas are proof that the pipeline works both ways.
His journey also feels refreshingly organic. He did not arrive overnight. From local soap sets to major Netflix romcoms and now to one of the world’s most recognisable anime adaptations, his career reflects steady growth rather than sudden hype.
For young actors watching from Joburg, Durban, or Cape Town, this casting sends a clear message. International doors are not closed. They just require patience, craft, and visibility.
As season two of One Piece edges closer, many South Africans will be tuning in not just for the Straw Hats but to spot a familiar face representing home on the Grand Line.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: MLASA
