Mackenyu's Trainer Reveals How the Actor Bulked Up for "One Piece" Season 2

The second season of the One Piece live-action series, which premiered on Netflix earlier this March, has quickly become a viral hit. With cast members such as Iñaki Godoy, Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, and Jacob Romero Gibson returning as the Straw Hat Pirates, the show has risen to the top of the streaming platform's viewership charts.

Story-wise, only a few months have passed between the first and second seasons, yet some characters have displayed some significant shifts in their physical appearances. Case in point: many fans have taken notice of Roronoa Zoro's bulkier figure, which is thanks to Mackenyu's intense exercise regimen throughout the years.

In season 2, the band of pirates continues their hunt for the mythical One Piece, journeying through the dangerous Grand Line and facing new adversaries. As one of the OG members of the team, Zoro picks up new skills and defines his figure along the way.

In an Instagram post, Mackenyu's fitness trainer Lloyd Naicker reveals how the actor attained his physique in the years that have passed between seasons. He breaks down the routine as follows:

• 3-hour training sessions for seven days a week at MyGym Cape Town

• Sessions start at 4:00 a.m., and sometimes earlier at 2:00 a.m. right after shoots

• A strict meal plan (with one cheat meal that Lloyd insisted on, even if Mackenyu declined it!)

Mackenyu's transformation directly references the anime, in which Zoro adopts a bigger and stronger build. After losing a duel to Dracule Mihawk in season 1, the swordman was pushed to develop his skills alongside his physique.

In episode 3 of season 2, he showcased just how much he's improved when he defeated 100 Baroque Works goons in a singular match-up. Mackenyu insisted on having 100 actual extras play his opponents, saying that dedicated fans will definitely be counting. He filmed the epic scene with a broken finger, too, FYI!

On his personal Instagram account, Mackenyu also shared behind-the-scenes shots of the show. As with the first season, filming took place in Cape Town, South Africa, where the actor's trainer, Lloyd, is also based.

He also expressed his gratitude to Lloyd, saying, "This guy. Eakes up at 3 a.m. to train me from 4 a.m. every single morning. Couldn’t have done it without Lloyd. Super lucky to have you as my trainer."

One Piece season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.