- Iñaki Godoy is a 22-year-old Mexican actor who rose to global fame as Monkey D. Luffy in Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation.
- Creator Eiichiro Oda personally selected Godoy after an extensive global casting search, praising his natural embodiment of the character.
- Godoy’s estimated net worth exceeds $2.5 million, with earnings of approximately $320,000 per episode for Season 1.
- With Season 2 released in March 2026, Godoy has expressed interest in expanding his career into Bollywood and filmmaking.
Mexican actor Iñaki Godoy has become a global sensation as the lead in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece. The 22-year-old portrays Monkey D. Luffy, the rubber-limbed pirate captain searching for the legendary treasure.
Season 2 premiered on March 10, 2026, further cementing Godoy’s status as one of the most recognized young Latino actors in Hollywood. Creator Eiichiro Oda personally praised Godoy, stating he was exactly the energetic character he drew decades ago.
Early Life and Background: From Mexico City to Global Stardom
Born Iñaki Godoy Jasso on August 25, 2003, in Mexico City, Godoy discovered his passion for acting at age four when his mother enrolled him in Stage Company, a children’s musical theatre school.
His first taste of performance came in stage productions, notably as the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. At nine, he told his mother he wanted to pursue acting professionally. His family, including his sister Mia whom he calls his best friend supported his ambitions throughout his formative years in Mexico’s entertainment industry.
@inaki.godoyFun fact: my mom doesn’t eat meat 🦛♬ La Chona – Los Tucanes De Tijuana
Iñaki Godoy Age and Personal Details
Godoy stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall. He is bilingual, fluent in both Spanish and English, which has enabled his transition from Mexican productions to Hollywood roles. His name, Iñaki, is the Basque variant of Ignacio, meaning “bearer of fire.”
How Iñaki Godoy Landed the Role of Monkey D. Luffy
Godoy was announced as Luffy in 2021 following an extensive global casting search. One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda personally approved the choice after seeing Godoy’s audition. Reflecting on the decision, Oda told The New York Times: “I didn’t expect to find anyone quite like Iñaki Godoy.
When I first created Luffy, I drew the most energetic child I could imagine. Iñaki was just like the person I drew; he felt absolutely natural.” Godoy has described his first day on set as emotional, recalling the weight of honoring a character beloved worldwide for over two decades.
Iñaki Godoy’s Acting Career Before One Piece
Godoy began acting professionally at age 11, securing his first major role in Telemundo’s La Querida del Centauro (2016-2017) as Amadeo “El Gato.” He appeared in Blue Demon and Sin Miedo a la Verdad before landing his first leading film role in Go Youth! (2020).
International audiences first encountered Godoy in Netflix’s Who Killed Sara? (2021), where he played Bruno Lazcano. His first English-language role came in 2022’s The Imperfects, also for Netflix, setting the stage for his One Piece breakthrough.
Iñaki Godoy in Netflix’s One Piece Live-Action: Becoming Luffy
To prepare for Luffy, Godoy underwent martial arts training and even took skydiving lessons. He spent 80 days sailing the Caribbean Sea during filming for Season 1. During production, he met Mayumi Tanaka, the original Japanese voice actress for Luffy—a moment he described as surreal.
For Season 2, which premiered March 10, 2026, Godoy has continued to embrace the role with promotional events including a lucha libre appearance in Mexico City’s Arena México, where he learned wrestling techniques from professional luchadores.
Iñaki Godoy Height, Appearance, and Transformation for Luffy
At 5 feet 6 inches (170 cm), Godoy matches the canonical height of Monkey D. Luffy, who is depicted as 172 cm in the manga. His lean physique, dark curly hair and brown eyes align with the character’s design.
Godoy has noted that his youthful energy and natural expressiveness helped him embody Luffy’s carefree yet determined personality. The role required extensive physical training, including kickboxing lessons he has continued pursuing since filming began.
Personal Life: Family, Relationships, and Interests
Godoy maintains close ties with his family, particularly his younger sister Mia, a professional sailor born exactly one year after him. He has stated she is the “best birthday present” he ever received.
His parents, Katy and Edin Godoy, continue to support his career. Regarding relationships, Godoy keeps his private life out of the public eye and has not disclosed any current romantic partner. Outside acting, he enjoys board games Catan is his current favorite and is learning piano and singing.
Iñaki Godoy Net Worth and Rising Success
Industry estimates place Godoy’s net worth at over $2.5 million as of 2025. Reports indicate he earned approximately $320,000 per episode for the first season of One Piece, with eight episodes in the initial run.
His earnings have likely increased for Season 2 following the show’s global success. Beyond acting, Godoy has also pursued filmmaking, co-writing and directing short films including Blinded and Casiarte during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Fans and Critics Say About Iñaki Godoy as Luffy
Critics and audiences have widely praised Godoy’s performance as capturing Luffy’s spirit without becoming caricature-like. Fans have noted his ability to balance the character’s goofiness with emotional depth.
During a February 2026 fan event in Mexico City, one attendee told Godoy: “Before I had anxiety attacks, but One Piece taught me not to give up, and thanks to that I am here.” Godoy has called the friendship with his co-stars Emily Rudd, Mackenyu, Jacob Romero and Taz Skylar one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey.
Future Projects and What’s Next for Iñaki Godoy
With One Piece Season 2 now streaming, Godoy has expressed interest in expanding beyond the franchise. In March 2026, he told Hindustan Times he admires Indian cinema, calling RRR an “awesome movie” and expressing desire to work in Bollywood: “Bollywood, I’m waiting.
Knock on the door.” While continuing his role as Luffy for future seasons, Godoy is also developing skills behind the camera, balancing his acting career with aspirations in filmmaking and screenwriting.
Also Read: Meet Mayumi Tanaka, Monkey D. Luffy’s Iconic Voice Actress
Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by 247 News Around The World
