One Piece Season 2 on Netflix has generated ample buzz, particularly for the highly anticipated appearance of new beloved characters. Tony Tony Chopper, the cute doctor-reindeer of the Straw Hat Pirates, globally known from Eiichiro Oda's famous manga, now has Netflix's live adaptation to make a grand entrance.

And Chopper's casting news has just created as much hype as the series is generating as it approaches its 2026 release. With this affection and curiosity, the thespian behind Chopper and her Superman connection has attracted a deal of attention.

So, who is the star behind Tony Tony Chopper in One Piece Season 2?

One Piece: Into the Grand Line welcomes actress Mikaela Hoover to play the role of Tony Tony Chopper. In Netflix's One Piece Season 2, the little reindeer who is the Straw Hats’ doctor has been given a voice and motion capture by Hoover, who is best known for her roles in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as Floor the Rabbit, in How I Met Your Mother as Stacey, and more. 

Hoover’s vocal and facial capture performance collaborates with the CGI reindeer-doctor, keeping Chopper’s iconic appearance and heart-melting allure alive in this movie-like adaptation. Speaking to Tudum, Hoover expressed her love for Chopper's multidimensional elements as he portrays a tough exterior while being a big softy on the inside. 

"What excited me about playing Chopper is the tug of war between his standoffishness and his huge heart,” Hoover told Tudum. She further shared how Chopper represents the pure, universal desire to be loved, accepted, and to protect those we care about.

“I believe there is a little Chopper in all of us. We all want to be loved and accepted. We go to great lengths to keep the people that we love safe. There’s a purity to his nature that reminds us of what’s good in the world," she added.

The character of Chopper and its CGI adaptation even received a special thumbs-up from creator Eiichiro Oda, who sanctioned the live-action version. But all eyes and expectations ultimately also fell on the Beef actress's extensive filmography, who is bringing the character to life. And Hoover’s resume packs in not just one but multiple blockbusters from The Suicide Squad to Superman.

‘One Piece’ Season 2 on Netflix: Who Is Tony Tony Chopper? Fun Facts About the Cutest Straw Hat Yet

In another unexpected pop culture crossover, Tony Tony Chopper actress boasts the cutest DC comics connection.

Apart from One Piece, Mikaela Hoover has also gained popularity in the superhero world. She has portrayed Cat Grant in James Gunn’s Superman (2025) in the new DC Universe.

Cat Grant, a popular DC Comics character, is a journalist for the Daily Planet alongside Clark and Lois in the movie. She is portrayed as witty, ambitious, and media-savvy. 

In Superman, Hoover gives the role her personal touch and even uses her own oversized glasses to project the character's quirky, self-assured presence better. According to PEOPLE, Gunn had faith in Hoover to take the lead as her own version of Cat Grant. 

"[Gunn] just kept saying, 'Bring yourself into this role as much as you can and also honor the comics,' because he knew that I had done my research on the comics," Hoover told the outlet. 

Whether voicing and motion capturing for a CGI reindeer or making her mark in a live-action world of capes and kryptonite, Mikaela Hoover delivered an iconic Cat Grant before preparing to conquer 2026's One Piece Season 2 with her dynamic Tony Tony Chopper. 

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What are your thoughts on Netflix's One Piece Season 2's Tony Tony Chopper actress and her Superman connection? Let us know in the comments below.