Tony Award-winning actor and playwright Cole Escola has joined the cast of Netflix’s live-action One Piece, set to portray the beloved fan-favorite character Bon Clay in the upcoming third season. This marks the first major casting announcement for the new season, which is scheduled to begin production later this year.
Meet the New Bon Clay
Escola will play Bon Clay, also known as Mr. 2 or Bentham, a key member of the Baroque Works criminal organization. According to Netflix’s official character description, Bon Clay is “a master of performance and precision” who is “as dangerous as they are dazzling — a theatrical assassin who turns combat into art.”
In a notable creative decision, the live-action series will reimagine Bon Clay as a non-binary character, a shift from the original manga and anime where the character was presented as a drag performer. Escola, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, will portray this updated version.
About Cole Escola
Cole Escola is a celebrated comedic performer and writer, recently winning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for their work writing and starring in the hit Broadway production Oh, Mary!. The play, in which Escola portrayed Mary Todd Lincoln, earned widespread critical acclaim and has extended its run due to popular demand.
Escola’s television credits include roles in Search Party, At Home with Amy Sedaris, and Big Mouth, as well as writing for the Showtime series Ziwe. Their blend of sharp comedic timing and emotional depth is seen as an ideal match for the flamboyant yet formidable Bon Clay.
Bon Clay’s Role in One Piece
In the original One Piece storyline, Bon Clay is a formidable fighter with a Devil Fruit power called the Mane Mane no Mi. This ability allows them to perfectly transform into any person they have touched with their right hand. The character is known for a flamboyant, ballet-inspired fighting style and a dramatic, theatrical personality.
While Bon Clay begins as a villainous officer agent in Baroque Works, their relationship with protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat crew evolves in significant ways over the course of the series, making them one of the most memorable and cherished characters in the sprawling One Piece narrative.
Production Timeline and Fan Reaction
Production for One Piece Season 3 is set to begin in late 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. This announcement comes well ahead of the premiere of Season 2, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, which is scheduled to arrive on Netflix on March 10, 2026.
The casting news has generated significant positive reaction from fans online. Many have praised the decision to cast a non-binary actor for a character widely viewed as a queer icon within the One Piece universe. One social media user noted, “One of the best casting that Netflix has ever made in One Piece live action,” while another added, “Goated casting can’t wait.”
The Expanding World of One Piece
The live-action One Piece series, produced by Netflix and Tomorrow Studios in partnership with manga publisher Shueisha, quickly became a global hit upon its debut in 2023. The show spent eight weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10, reaching the number one spot in over 75 countries.
Season 3 will be co-showrun by Ian Stokes and Joe Tracz. The series continues to be executive produced by original manga creator Eiichiro Oda, ensuring the adaptation remains faithful to the source material that has captivated audiences for decades.
Also Read: One Piece Live-Action Season 2 Arrives in March 2026 with First Look at Icy Drum Island
Credits: Netflix Tudum, Variety, Deadline
